There is opportunity even in the most challenging times–this was the mindset the owner of Express Movers Logistics Services, Tara Cabling, maintained when she established a trucking and logistics business right in the middle of the pandemic.
Amid nationwide lockdowns in July 2020, Cabling recognized the essential role of logistics and leveraged an extra drop-side truck to navigate the evolving market. Partnering with other online logistics platforms, she utilized app marketplaces to efficiently serve both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C) clients, ensuring the flow of goods when it was most critical.
“During the lockdowns, trucks were the lifeline,” Cabling recalls. “Seeing the need, I knew I could make a difference.”
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Cabling faced unique challenges. “Competition was fierce, and there was a perception that I wouldn’t last,” she admits. “But we have been operating for five years now, proving that women can excel in trucking and logistics.” She also notes that she has seen an increase of women in the trucking and logistics industry, and that she has friends in the same business.
To overcome these obstacles, she embraced technology. “We started implementing GPS tracking for our trucks to monitor their locations, ensuring efficiency and security,” she explains. “And of course, reliable communication was crucial, so we equipped our drivers with mobile phones and SIM cards.”
After testing various mobile networks, Cabling eventually decided on Smart as her provider of choice. “To monitor data, call, and text usage, we rely heavily on the Smart App,” she says. “With multiple drivers and phones, I manage three separate accounts, including one for our family’s distribution business. It’s incredibly convenient.”
Powered by the leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc., the Smart App enables individuals and business owners like Tara to streamline their account management needs. It empowers users to monitor data usage, check balances, and review billing, while also facilitating easy promo registration and top-ups.
Cabling also highlighted the significant shift in the logistics industry’s landscape. “The transition to digital has been transformative,” she notes. “Getting bookings through apps is so much easier now. Unlike before, when we relied on a cumbersome communication relay process, digital tools have streamlined operations.”
Balancing the demands of running a business with personal life is made easier by technology. “With my mobile phone, I can manage everything on the go,” she says. “Even when traveling with family and friends, I can stay connected and monitor my business.”
For women aspiring to enter the trucking and logistics industry, Cabling offers invaluable advice: “Be confident, believe in yourself and your vision. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t succeed.”