Q + A with Sarah Wellman

Sarah Wellman is no stranger to FTA or trucking. She has been advocating for the industry for years and was recently named Director of Government Relations at Ryder System. FTA is also proud to announce Sarah has been named to the Board of Directors of the Association.

What drew you to start working in the trucking industry?

Being asked. I was directed to take on highway reauthorization while in U.S. Senator Fischer’s Office. Little did I know then that I’d be 7+ years in the industry now.

What was your first job?

Summer job at a drive-in ice cream shop at age 14.

What’s the most important characteristic to have to be successful in government affairs?

Knowing the process and people.

Favorite dessert?

Ice Cream (see first job ��) Your preferred pizza toppings? As a native Nebraskan, I feel compelled to say hamburger pizza.

What do you like to do on your days off?

Unplug at the farm, travel for fun, explore new bars and restaurants, especially with family and friends.

What are you currently working on at Ryder?

One of the major projects I’m currently working on is Ryder’s Corporate Sustainability Report. The report highlights our stewardship efforts through the optimization of resources by identifying opportunities to reduce our environmental footprint, increase efficiencies, maintain long-term viability, diversify our workforce, and further serve our communities.

What are you most proud of that you have done in your life?

Solo international trip to Italy for two weeks in 2019 and working on Capitol Hill for two U.S. Senators. At a young age, I set these life goals and was able to achieve both through perseverance, determination, and vision. Everything I did was intended to best position me towards achieving these goals.

Q + A

with Sarah Wellman

Most interesting/challenging work initiative?

Living in a hotel for a month in Sacramento, California, to see if a bill could be amended to better reflect the dynamics and complexities of our industry. This experience reconfirmed the importance of knowing the people, process, and being present (actively engaged). Increased engagement provided for the development of alliances and identifying like-minded industries to bring forth change within the legislation. A couple years prior, we had introduced a bill that had some success but never achieved full passage as law. However, it invoked additional actions that have since created change within the Department of Motor Vehicles in efforts to remove barriers our professional drivers face when seeking their commercial licenses. By removing such barriers, we are creating a more workforce-friendly environment and helping connect people with careers.

Where is your favorite place to travel for work?

My all-time favorite will always be Washington, DC for work and fun. My favorite conference locations were definitely The Breakers Palm Beach with FTA and Marco Island with ATA. The other best part of work travel is visiting State Capitols and it’s a personal goal to visit all 50. Luckily, I chose the right career and industry to have opportunities to visit State Capitols, especially through events like the FTA Trucking Day at the Capitol in Tallahassee (2018 & 2020).

Any pets?

Farm dog named Stella.

Something most people don’t know about you:

I’m the fourth generation of the Wellman Family Farm in Syracuse, Nebraska where we have a diversified grain and cattle operation. Ask me about soybeans and corn-fed beef. This also means anytime someone in the trucking industry uses the term “tractor” (which is a lot), I always think of the “real ones” in green (John Deere tractors).

Best advice you have ever received during your career? Worst?

The best career advice I received was from Former USDA Secretary and U.S. Senator Mike Johanns, “Faith, family, and then work.” The worst career advice I’ve ever received was “Politics doesn’t matter and it’s not a worthwhile career choice.”

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