Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain: Tayler Dillin
Welcome to our series celebrating the incredible women in Supply Chain and Logistics! In a traditionally male-dominated field, it's important to shine a light on the inspiring women who are making a significant impact. Through a mix of insightful and fun questions, we’ll explore their journeys, challenges, and successes. While we acknowledge the contributions of everyone in this industry, this series aims to elevate the voices and stories of women who often get missed. Tayler Dillin is our next feature.
TAYLER DILLIN
I’ll be honest, this one started with a TikTok scroll. There she was — sitting high up in a port crane cabin, moving containers like it was no big deal. Immediate follow. Immediate binge of her content. And then, of course, I had to reach out.
From studying forensic science to running cranes at Port Liberty Bayonne, Tayler’s career path is anything but typical. With family in the industry, she swore she’d take a different road, until life pulled her onto the docks. Six years later, she’s found a rhythm and pride in her work that’s impossible not to admire.
What makes her stand out? She’s showing the next generation of women and girls that careers like hers are not only possible, but interesting and even fun. Through her TikTok, Tayler gives us a real look into the day-to-day of keeping global trade moving, and she does it with honesty, humour, and bit of girlie flair.
What is your current role and company?
Longshoreman, Port Liberty Bayonne, who’s owned directly by CMA-CGM
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
Believe it or not, I never planned on becoming a longshoreman. My father and sister are longshoremen, but I always swore I’d take a different path. After graduating from Monmouth University, my goal was to pursue a career as a forensic scientist. But with school bills starting to pile up, my father suggested I apply to be a longshoreman. At first it was just meant to be a way to help out financially but almost six years later, I can honestly say I couldn’t imagine my life going any other way. I take so much pride in my work now, and I genuinely love what I do.
What is your favourite part of your work day?
When I’m in the crane, locked in and moving containers off a ship - it’s wild to think we’re physically moving the backbone of global trade. There’s a rhythm to it that I love, like you zone in and it’s just you and the vessel. But honestly, what makes it even better is the people I work with. We’ve built this bond on the pier that feels like family. We laugh, we look out for each other, and we make even the longest, toughest days worth it.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
The unpredictability of our schedules. Long, inconsistent shifts and around-the-clock hours make it nearly impossible to plan your day, or even your week, ahead of time. Most days, we spend more hours at work than we do at home, and that can definitely take a toll. It’s tough not always knowing when you’ll get that downtime with family or friends. But that’s the reality of this industry, you give a lot of yourself to it. At the end of the day the work we do keeps ships moving and ports running, delivering the supplies that people depend on daily.
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
The rise of automation and AI-driven technology at ports. There’s a growing push to replace human beings with machinery, but at the end of the day, no machine can replace the value of people. This industry runs on skill, judgment, and instinct; qualities that only come from real workers with real experience. The work we do requires adaptability and split-second decision-making that no technology can replicate. Ports run best when technology supports people, not when it tries to replace them.
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
I would make sure technology in this industry is used to support workers, not replace them. That means investing in training, safety, and modern equipment that helps people do their jobs more efficiently while keeping jobs secure. Automation and AI-driven technology should work alongside longshoremen, not in place of them, and industry standards should always put people at the center of modernization. Our International President, Harold Daggett, has led this ongoing fight to ensure that people always come before machines, and he continues to be a relentless voice against automation on behalf of the men and women of this craft. The future of this industry has to be about balance, where innovation and human expertise go hand in hand.d
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
Simple: don’t doubt yourself and don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. The work can be demanding, but if you show up, stay focused, and put in the effort, you’ll earn respect just like anyone else. Confidence and consistency will take you far in this industry, and your hard work will always speak louder than anything else.
What are your top 3 podcasts? (do not have to be industry related)
Who are your top 5 women in supply chain to follow on LinkedIn?
How do you deal with creeps you encounter in your work day?
I’ve been fortunate that I don’t really encounter creeps in my day-to-day. We’re a smaller pier and the culture here feels more like a big family where people look out for one another. All in all, I’m grateful to work in an environment where respect comes first. But advice for dealing with creeps? Be loud about your boundaries. Make them just as uncomfortable as they make you!
What is your favourite way to unwind?
I unwind in two very different ways; I’m either shopping and going out with friends, or curled up at home binge watching tv. (Currently binging Law & Order SVU now that Love Island is over). It just depends on the mood, but both are guaranteed stress relievers.
What have you recently changed your mind about?
How I view tough times. I used to get caught up in the moment and think certain challenges would never pass, but I’ve learned that hard times don’t last. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. Things happen, you push through them, and eventually something better is waiting on the other side. That perspective has helped me stay grounded and keep moving forward.
Must haves to get you thru the day?
My phone /charger
A really good iced skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks
A calm mind
My hatch alarm clock
Social media for Tayler:
