Teresa Locascio
Teresa Locascio is a seasoned logistics executive and the Executive Vice President of Operations at Locke Transportation Inc, where she has spent more than two decades building and leading high-performing transportation and warehousing operations. Based in Chicago, Teresa has played a central role in transforming the company from a small, family-run operation into a respected intermodal and logistics provider with over 100 employees, a fleet of 50+ company-owned trucks, and a full-service terminal offering both dry and cold storage solutions.
Throughout her career, Teresa has been known for her hands-on leadership style and deep operational expertise. She specializes in intermodal drayage, import/export logistics, cold chain management, and transloading solutions, while also advising customers on container optimization, routing strategies, and practical problem-solving. Her ability to scale operations without sacrificing service quality has helped solidify Locke Transportation’s reputation for reliability, efficiency, and exceptional customer service in a complex and ever-changing industry.
Teresa’s professional journey began with a bachelor’s degree from the International Academy of Design and Technology-Chicago, an education she credits with sharpening her communication and organizational skills. Transitioning from an interior design background into logistics, she brought a fresh perspective that supported major technology and operational changes within the business. Today, Teresa is recognized not only for her leadership and negotiation skills, but also for her commitment to mentoring teams, educating customers, and building systems that make work easier while enabling sustainable growth.
• International Academy of Design and Technology-Chicago- Bachelor's
• Company has received customer-voted recognition as one of the best intermodal companies in Chicago
• UIIA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of design thinking, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to problem-solving. Although I began my career studying interior design, the skills I learned—communication, spatial awareness, and systems thinking—became invaluable in logistics as I helped grow our family business from six trucks and 15 employees into a nearly 100-person operation. Most importantly, success has come from focusing on sustainable growth, educating customers, and showing up when logistics matter most—whether solving daily warehouse challenges or supporting communities during times of crisis.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from my parents, who taught me that leadership is rooted in service and unwavering support. Knowing I can always rely on their guidance—right or wrong in the moment—gave me the confidence to lead with integrity, put people first, and continue growing the company they paved the way for.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t overlook logistics—it’s one of the most essential and opportunity-rich industries, and you don’t need an advanced degree to build a successful, well-paid career. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to start in operations and learn every part of the business; those hands-on experiences create real expertise. Most importantly, believe that this industry offers genuine economic mobility and room to lead, grow, and make an impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in logistics is elevating it as the respected profession it deserves to be. Transportation is essential to how the world functions, yet it’s often overlooked despite being a 24/7, hands-on industry that demands constant problem-solving and commitment. The opportunity lies in investing in people, supporting employees, and building smarter, more sustainable operations that recognize the human effort behind every successful shipment.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are stewardship, people-first leadership, and responsibility—to my family, my employees, and the communities we serve. I’m deeply committed to honoring the foundation my parents built while modernizing the business in a way that protects employee well-being and work-life balance in a demanding, 24/7 industry. I also believe logistics carries a humanitarian responsibility, and when disaster strikes, stepping up with our resources is simply part of doing the right thing.