POLARIS NAMED A TOP COMPANY FOR WOMEN TO WORK IN TRANSPORTATION
October 30, 2024
For our achievements in establishing a safe, supportive, gender-inclusive workplace, Polaris has been honoured by Redefining the Road as a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation.
Redefining the Road is the official magazine of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT). In support of WIT’s mission, their recognition program celebrates companies that are paving the way for women to succeed in the trucking industry.
Polaris was chosen for this title following an industry-wide vote by over 31,000 transportation professionals. We received high rankings across several categories including our corporate culture that fosters gender diversity, competitive pay and benefits, flexible work conditions, professional development and career advancement opportunities.
“Redefining the Road is pleased to name Polaris as a 2024 Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation,” states Brian Everett, Group Publisher and Editorial Director, “They have demonstrated a significant focus on gender inclusivity as part of their business strategy by taking serious steps to recruit and retain a diverse workforce.”
30 years after starting Polaris, Founder and Chairwoman, Geri Cox remains dedicated to providing opportunities for women in our industry. Today, 50% of our leadership team consists of inspiring women including our VP of Pricing and Market Strategy, Lesley Killingsworth, the first ever Chairwoman for the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. Polaris CHRO and acting Treasurer/Board Member of the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, Laura Muir is an award-winning mentor guiding our exemplary HR practices promoting gender equality. Among many, these initiatives include competitive pay free of gender gaps, accommodating mothers with flexible scheduling and a Women’s Health Top-Up Program for medical procedures or short-term care.
To further ensure our employment practices are mindful and provide equal and fair opportunities, Polaris initiated the DEIB (Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging) Committee, led by employees across various sections of our company. Our Health and Safety Committee has also helped to establish female-focused initiatives to make women feel safe and protected in the workplace.
As part of our career development efforts, Polaris launched the Larry Cox Academy in 2022, a cross-departmental training program to help employees accelerate their career paths. We were thrilled to celebrate our first graduate as she advanced from her Customs Clerk role to now serve as a Planning Specialist.
In addition to taking care of the women on our team, we have dedicated our humanitarian efforts to helping women in our communities. We are Truckers Against Trafficking partners supporting several organizations including Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Canadian Cancer Society breast cancer research, Haven Women’s Shelter and many more. With the launch of our Community Care Unit, we have been donating food and essential items to women’s shelters and food banks to support families in need. Every year for the holidays, we enlist female-owned businesses to help us create bespoke holiday gift baskets for our employees.
“At Polaris, we recognize the importance of creating an inclusive space where anyone, regardless of gender, can succeed,” Polaris CEO, Dave Cox shares, “We are thrilled to be recognized for our many initiatives that make women in transportation feel welcome and supported in their professional journeys. This is a team effort guided by remarkable female voices that are embedded in our company’s identity.”
Polaris is honoured to carry the title as a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation as we continue listening, learning and taking action to uplift women in our industry and beyond.
The Redefining the Road awards ceremony takes place November 11th at the 2024 Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas. Polaris CHRO, Laura Muir will be attending to proudly accept this award on our behalf.