News Home / Other News / Rising Above the Crowd

Rising Above the Crowd
Nov 04, 2020

Boyd Bros. recognizes and appreciates the contributions of its female professionals

By Al Muskewitz

It’s no secret trucking is a male-dominated industry. Women make up approximately 8 percent of the nation’s driver population and just about 24 percent of management positions overall.

But the inclusion and influence of female professionals has been growing as the country moves into a new age of corporate enlightenment, not only behind the wheel but up the corporate ladder as well.

Andrew Houser, president of Boyd Bros. Transportation, gets it. He recognizes the value women bring to the workplace.

As the industry gears up for Women in Trucking’s annual “Accelerate” virtual convention later this month, where the organization will unveil plans for a rolling tribute to the history and accomplishments of women in the industry, Houser shined a spotlight on three accomplished women in his company who have risen above the crowd.

Beth Steed, Rhetta Currie and Nina Eiland all have “deftly overcame life’s challenges that would have kept most people down for the count,” and risen through the corporate ranks to hold executive-level positions of responsibility within the Alabama-based flatbedder. Steed is Boyd’s director of customer service, Curry director of operations and Eiland vice president of human resources.

“I’ve worked in a variety of industries over the past 20 years and during his time I was privileged to work with many dynamic female leaders,” said Houser, who became Boyd’s president in May 2019. “In my opinion, a diverse workforce brings increased creativity and insight to the team. These women are as different as night and day, but they share a grittiness, determination, and competitive spirit. They have paid their dues and earned the respect of their peers as they ascended the management ladder.  

HOUSER

“They ignored industry stereotypes and shattered glass ceilings as they consistently outworked and outperformed their competitors. But most importantly, they have positively impacted countless drivers, employees and customers by consistently demonstrating their integrity and huge hearts. In a world obsessed with finding tenths of a penny in efficiencies by exploring new technology, the latest equipment advancements, and cliché business improvement initiatives, these women do it the old-fashioned way.

“They take care of their people because they genuinely care. They refuse to give up or get down as they showcase their persistence day-in and day-out. They never stop learning and they become subject matter experts in everything they touch. They never make an excuse and they won’t let anyone outwork them. My job is easy because of these women, but more importantly, I’m a better person because I have them in my life.”

Steed started with Boyd in 2001 as a truck coordinator and now spends most days working with customers and managing Boyd’s sales team. Her high energy and infectious positive attitude quickly became her hallmark and customers and drivers came to love the sweet southern accent on the other end of the line.

Tragedy struck in 2005 when Beth lost a portion of her left leg in an automobile accident, but true to her spirit and positive attitude she refused to let the injury define her or keep her down. To this day, Houser said, she will never let anyone take it easy on her and is even working on winning a deadlift competition at her gym.

“Her genuine care for employees and customers is her only handicap, and I have to almost force her to quit working,” Houser said. “But, in classic Beth style, she usually ignores me and opens her laptop even when watching her daughter play softball.  We joke that you will always hear Beth before you see her.  My world is a happier place with Beth Steed in it.”

Currie is responsible for directly managing all fleet managers and every aspect of Boyd’s fleet. She came to Boyd in 1997 as a clerk in the billing department but quickly working to learn virtually every aspect of the business, taking on roles in sales, operations and administration.

In 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and after countless surgeries and chemotherapy she beat it and was quickly back to work on a full-time basis. She also raised two boys as a single mother and in 2021 will graduate from Auburn University with plans to immediately pursue her MBA.

“If you talk to anyone about Rhetta, you’ll hear words like ‘tough’ and ‘no nonsense,’ but ask any driver and they will tell you that Ms. Rhetta always takes care of them,” Houser said. “There is no project too complex and no task too big for Rhetta. She is the most fearless person I’ve ever met and there is nothing she won’t do for her people or drivers.  One could easily picture her starring in an action movie as the heroine jumping from a moving car to save the day!”

Eiland came to Boyd in 2007, taking the only job available at the time – switchboard operator – and now oversees all aspects of Boyd’s HR including recruiting, benefits, training and development and HR administration. She pioneered the use of personality indexes to match drivers with fleet managers and personally develops Boyd’s internal training curriculum to align with its company mission.

“If you spend any time with this energetic southern belle, you’d never believe her journey,” Houser said. “Her father was frequently away with work, so Nina intimately understands the challenges that come with having a father on the road.

"Employees are always surprised to hear stories of a childhood that includes being raised by her father, taking care of siblings, moving from place to place, and even not knowing where the next meal would come from (but) she would not let her circumstance determine the outcome of her story. Today, she has so many certifications behind her name, I joke that she is going to need a larger business card.”

Boyd has been a leader in flatbed trucking since 1956. It currently operates a fleet of more than 2,000 trailers with full-service terminals in Birmingham, Ala.; Clayton, Ala.; and Cincinnati, Ohio; and service centers in Cartersville, Ga.; and Cofield, N.C.

Al Muskewitz is Editor of Wright Media. He can be reached at musky@wrightmediacorp.com

The learn more about job opportunities at Boyd Bros. click this link:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post Comment

You May Also Be Interested In...

TMC Transportation Offers Drivers Room at the Inn
TMC Transportation has long been a leader in the flatbed trucking industry and now it’s expanding its reach in the hospitality business, in effect as a perk for their drivers but also for the motoring public as well.Given the success of the i...
Dec 09, 2021
CFI Expands, Reorganizes into One Company with 5 Distinct Services
JOPLIN, Mo. –CFI has reorganized and expanded into one company with five distinct services, doubling in size and supporting more than 5,000 families across North America.Its portfolio of five well-defined service categories include three asset-...
Nov 09, 2021
US Looks Abroad for Drivers
The shortage of truck drivers in the United States has become so severe that companies are attempting to hire drivers from other countries in increasing numbers. Holly McCormick is negotiating with a South African agency to seek international driver...
Aug 16, 2021
Rising Above the Crowd
Averitt Associates Make Record $1,500,001 Donation to St. Jude
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – February 29, 2024– Truck drivers and other Averitt associates recently donated $1,500,001 to St. Jude Children’s...
Feb 29, 2024
Mastering Recruitment Success in the New Year with HireMaster.Ai
As we approach the new year, recruiting professionals are gearing up to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of talent acquisition. One critical aspec...
Nov 28, 2023
Averitt Honored with Military Friendly Awards
Averitt has been recognized as a 2024 Top Ten Military Friendly® Employer and Military Friendly® Spouse Employer by VIQTORY, a veteran-owned o...
Nov 14, 2023
Women in Trucking Association names Averitt a Top Company
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Averitt Express was recently recognized by the Women InTrucking Association, as it was c...
Nov 08, 2023
Averitt sets record softball attendance in Cookeville, helps support St. Jude
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Averitt Express recently hosted a record number of associates,family membersand friendsas part of its annual softball tour...
Oct 04, 2023
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Integrating HireMaster.Ai into Your Campaign Strategy
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Integrating HireMaster.Ai into Your Campaign Strategy In the age of rapid technological advancement, staying competitive ...
Sep 27, 2023
Averitt Honored Among the Best as a Top 100 Trucker in 2023
Averitt Express has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Trucking Companies for 2023 by Inbound Logistics magazine. Recipients of the honor were de...
Sep 21, 2023
Averitt Named 2023 Top 100 3PL Provider
Averitt Express has been named a 2023 Top 100 3PL Provider byInbound Logisticsmagazine.The list serves as anassessment of service providers thepubli...
Sep 06, 2023
Averitt Partners with Platform Science to Accelerate the Next Generation of its Driver Experience
Averitt Rolls Out Virtual Vehicle Platform to Entire Fleet Cookeville, Tenn. and San Diego, Calif. – Averitt, a leading provider of freight tra...
Aug 31, 2023
Averitt Earns Five Quest For Quality Wins, Fuled by Shippers' Endorsement
Averitt Earns Five Quest For Quality Wins, Fueled by Shippers’ Endorsement Logistics Managementmagazine readers have acknowledged Averitt...
Aug 15, 2023
Averitt launches safety video campaign for its 5,000+ drivers
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As part of Averitt Express’ continuing commitment to promote a culture of safety, the company recently launched a sa...
Aug 11, 2023
Averitt Express Awarded 2023 LTL Carrier of the Year by GEODIS
GEODIS, a globalwarehousingand third-partylogisticscompany, has named Averitt its 2023 LTL Carrier of the Year. Carriers are judged on a wide variet...
Aug 04, 2023
Averitt Named 2023 Green Supply Chain Partner for Sustainability Initiatives
Averitt Express has been named a 2023 Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics, an industry trade publication.This marks the 13thyear that th...
Jul 20, 2023
Action Resources wins top safety award
By Joe MedleyWright Media, LLC Do you, and be good at what you do. The latest Alabama Trucking Association Fleet Safety Contest affirms that Action ...
May 15, 2023
Averitt delivers record donation of more than $1.2 million to St. Jude
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Truck drivers and other employees of Averitt Express recently set a new standard for their largest donation to St. Jude Child...
Mar 21, 2023
Savvy Sandoval once again leads Mesilla Valley drivers in MPG performance
By Al MuskewitzRoberto Sandoval became a professional truck driver because he saw it as a solid, steady job with good pay to provide for his growing f...
Jan 26, 2023
Reyes Coaches MVT Drivers to Best Fuel Efficiency
By Al Muskewitz While he hasn’t actually heard anyone call him this around the yard, truth be told Jose Reyes is the “Fuel Whisperer&rdqu...
Dec 29, 2022
Expecting mom wins MVT quarterly award
By Al Muskewitz One of Royal Jones’ greatest pleasures as Mesilla Valley Transportation’s president and CEO is handing over a set of car k...
Dec 12, 2022
MVT Green Giant of Trucking Industry
By Al MuskewitzThe primary colors in Mesilla Valley Transportation’s corporate logo are red, royal blue and purple – the hues of the deser...
Nov 28, 2022
Averitt Recognized for Green Commitment
Averitt Express recently was honored by the Tennessee Trucking Association for its commitment to envrionmental responsibility.The Clean Diesel Award i...
Oct 06, 2022
Updated COVID Vaccines Can Help Keep You Trucking Along
From Healthy Trucking of America Commercial truck drivers are the lifeblood of America’s supply chain. To borrow a famous saying: When you snee...
Oct 05, 2022
Trucking groups seek feedback
Two nationwide trucking support groups have put out a call for feedback for their biggest initiatives of the year.The Truckload Carriers Association a...
Sep 06, 2022
FirstFleet rewards drivers for referrals
Charles Blankenship has a sharp eye for driving talent and now he has a sharp new truck to show for it.Blankenship, a FirstFleet driver from Circlevil...
Sep 06, 2022
Bolduc Crowned NTDC Grand Champion
INDIANAPOLIS –Roland Bolduc knows his way on the road and his way to the winner’s circle.Bolduc, a professional driv...
Aug 22, 2022
Forsage a carrier living the American dream
By Al MuskewitzEditor, Wright MediaThe founders came to the United States with $100 in their pockets and a belief in the American dream.After gettin...
Aug 22, 2022
Finalists emerge at NTDC
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Alphonso Lewis, the only Alabama driver to win the National Truck Driving Championship is among the 45 professional drivers...
Aug 19, 2022
Zeller Transportation celebrates 20 years of growth
By Al MuskewitzWhen Craig Zeller set off to start his own trucking company shortly after the turn of the century, the only goal he had in mind was get...
Aug 10, 2022
Trucking Wages Rise in 2021
By Al MuskewitzEditor, Wright MediaWages for the American trucker rose significantly in 2021 as the demand for drivers increased competition for talen...
Aug 10, 2022
Motivational speaker inspires attendees to make a difference
By Al MuskewitzThe room was buzzing with activity. Meeting goers were scurrying about trying to collect themselves into orderly groups based on the pl...
Aug 05, 2022
Averitt increases compensation packages
Averitt Express drivers are starting to notice a hefty difference in their paychecks.The Tennessee-based carrier recently announced several changes to...
Jul 22, 2022
One of Alabama's largest community colleges offering CDL training
‘We want to teach them to be real truck drivers. We want you leave with what you came for.’ - Alex Blevins, Jefferson StateBy Al Muskewitz...
Jul 15, 2022
Alabama Sets Hazmat Restrictions in July
The World Games will draw athletes from all over the world to Birmingham, Ala., in July and in an effort to keep the participants and spectators as sa...
Jun 28, 2022
Deep South continues doing right for drivers, boosts vacation program
By Al MuskewitzEditor, Wright MediaOne of the reasons Deep South Freight has been well below the soaring national truck driver retention average is ...
Jun 21, 2022
Twice as Nice
'Excited' Thompson Wins Alabama TDC for Second Time By Al MuskewitzPELHAM, Ala. – After seven division wins in 10 years in three different clas...
May 28, 2022
Webber Wins LB3 TDC, Looking Forward to State
By Al MuskewitzWEDOWEE, Ala. – When LB3 owner Brian Lindley read Jason Webber’s name as the winner of the company’s third annual Jef...
May 20, 2022
Stepping Up for Better Trucker Health
By Al MuskewitzCandace Rivers is all about promoting healthy lifestyles for the nation’s fleet of professional truck drivers and having fun on t...
Apr 12, 2022
FMCSA To Examine Truck Leases, Seeks Applications for Task Force
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking applications to fill as many as 10 spots on a newly formed Truck Leasing Task Force to eval...
Apr 07, 2022
ATA Honors Drivers, Professionals of the Year
The Alabama Trucking Association recognized its Driver of the Year Monday night at its annual Fleet Safety Awards banquet and both the winner and runn...
Mar 21, 2022
Hiremaster Expands Presence at MATS
Visit the Hiremaster Booth (67072) in the West Wing at MATS By Al MuskewitzAs the country and its truckers continue to come out of the COVID-19 pande...
Mar 18, 2022
Empire Express Rolling Out Largest Pay Increase
Empire Express, a Memphis, Tenn.-based carrier dedicated to delivering its no-touch freight in a safe and timely manner, is now offering its drivers t...
Mar 18, 2022
TMC Names Nadeau Trainer of the Year
Known for his professionalism and excellentrepresentation of TMC Transportation’s training standards, Matthew Nadeau has been named the company&...
Mar 15, 2022
TMC Celebrates 50 Years in Business
On March 6, 1972, a flatbed from Chicago pulled a load of steel into a yard in Des Moines, Iowa, and thus began an adventure that became the largest e...
Mar 11, 2022
TLD Logistics, ACT Among Best Fleets
After a year off from participating in the program, HireMaster client TLD Logistics is back among the Best Fleets to Drive For.The Knoxville, Tenn.-ba...
Feb 01, 2022
Covenant Bringing Zero-Emission Class 8 Trucks into Fleet
Covenant Logistics Group is joining the growing list of trucking companies doing its part to help the environment with a plan to add 50 zero-emission ...
Jan 11, 2022
MVT Celebrates 40 Years in Trucking
By Al MuskewitzWhen Royal Jones and Jimmy Ray first started their company in 1982 with two trucks out of a small mobile home on a dirt lot in New Mexi...
Jan 07, 2022
TMC Transportation Offers Drivers Room at the Inn
TMC Transportation has long been a leader in the flatbed trucking industry and now it’s expanding its reach in the hospitality business, in ef...
Dec 09, 2021
J&M Tank Lines' Henderson Driven by Safety, Giving Back
By Al MuskewitzDarrien Henderson remembers a conversation he had with a long-time trucker early in his driving career when gas was cheap and the roads...
Nov 26, 2021
Averitt Express Celebrates 50 Years
Transportation company marks official date of its 50-year anniversary with celebrations across the country; 5 drivers drawn for 2022 trucks COOKEVILL...
Nov 18, 2021
Robida Earns TMC's Monthly Trainer Award
A big reason drivers move into the arena of becoming trainers is the influence their own trainers have had on their careers.That's what prompted Richa...
Nov 17, 2021
Montgomery Transport Announces New Pay Program, Other Benefits
Montgomery Transport has consistently been out front with innovations for its employees and it continued that tradition this week by announcing a new ...
Nov 16, 2021
TMC Once Again Receives Military Friendly Designation
As our nation’s military veterans seek to move into civilian jobs after their service, they often find the transition a difficult one. Many of t...
Nov 12, 2021