In the world of executive search for transportation and logistics, it’s easy to default to the well-trodden paths. Most people look to industry veterans who have spent their careers inside big-name logistics firms or global transportation companies. But over the years, I’ve learned that the next great logistics leader often comes from a far less traditional corner of the industry.
Before I ever begin narrowing a search, I rely heavily on one thing: insight.
And I collect a lot of it.
I talk to a wide range of people—candidates, clients, my coworkers, professionals I meet at conferences, people who work in areas tangential to transportation and logistics, and even people completely outside the industry who simply have a compelling perspective. Sometimes the most useful insight comes from the most unexpected source. I take all of that input, connect the dots, and use it to shape search criteria that reflect not just the client’s needs, but what’s happening in the world around us. That’s often how I discover talent pools that others overlook.
Here are a few of the off-the-beaten-path places where I have found hidden gems.
Niche Transport Sectors and Regional Carriers
Some of the most adaptable and innovative leaders I’ve come across are working in smaller or niche transportation companies like regional carriers, specialized fleets, or unique service providers. These professionals often wear multiple hats, manage operations with limited resources, and problem-solve creatively because they have to. That hands-on, resourceful leadership style often translates beautifully into larger, more complex organizations.
Intermodal and Multimodal Logistics Professionals
Leaders with intermodal or multimodal logistics experience tend to see the supply chain through a more holistic lens. Coordinating freight movement across road, rail, air, and sea requires a high level of sophistication, collaboration, and strategic foresight. These are people who solve complex puzzles every day, and that integrative mindset is incredibly valuable in a world where supply chains rely on seamless connectivity.
Adjacent Industries Like Ride-Sharing and Urban Mobility
Urban mobility, fleet-based tech companies, and ride-sharing platforms have quietly produced some of the most forward-thinking operational leaders I’ve encountered. Managing large, decentralized fleets in dynamic environments forces these professionals to master real-time decision-making, tech adoption, and hyper-efficient routing. These skills are becoming increasingly essential in modern logistics organizations, and candidates from these areas bring a tech-driven, customer-centric approach that can energize traditional transportation operations.
When I widen the lens and encourage clients to look beyond the obvious, that’s when we find the leaders who bring fresh thinking, creative problem-solving, and diverse experience to the table. These unconventional talent pools are often where the true innovators are hiding, and the people who can help organizations navigate industry disruption and build stronger, smarter, more resilient supply chains.
So the next time you’re searching for that perfect fit, remember: the best leaders aren’t always where you expect them to be. Sometimes they’re found in those overlooked corners of the transportation and logistics world, exactly where others aren’t looking.
Jeff is a Managing Partner for the firm and oversees the Truckload, Dedicated Contract Carriage, and LTL practices. With over 22 years as an executive recruiter, he provides for-hire carriers with executive search for C-Suite assignments. As an accomplished Executive Recruiter, Jeff has been able to leverage his substantial trucking industry experience to help transportation companies achieve their business objectives through talent acquisition.