PEOPLE & CULTURE  /  TECH & INNOVATION

By Kawal Preet | First Published: March 8, 2024  Updated: July 14, 2025

Diversity and inclusion are powerful drivers of transformation in the logistics workplace. In this article, Kawal Preet explores the link between gender equity and organizational success and innovation in the world of logistics.

• Embracing gender diversity in the logistics sector is essential for staying competitive in the global market.
• Women now represent 40% of the supply chain workforce, challenging the stereotype of a male-dominated industry. 
• FedEx's commitment to diversity has led to the development of new automation products, showcasing how varied perspectives contribute to smarter, more efficient supply chains.

The logistics industry is evolving fast, driven by two powerful forces: technological advancement and the pursuit of gender equity in logistics. To create the smart supply chains of the future, we must harness the potential of all talent, regardless of gender. A commitment to workforce diversity is not just a moral imperative – it is essential for staying competitive in the global marketplace.

Empowering women in logistics: Advancing gender equality at work

The logistics sector has long been seen as male-dominated, often due to the visibility of physical tasks like pick-up and delivery. This perception can discourage women from entering the field, perpetuating stereotypes that limit opportunities. However, the reality is far more encouraging.

Women in logistics are highly visible, even on the front line. According to the latest data from Gartner, women represent 40% of the supply chain workforce. While this is encouraging, there is still a long way to go to achieve true gender inclusion.

At FedEx, we take pride in the incredible women who drive our operations. Our female couriers and drivers challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that leadership in logistics can be achieved at all levels. In fact, many of our female leaders – myself included – have built their entire careers at FedEx, progressing from entry-level positions to the C-suite, often starting in engineering and technology roles.

Yet, achieving gender equality in the workplace requires ongoing effort. I oversee the Asia Pacific region, the most diverse within the FedEx network, where perceptions of gender equity can vary widely. This diversity underscores the importance of actively fostering an inclusive culture.

To further our commitment to gender equity in logistics, I signed the CEO Statement of Support for the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (UNWEPs) – Equality Means Business. These principles guide our efforts, pushing us further along the path of advancing gender equality and empowering women in the workplace and the broader community.

Creating an inclusive workplace culture where women thrive as much as their male counterparts is crucial. I’m committed to ensuring a level playing field for our employees so that everyone has equal access to career advancement opportunities, whether it’s through internal promotions, job rotations, or cross-functional projects.

How inclusion drives innovation and digital transformation in logistics

Our business operates at the intersection of the physical and digital realms, where agility and innovation are paramount to success. But true agility cannot be achieved without workforce diversity, where companies foster an environment where all underrepresented groups feel they belong.

Research consistently shows organizations that champion workforce inclusion outperform their competitors. They innovate faster and make better decisions.

At FedEx, we use advanced technologies and lean on data-led insights to transform our logistics business – and solutions created by our diverse workforce are making supply chains smarter, more efficient, and less labor intensive.

Even though I always say technology is, by definition, gender-agnostic, many of our innovators are women, and I see FedEx as a business powered by diverse perspectives every day.

Since I started with the company as an engineer over 20 years ago, I’ve witnessed how science and technology roles have evolved. We encourage all our team members – regardless of their gender, age, or seniority – to embrace a digital-first approach to logistics, allowing them to develop their skills within a supportive community.

So far, this mindset has led our teams to develop 56 new automation products and save 51,000 manual hours. This is a phenomenal example of how an inclusive culture can create space for innovative thinking and foster creativity that drives business performance.

The lasting impact of inclusion: FedEx’s commitment to equity in logistics

As we navigate the future of workplace inclusion in logistics, prioritizing gender equality is more than a goal – it is a necessity. By embracing workforce diversity and fostering greater inclusion, we can drive innovation, enhance performance, and create a more equitable industry for all. By aligning this mission with digital transformation in logistics, organizations not only strengthen their social impact – they sharpen their competitive edge.

Let’s make this the year logistics comes into full stride, leveraging every voice to build a smarter, stronger, more inclusive logistics industry.

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Meet the women of FedEx and discover how they are breaking gender biases in the logistics industry.