President’s Message
Being in the Women’s Traffic and Transportation Club means that we are each connected to an always busy industry. For that industry to run smoothly, we are reliant upon each other and upon the law enforcement officers who keep our corridors safe from everything- – from impaired drivers, drug and human trafficking, etc. We also rely on the firefighters who not only put out dangerous fires, but also assist in transporting the injured for critically needed medical assistance. Therefore, it is with heavy hearts that we join with others in Baltimore as we mourn Officer Keona Holley, a victim of senseless gun violence and Baltimore City Firefighters Kelsey Sadler, Kenny Lacayo and Lt. Paul Butrim, victims of a fire in one of many vacant houses. Hopefully, we will keep their memories alive as we continue working to make our transportation network safe, while operating in a manner that moves our region into the future.
The importance of our work was also highlighted by the recent bridge collapse in Pittsburg and the snowstorm that caused the shutdown on I-95 in Virginia. Sometimes we see our jobs as only a chore impacting a few, but every one of us plays a vital role in keeping America safely functioning. On behalf of the WTTC, I express thanks not only to our law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, but to each of you and your co-workers for the role you play in continuing to move our country forward!
The WTTC regular season football fundraiser was a crucial way to keeping the WTTC afloat during another winter of activities curtailed by COVID. Congratulations to the winners; it was fun seeing your success! Thanks for your participation. Good luck to all of you who are hoping for Super Bowl victory. What special dish are you making to enjoy while you watch the game or the half time show?
Don’t forget to continue maintaining your contacts with WTTC friends as we all try to stay warm through February. Looking forward to WTTC gatherings later this year!
With kindness,
Karen
wttcpresident@gmail.com
Member Spotlight!
Cindy Gebhard, Bulls Trucking Co.
Meet one our newest WTTC members, Cindy Gebhard of Bull’s Trucking Co. Cindy was inducted as a member at our November 2021 meeting. She is a Baltimore City native and attended Catholic High. Prior to getting into the transportation industry, Cindy worked as a field sales representative for Baltimore Tinplate, selling cut sheets of tin that were put into a press and cut to fit a product specification. She also worked at Metropolitan Ambulance in the billing department.
Once Baltimore Tinplate closed its doors, Cindy began working with her long-time partner, Tom Bull, hauling freight for the some of the former tinplate customers. They opened the company in 1992, with one truck and started adding equipment based on the needs of the customers. She is now the co-owner of Bull’s Trucking and there isn’t any job she cannot do to keep the office running; from dispatch to negotiating customer contracts, from beginning to end. They currently employ 17 trucks and have three office staff members.
What Cindy likes most about working in the trucking industry is the diversity of the jobs and many pieces of equipment that allows them to meet their customers need. “We can haul anything with equipment that includes flat decks, step decks, removable goose neck (RNG), food grade tankers, chasses, and a hot shot truck, just to name a few!”
However, Cindy admits that 2021 was a very challenging year, because of the increase in workflow. Because of the impacts of COVID, business increased dramatically, about three times as much. “There were always problems, but we were always able to find solutions,” she added about working during the pandemic. One of the solutions led to her newest venture, the opening of Bull’s Logistics, a brokerage company.
As busy as Cindy is with Bull’s Trucking, she still finds time to volunteer for Our Lady of Hope, helping with the annual Carnival, Polish Festival, ice cream socials, Christmas event and car shows,
and donates the use of a truck for the school’s fundraiser when they collect household items.
For relaxation, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her youngest son, Kevin who helps at the company, but is also a longshoreman and is an agent for R & R Express. Vacations often take them to Florida to spend time with her oldest son, Shawn Gebhard and only grandbaby, Alexandria.
February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month and a great time to honor African American women in history who have achieved greatness in a traditionally white, male dominated world of transportation and logistics. In my brief internet search, it was difficult to find Maryland women of color in transportation history, until I remembered Port Woman of the Year 2011, Augustine Moore, Director of CBP Field Operations. Click on the names of these notable women in transportation history to find out more!
Stagecoach Marry
Lois Cooper
Augustine Moore
The Importance of Inclusivity
It’s important to honor the contributions of Black men and women throughout history. But it’s also important to focus on inclusivity moving forward. “We cannot quantify the possible advances our country squandered because of past discriminatory barriers,” Debra Schrampfer said (Chief Diversity Officer and AVP Workforce Resources for Union Pacific Railroad). “Yet, the same opportunity is in front of us today. We can benefit from all great minds – not just a select few – if we can create environments where everyone has the same prospects.”