From Sydney to Perth and operations to engineering, logistics giant FedEx says women are developing a deep passion for the transport and logistics industry
A recent newcomer to the logistics sector and former courier Taylor Watts currently sits in the office of FedEx’s Sunshine Coast operations and is a prime example of this.
“My 12 years of experience in retail exposed me to a lot of customers, which I’m still dealing with on a daily basis in my role, whether it be in the office, serving them face to face, or delivering to customers out on the road,” Watts told ATN.
Her prior work in retail was mostly spent at major Australian supermarket chain IGA. FedEx wasn’t Watts’ first experience in the logistics industry, having worked for Queensland courier company Wilkinson Carriers.
At first, the opportunity for Watts to join FedEx came unexpectedly, yet it still piqued her interest. Watts says that while FedEx was different from her previous jobs, it still allowed her to use her customer service and management skills to full effect.
“I love the dynamic of working as part of a team in the morning, doing the parcel sort and then getting to spend a bit of time by myself when I’m on the road,” Watts says.
FedEx says Watts has wasted no time in mastering the essential training to become a key member of the Sunshine Coast team.
Watts’ current role now sees her spend more time assisting supervisors and colleagues with daily tasks. At times, she’ll also jump back in the courier van and help colleagues who are either sick or on annual leave. Watts says the move into the office has been different but an enjoyable challenge.
“Doing courier jobs now reminds me of how physical the job can be after I’ve been sitting in the office for a couple of days in a row,” Watts says.
Her experience as a courier has been made better by the customers she’s met along with the colleagues she’s worked with. Watts says her colleagues and supervisors have consistently provided her support throughout her time at FedEx and have always encouraged her, even when she’s had a tough day.
“The culture at FedEx ensures everyone is treated equally while it fosters a sense of belonging and respect,” Watts says.
“FedEx has a philosophy called people-service-profit. Every day I notice they endorse that philosophy, and it makes everyone in the team thrive.”
Watts says her ultimate goal is to go even further and do work at an overseas FedEx branch. Tackling new opportunities has helped Watts grow, not only as a member of FedEx, but in the broader transport and logistics industry.
“For women thinking about coming into the industry, I would provide them nothing but encouragement,” Watts says.
“I think more women should join the transport and logistics industry – personally I love being in it.
“All they need to do is just believe in themselves, find mentors, stay proactive, embrace challenges, advocate for themselves and stay adaptable.”