Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain: Tamie Stuttle
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. Tamie Stuttle is our next feature.
TAMIE STUTTLE
Tamie Stuttle went from empty nester in Central Illinois to earning her Class A CDL, and she never stopped moving forward. With nine years behind the wheel as a driver, trainer, and owner-operator, she's built a career on grit, mentorship, and fighting for the people the industry too often overlooks. A fierce advocate for women in trucking and safer roads for all drivers, Tamie channels real road experience into real change; through her podcast, her "I Have a Voice" campaign, and her seat on the TRB's (Transportation Research Board) Truck and Bus Safety Committee. She is smart, caring, and resilient, qualities this industry needs more of. She is definitely one of the good ones, doing the work that actually matters.
What is your current role and company?
Podcast Host, Director at REAL Women in Trucking
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
Empty Nest meets mid-life crisis, meets the need to escape the confines of office life. I started in insurance, owned an independent insurance agency with two locations. Traded heels for wheels, saw the need for more voices to speak up so I launched my podcast and accepted the board member position at RWIT.
What is your favourite part of your work day?
At this moment in my life, I am working from home, so I Iove my early morning networking events where I am drinking my morning coffee and starting my day with positivity, and women who uplift each other.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
Editing podcasts, I really should consider hiring someone.
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
Training system for new CDL holders
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
First, I would make it similar to a trades program, with a mandatory minimum 12 week course. I would make book work mandatory, no more test to pass scenarios where you can forego the materials and just practice test questions until you pass. I would mandate a specified number of hours behind the wheel, number of hours on the range. I would add sliding tandems, distributing weight, coupling and uncoupling as part of the range. I would change the current pre-trip to the same DOT level training inspectors are put through. Then I would add a provisional license period, during which the hiring carrier is held liable while you finish training.
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
If they are entering as a truck driver my advice would be to choose their training and their first carrier very carefully. Longer training programs set you up better for success.
What are your top 3 podcasts? (do not have to be industry related)
Joe Rogan
Who are your top 5 women in supply chain to follow on LinkedIn?
Natasha Cruz-Sanchez (She is at the beginning of a very promising career and is one to watch)
Amy Roosa (who advocates for safety in trucking and all trades)
How do you deal with creeps you encounter in your work day?
It depends on the actions of the creep. I have been known to publicly out men who hit on me that are married. I call out rude behavior, I also come to the defense of other women getting attacked. I try to be tactful but direct without being rude myself.
What is your favourite way to unwind?
Bubble bath in my jacuzzi tub. Lights off, scented candle and just quiet.
What have you recently changed your mind about?
This is a hard one. personally I was always planning on retiring to the coast, I hate the snow but then my first grandchild came, and there is no way I will live that far away.
Must haves to get you thru the day?
Coffee
Music
Patience
Laughter
Carbs, I have tried to give up carbs but they seem to be a necessary evil, especially the chocolate ones....
Social media for Tamie: