Kris McLennan

Tell us more about your background – how did you get started in the transportation industry?

My start in the transportation industry resulted from my sister coming home from a shift at A. Duie Pyle and asking me if I was free on Friday night – she worked for the company and was looking for additional help. At the time, I was in high school with no social life, so it seemed like a good idea. Little did I know that question would lead me to meet my husband and begin a very colorful career.

What about Pyle made you want to work for this company?

Thankfully, I was introduced to a very patient group of people when I first joined the company. Those people helped guide me from a part-time billing/manifest checker, also known at that time as a rambunctious teenager, to a role in the Rates Department. They fueled my desire to grow and learn, and they were not afraid to show me the ropes, let me stumble a little and pick me back up. Ultimately, they are the reason I wanted to be at Pyle.

Describe your role at Pyle.

I lead the Yield Management Team, which is the team responsible for making pricing decisions. Pricing decisions are impacted by market factors such as driver shortage, economic conditions and our competition. The department’s responsibilities include making sure we understand how much it costs to move each shipment, which is vital to charge the correct price. The Weights and Research Department, also known as W&R, captures key data to ensure customers describe the products they are moving correctly.

Pricing Analysts will take the customer’s profile along with the costing data and will provide Pyle’s sales associates with proposals. From there, our Contracts Team reviews the legal documents from customers for accuracy, and the Rates and Rate File Maintenance Analysts ensure our customers receive accurate invoices.

What factors do you consider when adjusting the prices of Pyle’s services in response to market trends?

Pyle’s ability to provide a high level of on-time delivery service is the key factor to consider when adjusting the prices of Pyle’s services. Our services allow our customers to have their products in their customers’ hands faster, which in turn grows their business. We do not react to low-cost, low service providers.

We must also pay close attention to increasing bridge tolls, highway tolls and fuel costs. As states and regulatory costs increase, we need to cover those costs by adjusting our prices.

What market trends do you anticipate seeing in the trucking industry over the next 18 months?

E-commerce, home deliveries and the desire to speed up how fast customers receive their shipments will increase. The rapidly growing driver shortage will cause greater strain on the supply chain. These two opposing conditions will allow strong, nimble carriers to be successful – meaning providers such as Pyle, with Driver Training Academies and Leadership Development programs, will be the most successful.

Have you implemented any new technology systems or processes to assist with yield management?

I collaborated with writing, improving and installing Pyle’s proprietary costing system, a tool that arms the Pricing Team with the information they need to make pricing decisions.

What advice do you have for other women working in male-dominated industries, like the supply chain?

Be true to yourself. Individuals, both men and women, bring their unique style to any situation. This holds true in both our work and home lives. Do not think you have to change yourself to fit into any male-dominated industry. Your uniqueness is what others are seeking.

What achievement are you most proud of during your 33-year career with Pyle?

I’m most proud of training and recommending many pricing analysts for various promotions within Pyle and other industries. As I know people advocated for me early in my career, I am also proud to help others learn, grow and further their careers in transportation.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a leader?

Be honest. Everyone makes mistakes. It is how you own your mistake, correct your mistake and learn from it that will determine your path in life.

Any closing thoughts?

I have learned something from every challenging experience or clashing personality that I have come across in my career. Every encounter can be a building block for the next experience in life, and I am blessed to share those experiences with a group of people that I consider family.