Palletline, the UK’s leading pallet freight distribution network, flew the flag for women in transport on International Women’s Day. They celebrated the growing impact of women across its member-owned network while championing diversity, challenging outdated perceptions and helping shape a stronger future for UK logistics.
As the UK’s only fully member-owned pallet network, Palletline has spent more than 30 years building a 100% member shareholder model centred on collaboration, service excellence and long-term sustainability. That same ethos extends to its people — creating opportunity, supporting progression and encouraging talent at every level of the industry.
Women at Palletline
At the forefront of this movement is Keely Priestman. She is a key member of the Palletline management team and past winner of the prestigious Everywoman in Transport & Logistics Award. This year, Keely added another significant achievement to her career by gaining her HGV Class One licence. This is a milestone that underlines both her personal commitment and Palletline’s wider drive to redefine perceptions of modern professional driving.
For Keely, the qualification represents more than personal progression. It shines a light on the broader challenges facing the sector. Driver shortages, an ageing workforce and the ongoing gender gap in driving roles are among the challenges.
“In reality, this job takes skill, patience and organisation,” said Keely. “Lorry driving is an honest profession and a vital, respected and well-paid career that is integral to keeping the economy moving. Not everyone is built for university or the corporate world — and that’s okay. Modern HGV driving is smart, connected and tech-enabled, with AI-driven route planning, digital defect reporting, and apps for everything from taking breaks to vehicle checks. It’s absolutely a career that more young people, and indeed more women, should be considering.”
Keely describes her first experience driving an artic through Croydon and onto the motorway as “a pure thrill.” She says it deepened her admiration for the professionals who keep the UK supplied every day.
Glenn Baker, Group COO at Palletline, commented: “Keely is a fantastic example of the talent emerging across our network. Her drive, professionalism and advocacy for the sector demonstrate exactly why it’s so important to promote diversity and challenge outdated views of our industry. We’re incredibly proud of her success and thrilled to see more women choosing careers in transport.”
Keely’s achievement forms part of a much bigger story across the Palletline network. Member companies are actively investing in training, mentorship and development to support more women entering and thriving within the profession.
Influx of women in the industry
At S&S Distribution, a Palletline Logistics business, female drivers now make up around 10% of its driving workforce. This is a significant figure in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
Among them, Leylia Borer joined in 2015 as a new-pass Class 2 driver and progressed to Class 1 with company-funded training. She now operates nationwide and is known for keeping her unit in immaculate condition. Alicia Michael joined in 2022, progressed from Class 2 to Class 1 in 2025, and now thrives as a night trunk driver. Megan Carter, who joined in 2024, is currently training for her Class 1 licence with full company support. Nicole Dawson progressed through S&S’s Van-to-Class-2 training scheme and now operates an 18-tonne vehicle full-time on multidrop work.
As Palletline continues to invest in network growth, technology and infrastructure, it remains equally focused on investing in people. Encouraging more women into transport is not simply about representation. It is about strengthening the workforce, addressing skills shortages and ensuring the long-term resilience of the sector.
Palletline is proud to celebrate the women across its network who are not only keeping freight moving — but driving meaningful change across the industry.
