Women In Trucking Association Names Spero the 2020 Distinguished Woman in Logistics

As a professor of Business and Logistics at Cumberland University, Spero received the Robert H. Beard Professional Award in 2001 for promoting higher educational standards

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT), Truckstop.com and Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) announced Sue Spero, president of Carrier Services of Tennessee, Inc., as the winner of the sixth annual Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA).  

Spero was chosen among three finalists for the award. The other finalists include Monique DeVoe, director of education and development at RFX Inc. and Tamara Stryker, director of sales and marketing at CFI Logistics. The finalists and winner will be recognized on stage during the 2020 TIA “Capital Ideas” Conference & Exhibition in Austin, Texas on August 21.

“Each year, the women who are nominated for the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award are more visible, influential and notable,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT. “We are honored to be able to recognize both the finalists and the winner who are all so worthy of the award based on their accomplishments.” 

Spero has over 46 years of experience in the full truckload sector of the transportation industry. She owned a trip lease firm prior to motor carriage deregulation and went on to the position of director of operations of a truckload carrier. As a professor of Business and Logistics at Cumberland University, Spero received the Robert H. Beard Professional Award in 2001 for promoting higher educational standards in the field of transportation.  

“To be recognized by my colleagues in receiving the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award is both amazing and humbling,” said Spero. “So many women do work worthy of recognition, my reward is the opportunity to do more.” 

Under her direction, Carrier Services has been distinguished as one of the top 25 Women-Owned Businesses by the Nashville Business Journal every year since 2006. A Certified Transportation Broker through TIA, Spero is involved with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity Chapter 135 volunteer, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) with the Tennessee DOT. 

Spero has also been an adjunct professor of International Business at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. In 2008, she was named the Transportation Professional of the Year by Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity and received a lifetime achievement award in 2017. She serves on the TIA Board of Directors as Political Actions Committee (PAC) chair as well as vice chair of the TIA Foundation Board promoting education in the third-party logistics arena. 

“From her work in the classroom to the numerous associations and volunteer efforts she supports, Sue has spent a lifetime serving, building, and representing the transportation industry. She is a shining example of excellence and determination to us all.” said Brent Hutto, chief relationship officer at Truckstop.com. “Truckstop.com congratulates Sue and each of the Distinguished Woman in Logistics finalists for the incredible work they do.” 

Sponsored by Truckstop.com and TIA, the DWLA was established to promote the achievements of women employed in the North American transportation industry. It highlights the vital roles of women in the dynamic and influential field of commercial transportation and logistics.

“TIA is thrilled that Sue Spero, CTB, was selected as the 2020 DWLA.  Sue has served TIA members on TIA committees, the TIA Board, and the TIA Political Action Committee,” said Robert Voltmann, CAE, president and CEO, TIA. “Sue is a resource and mentor for many members.  Sue is a true example of a servant leader.  Sue is truly a distinguished woman in the logistics industry.”

Members of the judging panel were: Brent Hutto, chief relationship officer, Truckstop.com; Dr. Stephanie S. Ivey, associate dean for research and professor, Herff College of Engineering; Ellen Voie, president and CEO, WIT; and a TIA representative. 

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