Whanganui businesswoman Kylie James makes history in being voted onto National Road Carriers Board

Kylie James, pictured with her husband Daryl, is the first woman in 85 years to be voted onto the National Road Carriers Board. Photo / Supplied

Whanganui Chamber of Commerce member Kylie James has made history as the first woman in 85 years to be voted onto the National Road Carriers Board.

In 2018, she embarked on a career change and joined husband Daryl in the Sharp As Linehaul organisation.

Established in Wanganui in 2010, Sharp As Linehaul has grown from one driver and one truck to 10 employees in 2018, to 76 employees currently.

Maintaining a personal touch is important to James.

She holds a class 5 licence and often jump into a 58-tonne truck, when drivers are under the pump and said as the industry came to grips with gender and ethnic diversity, embracing change with an open mind was imperative.

Her board appointment not only gives a voice for women in the industry, but also brings to the table a diverse perspective from an operator who understands the daily challenges of the industry across all facets: drivers, administrators and management.

"Collectively we all play a part in the empowerment of our people, and I believe if we continue to harness this culture, pursue advancement opportunities, embrace change with a sense of belonging for all, we undoubtedly add value to our industry," James said.

Dialogue around safety technology fitted in heavy vehicles, the driver licensing age and process time were important objectives, James said,

"If we can initiate changes to the licensing age, we enable business owners to tap into our own people reducing the need for overseas skills. Why would we not seek to create special criteria to support our youth and future generations?

"I look at myself as a young, motivated businesswoman who is not frightened of facing the hard challenges and making changes where necessary.

"I feel I have full immersion in the transport world as an owner, operator, daughter, wife, mother, driver, and director of three companies in the sector and now National Road Carriers Board Member.

"When my batteries need recharging, nothing beats hanging with family on a road trip. Yes, a 'road trip' that's always entertaining I might add."

Sharp As Linehaul has also been nominated for the 2021 Deloitte Fast 50 - the only Whanganui company to be nominated.

Fast 50 recognises businesses that have shown significant growth over the past three years, and celebrates all the elements underpinning business growth across a number of categories, on both a regional and national stage.