27 www.ortrucking.org Issue 3 | 2023 Operations Manager Heather Hayes—Tradewinds Transportation LLC With 20 years of logistics and administrative experience, Operations Manager Heather Hayes knows better than most just how many people it takes to keep a trucking business moving forward. “I do have a knack for organizing chaos,” said Heather. “If there’s a mess that needs to be sorted out, I’m typically able to find solutions.” While Heather is primarily responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations and on-time deliveries, her experience working in billing, dispatch, and as the company’s assistant controller helps her to understand how each role impacts others and how to identify where issues may arise. “Being able to see all the different angles and understand the problems that happen in these positions, you understand the challenges and the pressures they feel and how to bridge that gap to make things work efficiently together,” said Heather. Heather is also responsible for implementing new technology across the company, looking at how they can be more efficient and improve their operations through new systems and tools. However, Heather believes that there are still a lot of misconceptions about how far the industry has come in utilizing technology, not only logistically, but also to advance the industry when it comes to environmental sustainability. “In no way are we operating in the dark ages,” said Heather. “While we look toward the future with the emerging AV availability, it’s important to recognize that the industry has already reduced diesel consumption by reducing vehicle weights, speed-governing equipment, and by using low-rolling resistance tires. Improved aerodynamics and hot/cold air technologies reduce vehicle idling and those modernizations have reduced greenhouse gases. Our industry is resilient, and despite the criticism, we will continue to create new ideas, to innovate, and lead in the conservation of energy. The advancements we have already made, and the many new technologies in the works are a testimony to that being the focus of our industry.” Heather’s commitment to innovating and growing along with the industry is a testament to what she says is her favorite part of working in trucking—the opportunity to continue to learn every day. “My favorite thing about the industry is that I am always learning, and after 20 years, I’m just beginning to scratch the surface. I love that we get to strive to be better than we were yesterday. The industry is not boring. It is very fastpaced and each day offers something new!”
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