Building a Career in Logistics

Russell’s professional journey began shortly after college, when a friend encouraged her to join C.H. Robinson’s Chicago Central office. The move introduced her to an industry that quickly felt like home.

“I immediately loved the energy, problem-solving, and creativity it took to succeed in the logistics industry,” she said.

That early passion became the foundation of a career spanning multiple facets of logistics. Over the years, Russell has contributed to human resources, recruiting, training, operations, marketing, and even event planning.

“It has been extremely rewarding to use my background to support agents and build strong teams, especially within smaller, growing companies,” Russell said.

A Front-Row Seat to Growth

One of the defining chapters of her career came at Armstrong Transport Group. When Russell joined, the company was a modest operation of 15 employees generating $75 million in revenue. By the time she left, Armstrong had grown into a billion-dollar business. That transformation showed her firsthand what was possible with the right strategy and leadership.

Leading at Select Transport Partners

In June 2024, Select Transport Partners opened its doors. A few months later, Russell joined co-founders Chris Cobb and Tom Milosavljevich as a partner, bringing her expertise to the startup brokerage.

“The excitement of building something from the ground up and creating a place where agents and employees feel supported and valued is what keeps me pushing forward,” she said.

Her long-term vision is for Select to be known as the premier brokerage for independent agents, backed by strong recruiting, training, and support systems. She also hopes to shape the company into a workplace where people feel valued and connected to its mission.

Mentorship and Inspiration

Throughout her career, Russell credits her mentors for influencing how she approaches leadership. She recalls the guidance of Brian Mann, former CEO of Armstrong, as pivotal.

“He encouraged me to take on new projects and gave me the freedom to approach them in my own way. His collaboration, creativity, and leadership were invaluable to my development,” she said.

Advice for Women in the Industry

While trucking and logistics are evolving, Russell acknowledges the industry still has strides to make in gender representation. Her message to women entering the field is clear:

“While the industry has changed a lot over the last 25 years, you may still find yourself as the only woman in the room. Don’t be afraid to speak up; you bring a different perspective, and your voice should be heard.”

Looking Ahead

As Russell helps shape the future of Select Transport Partners, her goals remain focused on growth, support, and opportunity. WIT’s recognition of her as Member of the Month highlights her commitment not only to her company but also to fostering change across logistics.

Sources: Lauren Russell, Women In Trucking

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