Turning challenges into achievements
Kara’s CRST journey started as a driver-manager. But by 2019, she stepped into the Caterpillar team, first as a manager of operations and later director. Her team was facing a market-wide driver shortage that was creating significant challenges. Kara got to work.
“I got really focused on continuous improvement – methodologies, practices and ensuring our data was as accurate as possible,” she says. “I wanted to know everything: every late load, every defect, every detail. I needed the data to find commonalities and trends so we could reduce recurring issues.”
Her data-driven leadership paid off. With precision and teamwork, she elevated the fleet to top-tier performance, which was recently recognized by Caterpillar.
“Through her strategic vision and data-driven leadership, Kara led the fleet through remarkable gains in on-time deliveries, earning the prestigious Caterpillar Supplier Excellence Certification in 2024 – placing the team among the top 4% of the company’s suppliers,” said Chad Humphrey, senior vice president of operations at CRST. “Kara is a true trailblazer.”
Leading with data – and heart
Kara says metrics isn’t the only critical component of her team’s work: she also focused on the team itself. She works to engage them via tools like visual progress trackers and performance bonuses tied to milestones.
“We even used a giant thermometer covered of the boy band 98 Degrees to track on-time delivery goals,” Kara says. “It was a simple way to keep everyone engaged and remind them they were part of something bigger.”
CRST’s CEO Mike Gannon praises Kara’s leadership. “Kara’s people-first approach also sets her apart. She personally mentors her team, reinforces clear expectations and embeds collaboration into every aspect of her work. This focus has helped reduce turnover in operations and drivers.”
Kara defines her style as servant leadership, built on mutual accountability. “I work for my team just as much as they work for me.”
“Kara’s people-first approach also sets her apart. She personally mentors her team, reinforces clear expectations and embeds collaboration into every aspect of her work.”
Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry
Kara acknowledges that she’s faced challenges unique to leading as a woman in the traditionally male-dominated industry of trucking and logistics. But, she says, she tries to turn them into opportunities for growth and respect.
“Managing as a woman isn’t always easy, and I had no female role model in operations,” Kara says. “But I’ve always worked in male-dominated fields. You have to command leadership presence while also building trust. I remember a driver hanging up on me once during a coaching conversation. But when I called him right back, I gained his respect.”
Having forged a path for herself, Kara says she tries to inspire other women to pursue leadership roles within logistics through mentoring. “I feel a responsibility to speak for those who aren’t in the room, and to encourage more women to join and thrive in this industry,” she says.
“I feel a responsibility to speak for those who aren’t in the room, and to encourage more women to join and thrive in this industry.”
Pioneering the future
Kara continues to push for innovation and improved processes, and her focus remains on empowering her team, advocating for her drivers and ensuring CRST stays ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market.
“There’s no secret formula – just hard work, collaboration and a relentless commitment to doing better tomorrow than we did today,” Kara says.
This Women’s History Month, Kara Hinze reminds us that leadership fueled by empathy and determination can build a brighter, more inclusive future.
