Her journey into trucking wasn’t something she planned. It began with a single “yes”—a leap that turned into a calling. Now, nearly five years into her role at HandledNow, Faulkner is reshaping the way relationships and leadership are viewed across the industry.

“I didn’t grow up dreaming about working in trucking,” Faulkner admits, “but I landed here for a reason.”

That reason became clear early on. One moment in particular stuck with her: a driver struggling to afford gas to get to an interview. Her team helped, no strings attached.

“We just did it because that’s what it means to show up for people,” she says.

Moments like this confirmed for Faulkner that her place in trucking wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal.

Driving Human Connection in Trucking

For Faulkner, trucking is personal. Drivers aren’t just numbers to place; they’re people who deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.

“I have the hard conversations. I build trust,” she says. “When someone tells me what they need, I go to work.”

Her work goes far beyond operational logistics. As a certified life coach, Faulkner uses her platform to uplift and guide others, especially women, within a traditionally male-dominated space.

Championing Women in Leadership

Through her coaching and leadership at HandledNow, Faulkner advocates for more than equity—she pushes for visibility, power, and transformation.

“We’re not just here to fill quotas,” she says. “We’re here to lead, to innovate, and to change the game.”

Her mission is to create a culture where women don’t feel pressured to shrink themselves. Instead, they’re encouraged to lead boldly and unapologetically.

“I help women who are feeling stuck break through limiting beliefs and reclaim their spark,” she says.

This passion is evident in her day-to-day work. Whether she’s mentoring a woman entering the workforce or helping someone reconnect with their career goals, Faulkner is committed to making trucking and leadership more inclusive.

“I’m here to break the cycle of just doing your job,” she explains. “Get curious. Get uncomfortable. That’s where the growth is.”

Recognition and a Vision for the Future

Faulkner says she never expected recognition, but being named WIT’s Member of the Month brought her a sense of meaningful validation.

“The kind of joyful surprise that reminded me I’m exactly where I’m meant to be,” she shared.

She’s proud of the progress she’s made but knows there’s more to do.

“Whether you’re behind the wheel or a desk, you have the power to change this industry,” she says.

Her advice to others is firm and empowering:

“Don’t disqualify yourself from the table before you even sit down. Sometimes the only permission you need is your own.”

Her involvement with Women In Trucking has been a source of strength and solidarity.

The community, she says, is filled with “phenomenal, driven women” working together to build a better future.

In the coming year, Faulkner plans to grow her coaching practice, increase her speaking engagements, and continue supporting women who are navigating their roles in trucking.

“I want to be a loud, proud force for women in this industry,” she says.

Life Beyond the Industry

Outside of her professional life, Faulkner is a writer, traveler, and mother. She taught herself how to blog through her platform, The Crazy Working Mom, turning it into a creative outlet and travel journal. Her bucket list includes destinations like Scotland, Italy, Greece, and China.

She finds joy in stories—whether through music, books, or the occasional binge-watch of Bridgerton or Outer Banks. Through YouTube Music and the Libby library app, she keeps inspiration within reach.

Above all, Faulkner values connection.

“If you walk away from my story feeling empowered, feeling seen, and thinking maybe it’s time you took up a little more space, good,” she says. “Reach out. Let’s grow together in trucking, in coaching, and in life. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Image & Source: Women In Trucking

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“We call our department the one-stop shop. We’re an owner-operator based company, and my department deals with anything and everything that we can do to keep our contractors leased onto us,” she said. “We are an agent-based company as well, and we really have to target specific agents and customers to keep our guys moving.”

Building Connections in a Changing Industry

One of Hughes’ strengths lies in building relationships and understanding the needs of Bennett’s fleet of owner-operators. She notes that the trucking industry is evolving, especially with younger generations of truckers.

“That’s probably the biggest thing; this new generation of truckers, a lot of them, want to be home more. They want to do more regional freight versus the typical model of over the road,” she said. “Even though we are predominantly an over-the road-company, we are trying to target more regional work.”

Data-Driven Leadership

Hughes’ role also extends beyond relationships. She’s deeply involved in the analytical side of operations, tracking key metrics that guide her department.

“I handle all the turnover numbers, revenue numbers, that kind of stuff,” she said. “It’s a very analytical position — just trying to figure out kind of where our shortcomings are and what we can do to improve to keep these guys leased on.”

A Nontraditional Path to Logistics Expertise

Hughes didn’t always envision herself in logistics. Originally from Indiana, she graduated from Ball State University with a degree in criminology. Uncertain about her next steps, she took a friend’s suggestion to join Bennett and embarked on a career path she never imagined.

Starting out in the safety department, she quickly adapted to the world of trucking. Her next role, as a claims adjuster within Bennett’s self-insurance program, offered her first in-depth look at the industry’s complexities.

“Bennett is so diverse! We’ve got about 12 different operating companies,” she said. “We’ve got crane and rigging, we’re in the oil fields, we’ve got heavy haul. We haul all sorts of different commodities.

“That was the biggest learning curve for me — just learning all of these different entities and how they function, and what they mean, and what they do, and how that all culminates,” she continued. “But I also think that’s why we are so unique; we have such a large footprint, and we do so much.”

Growing as a Leader

Hughes stepped into her current role as contractor relations manager three and a half years ago, just as major life changes were happening.

“I found out I was pregnant with my first child right when I took on this role,” she recalls. “It was a significant adjustment, and I was determined to give my all—to my job and to being a mom. Taking on leadership responsibilities while navigating these changes pushed me to grow.”

Learning to manage people and gain confidence in addressing upper management were some of the challenges Hughes faced early on.

“The most difficult part was finding my confidence, learning how to interact with upper management and senior level positions,” she said.

A Respect for the Industry

Through her experiences, Hughes developed a deep appreciation for the logistics industry and the truckers who make it all possible.

“Every day in logistics is different. New challenges, new environments — that’s what I enjoy most about my job,” she says. “And the truckers? What they do is absolutely remarkable. They don’t just drive; they have to know so much—about their trucks, the law, the rules of the road, and their loads. The general public really has no idea how demanding it is.”

Despite starting her career with no logistics background, Hughes has not only thrived but become a key figure at Bennett Family of Companies. Her openness to learn, adapt, and lead has propelled her success in a constantly evolving industry.

“I never thought I would be in the logistics industry,” she said. “Growing up, I always heard the typical stigma of logistics and truckers and the trucking industry as a whole. I had no idea what all that encompasses and what all goes into it.

From her beginnings in the safety department to her leadership role today, Allison Hughes’ story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the kind of determination that drives success in the logistics industry.

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