Flexibility is fundamental at InXpress, the tech-enabled logistics solutions firm that’s attracting as many women to the business as men.

Logistics and freight was traditionally a male-dominated world. Today companies like InXpress are actively encouraging women into the business and corporate leadership roles.

Michelle Price, for example, is country manager for InXpress Australia and New Zealand.

“The supply chain and logistics industry has definitely changed in the 30 years I’ve been part of it,” she says. “When I first started in this field it was extremely rare to see a woman in management or leadership positions. Now women are being recognised for their input and influence. It’s all about cultivating confidence, building networks, being heard and having self-confidence.” 

InXpress empowers women

InXpress is a highly ethical organisation. 

“We have a Global Women’s Conference, and the goal is to have women as 50 per cent of the business,” Price says. 

She sees plenty of opportunities for go-getting individuals keen to work in a supportive and continuously-growing environment.

“Creating the right culture and environment enables you to find the right person for the team, which is key. It’s about what you can bring – and how we can support and elevate you for a true partnership. That’s what attracted me to take on leadership, knowing I’d be supported by colleagues at all levels in the network, not just management.”

Fundamental values

Price is passionate about the strong culture of the business.

“This is a big energy company, energetic and fun, and people live the core values. It’s very important to get the right people on board, they need to align with our principles.

“You need to have people who are engaged and enjoy what they do. Then the franchisor and franchisee will stay motivated and driven. Being driven leads to positive results and targeted improvements.

“As an InXpress franchisee, you come to an organisation that treats others fairly and is ethical. It makes for happier, more productive people.”

Tech solutions

However, the brand’s success has come not just from its army of energetic and driven franchisees. Its sophisticated tech capabilities drive the good results it has achieved throughout 2021, and early 2022.

InXpress powered through the pandemic and boomed with the growth of domestic, international shipment and ecommerce.

“We were able to pivot really easily through Covid because we had the software tech and abilities, and we were integrated with multiple carriers,” Price says.

The flexibility of the business model, which is so effective for franchisees, also delivers for its customers.

“Customers working from home could access everything. The challenge has been carriers keeping up with the volume of work. Our advantage is, because we have multiple carrier partners, we could switch freight companies when needed and that meant customers didn’t miss their shipments to drive forward.”

InXpress has a team of over 30 developers globally and is constantly looking at ways to improve technology. “It’s about continuous analysis and improvement, and we are rolling out an upgrade right now. Carriers have so much available with visibility and track and trace. We need to continue to integrate our software so customers have the most up to date and relevant data available to them at all times.”

Price says speed to market is crucial for ecommerce, which is the driver of the logistics industry right now. That means moving from the traditional model to the innovative and current.

Flexibility rules

“Customers just want it to be easy to book or check a shipment. They want to buy or sell goods, transmit funds electronically and, whether it’s business to business or consumer to business, have speed to market with actual tracking.”

The tech platform with value-adds is a minimal-cost option for franchisees that provides a full service for carriers and a tracking and financing option for our franchisees. 

Franchisees are effectively running their own business and in control of their own future.

“Franchisees are out in the market daily. We teach and support them to be freight consultants. 

“They communicate daily with small to medium sized businesses because they have the tools and training to offer unique solutions.  Primarily we are the tech solution with key carrier partnerships that enables business to happen, and shipments to be made, while making sure our franchisees are profitable. 

“Our business model allows for great work-life balance because franchisees can work the hours they need. It’s an ideal option for women – a perfect opportunity which provides flexibility, confidence, skills and the tools to grow the business.

“I’m really passionate about the business, I just love it, and I love watching successful women come through and dominate in their field.”