XPO to host second UK women drivers’ forum

XPO Logistics will host its second women drivers forum at its national distribution centre in Crick, Northamptonshire on 22 March as it strives to boost its women driver numbers.

Announcing the event the company said that it encourages all women drivers in its UK and Ireland operations to attend the forum, which supports the theme of International Woman's Day: gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow.

XPO held the first forum in 2021. Its aim was to increase dialogue with women drivers about their work in a male-oriented industry, celebrate successes and give voice to the challenges they may face on a day-to-day basis.

The company said that this year's forum will expand on those conversations and explore the best ways to attract and retain more women to quality jobs as XPO drivers.

Dan Myers, MD of XPO Logistics UK and Ireland, said: "There's genuine value to bringing together women who have shared their experience of being a professional HGV driver.

“We want to know what works well and what we can improve to increase our driver team's diversity. The insights shared by women drivers will shape our investments, recruitment and training approach for all drivers and help ensure that more women advance in careers behind the wheel."

Louise Medley, a driver trainer for XPO since 2014, plans to participate this month after attending her first forum last year. She said: "I can sit down with a group of women whose ups and downs of driving are similar to my own and talk through the best solutions.

“It's valuable to meet with my colleagues face to face. And, our UK and Ireland leaders are there to listen to us and act upon our feedback."