Leadership and Innovation: Tracy Rushing’s Vision for the Future of Trucking

In the fast-changing world of trucking, leadership, recruitment, and driver retention have never been more crucial. The latest episode of Taking the High Road, hosted by Jeremy, delves deep into these themes with an inspiring conversation featuring Tracy Rushing, the Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at REI Garrison. Recognized as one of the 2024 Influential Women in Trucking, Rushing’s insights shed light on the evolving challenges and opportunities within the trucking industry.

Building a Strong Foundation: Leadership and Support

One of the central pillars of Tracy Rushing’s approach to leadership at REI Garrison is the emphasis on creating a supportive environment for both drivers and those who support them. As Rushing explains, the company maintains a clear vision of two primary roles: those who drive the trucks and those who support the drivers. This distinction fosters a sense of community and purpose across the organization, reinforcing the idea that every role is essential to the success of the company.

“When you join REI Garrison, you are either driving the truck or supporting the person who drives the truck,” Rushing says. This approach has helped create a workplace where employees feel valued, and everyone, regardless of their position, is motivated to contribute positively to the company’s mission. This philosophy of inclusion and support positions REI Garrison as a destination employer, a place where employees are not just workers but key contributors to a shared goal.

Technology: Enhancing Human Connections

Technology often gets a bad rap for isolating people, but Tracy Rushing’s vision is quite the opposite. During her recent presentation at Driver Reach’s Regional User Conference in Atlanta, Rushing emphasized the role of technology in strengthening personal connections between recruiters and drivers. “Technology should be a tool to help us connect, not replace relationships,” Rushing said, highlighting how technology should enhance the human aspect of recruitment.

At REI Garrison, this philosophy has shaped their recruitment strategies. The company uses advanced tools to gather important information about drivers before reaching out to them. By streamlining this process, recruiters can spend more time fostering meaningful relationships with drivers, rather than bogging down their efforts with administrative tasks.

The integration of technology has significantly improved efficiency within the company. By consolidating training and communication platforms into a unified system, REI Garrison has reduced the time spent navigating various platforms, allowing recruiters to focus on what matters most: engaging with drivers and understanding their unique needs.

Prioritizing Driver Wellness

In addition to recruitment and retention, Tracy Rushing is passionate about addressing some of the industry’s more pressing challenges, particularly those related to driver health and wellness. In this regard, REI Garrison’s Project 61 initiative stands out. The program aims to promote better health decisions and ensure that drivers have access to the support they need to maintain their well-being. Rushing’s perspective on this is clear: “How do we keep our drivers working while ensuring they make healthy choices?”

Project 61 underscores the company’s commitment not just to retaining drivers but to fostering an environment where drivers’ health is treated with the same priority as operational success. This initiative represents a broader recognition that a sustainable workforce requires holistic support systems that address both the physical and mental health needs of drivers.

A Woman on the Rise: Recognition and Aspirations

Being named one of the 2024 Influential Women in Trucking is a testament to Tracy Rushing’s dedication and hard work, but she remains focused on the road ahead. “I hope very little changes,” she remarked when asked how the recognition might impact her future. Instead of dwelling on accolades, Rushing is determined to use her platform to advocate for women in trucking and help create a more inclusive industry.

Her recognition is part of a larger trend in the trucking world, where female leaders are increasingly taking on pivotal roles across various sectors of the industry, from compliance to maintenance. Rushing’s journey reflects the shifting landscape of trucking, which is moving toward greater diversity and representation, particularly in leadership roles.

Moving Toward a Brighter Future

The conversation between Jeremy and Tracy Rushing paints a hopeful picture for the future of trucking. By prioritizing support for drivers, leveraging technology to strengthen human relationships, and championing initiatives like Project 61, Rushing is helping to pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable industry. As she aptly put it, “We want to be the choice that you choose,” signaling her commitment not only to recruitment but to creating an environment where employees can thrive.

In an industry often defined by its challenges, Tracy Rushing’s approach offers a fresh perspective—a belief that with the right leadership, technology, and a commitment to wellness, the trucking industry can build a cohesive and successful team, where everyone, from drivers to their supporters, works together to achieve excellence.

Rushing’s insights are not just inspiring but also practical, offering hope for a future where the trucking industry is more inclusive, healthier, and more efficient, benefiting both workers and companies alike. Her leadership is a beacon of what’s possible when passion, innovation, and a commitment to people come together in the fast-paced world of trucking.