Karen Vanderhoof, Fleet Manager on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Transportation and Logistics

Karen Vanderhoof

Fleet Manager

Rockwood, MI 48173

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree MIAT College of Technology - Global Logistics and Dispatch Certificate Program Cert CLA (Certified Logistics Associate) Cert CLT (Certified Logistics Technician) Cert HAZMAT Certified Cert MIAT Global Logistics and Dispatch Certificate

Her Story

About Karen

Karen Vanderhoof is a fourth-generation transportation professional with over 11 years of experience in the trucking and logistics industry. Raised in a family deeply rooted in transportation, she developed an early appreciation for the field while riding along with her father on deliveries and learning the realities of life on the road. After several years in restaurant and fine dining management, she transitioned into transportation & logistics. Started formal training at MIAT College of Technology, where she earned certifications in Global Logistics and Dispatch, as well as CLA, CLT, and HAZMAT credentials. Throughout her career, Karen has held a wide range of roles including dispatcher, freight broker, fleet manager, and owner-operator alongside her husband for nearly four years. This diverse, hands-on experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of the industry from multiple perspectives. She began her logistics career prior to the implementation of electronic logging devices, giving her firsthand insight into the industry’s evolution over the past decade. Currently serving as a fleet manager overseeing 12 trucks and 12 trailers, Karen played a key role in building a startup carrier operation from the ground up, helping generate over $250,000 in revenue on a newly established MC and DOT authority. She specializes in recruiting, fleet management, and compliance, with a strong emphasis on restoring a personal, relationship-driven approach in an increasingly automated industry. She takes pride in selecting skilled drivers and contributing to essential freight movement, from delivering critical medical supplies to supporting communities in need.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Karen

01What do you attribute your success to?

Hard work and determination. Having passion and dedication to the transport industry, is what has driven me to build something meaningful.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The one thing that really stands out, is to lead with clear structure and expectations.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Don't let the fact that it's a male-dominated industry hold you back. When I started, it was very unheard of to have women in the transportation and logistics industry. The industry has grown and has opened up many opportunities. You can make a big impact and blaze your own trail as well.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenge in the transportation industry right now is the amount of fraudulent activity. Opportunities would definitely be lack of driver parking.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, and transparency. There's a lot of smoke and mirrors in this industry that shouldn't be there, so I believe in being straightforward and honest in everything I do. These values guide both my professional and my personal life.

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