In an industry as vast and complex as transportation, success often comes down to one key factor: how we treat our people. Dawn Erickson, a seasoned HR professional with over three decades of experience and currently serving at Waste Management, shares valuable insights about leadership, employee development, and creating a people-first culture in the transportation industry.
The Hidden Complexity of Transportation
The transportation industry encompasses far more than what meets the eye on the highway. Behind every truck on the road lies a complex network of compliance requirements, safety protocols, and skilled professionals. As Erickson explains, "None of us can survive without transportation. It's literally what makes us run in the United States."
Some lesser-known aspects of the industry include:
Department of Transportation regulations and compliance
Background checks and drug testing protocols
CDL verification and motor vehicle report monitoring
Specialized mechanical skills and certifications
Environmental sustainability initiatives
Logistics coordination and route optimization
Creating a People-First Culture in Trucking
At Waste Management, two core commitments drive their success: "Success with Integrity" and "People First." These commitments shape everything from daily operations to long-term strategic decisions.
The company's values focus on:
Taking care of customers
Protecting the environment
Maintaining safety standards
Fostering inclusivity
This culture extends beyond employees to encompass customers and communities. "We take that really seriously at WM," Erickson notes. "We'll go back and make sure that the customer is taken care of and that those communities are taken care of."
Career Development Opportunities for Truck Drivers
The transportation industry offers diverse career paths for individuals with various educational backgrounds and interests. At Waste Management, employees have access to:
Internal job postings through a dedicated app
Development programs for aspiring managers
Online and in-person training courses
Educational benefits for employees, spouses, and children
Opportunities for geographic mobility across 16 areas
Transportation Leadership That Makes a Difference
Effective leadership in transportation requires understanding and adapting to a diverse workforce spanning multiple generations. Erickson emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their position or background.
A valuable insight she shares is her signature interview question: "Tell me about a situation, personal or professional, that went down in flames for you. What did you do, and who did it involve?" This question reveals:
Problem-solving abilities
Communication skills
Resource management
Integrity in challenging situations
Care for others involved
The Impact of Good Management in the Trucking Industry
Research suggests that a significant percentage of employees leave their jobs due to their managers. Erickson highlights how good management can make a difference through a simple example: When an employee consistently arrives late, a caring manager asks "Is everything okay?" instead of immediately pursuing disciplinary action. This approach often reveals underlying circumstances that can be addressed collaboratively.
Retaining Driver Talent Through Strong Leadership
This focus on understanding employees and providing supportive management becomes even more valuable when considering industry-wide retention challenges. As Erickson points out, "We have a finite number [of professional drivers] and we're all competing against each other. We don't need to compete against other industries too."
When transportation companies invest in developing strong leaders and creating supportive work environments, they don't just benefit their own organization - they help strengthen the entire industry. By keeping skilled workers engaged and fulfilled within transportation rather than losing them to other sectors, everyone wins. This collaborative mindset around talent development and retention helps ensure transportation remains a rewarding long-term career choice.
This article was adapted from an interview with Dawn Erickson on the Hire Truckers podcast, hosted by Aaron Craddock.
Daniel Kelly
