Marina Ivanov, CEO of Apex Transit Solutions

Women Leaders in the Trucking Industry

Listen as Marina Ivanov, Co-Founder and CEO of Apex Transit Solutions, and Rosemary Coates, Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, discuss being the CEO of a trucking company.

Marina Ivanov started Apex Transit Solutions with just two trucks. Today, Apex owns 90 trucks and 180 trailers, and also provides truck brokerage services.

In this episode, Ms. Ivanov discusses operating a trucking company known for exceptional customer service by anticipating the customer’s needs before they ask. Exceptional customer service is part of the Apex mission and philosophy.

Apex is dealing with the current tariffs by repositioning trucks in markets where there is more tonnage. They are currently experiencing a general downturn and weakness in the economy, but Ivanov believes this is temporary. She expects freight volume to increase, especially cross-border loads from Mexico, entering the U.S. via Port Laredo.

Ms. Ivanov is an advocate for women in the trucking industry. She holds a leadership position in the National Women in Trucking Organization, North Carolina Chapter. She is also a membership leader in the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and a member of Women in Manufacturing (WIM). Apex hires women truck drivers and for other supporting positions at Apex. Women truck drivers are only 7% nationwide, but Apex has 17% women drivers, and according to Ivanov, women have better safety and loyalty records.

Her advice for upcoming women in the trucking industry is to always be yourself. Don’t apologize for being a woman leader in this industry. She says success means you’ve had an impact, be kind, and make a difference in others’ lives. Focus on personal growth. Ask yourself, what can I do better today than yesterday?