Tina Pole cuts freight costs and lifts on-time delivery at Straight Forward Logistics

Tina Pole, Manager of Operations, Logistics and Transportation Strategy at Straight Forward Logistics Inc. in Waycross, Georgia, has built freight operations that improved on-time delivery and reduced costs. Her rise from public health operations to logistics is being highlighted in the 2026 Influential Women Network edition.

Why it matters: - Tina Pole’s work at Straight Forward Logistics shows how tighter carrier management, better routing and clearer reporting can improve service while lowering freight costs. - Her path also spotlights women advancing in a male-dominated logistics industry through measurable results, not title alone.

What happened: - Tina Pole serves as Manager of Operations, Logistics and Transportation Strategy at Straight Forward Logistics Inc. in Waycross, Georgia. - She oversees transportation strategy, freight operations and business development across domestic and cross-border supply chains. - Since entering logistics in 2022, Tina Pole restored 95% on-time delivery performance and cut freight spend by 15%. - She was featured as a member of the Influential Women’s Network 2026 edition. - Learn more about Tina Pole’s profile

The details: - Tina Pole said the freight savings came from strategic carrier negotiations and routing optimization. - She also implemented KPI-driven reporting systems that give leaders real-time operational insights. - Her background includes transportation management, carrier relations, freight optimization and operational performance improvement. - Before logistics, Tina Pole spent nearly a decade as a Program Manager for the Southeast Health District. - In that role, she led workforce planning and large-scale service operations in a regulated public health environment. - During her healthcare career, she increased team productivity by 25% and reduced operational errors by 60% through process redesign, performance management and compliance oversight. - Tina Pole earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Governors University while balancing work and family responsibilities. - She said leaving a company that valued her contributions but not her potential taught her to know her worth and invest in her future.

Between the lines: - Tina Pole’s logistics playbook is built around communication, trust and integrity. - Her healthcare experience appears to have shaped a management style focused on process discipline, accountability and measurable outcomes. - She argues that credibility in logistics comes from knowledge, hard work and results, not from a job title. - Tina Pole also says women should not see logistics as off-limits, even in a traditionally male-dominated field. - Her broader message is that challenges can become leverage for growth when leaders stay adaptable and self-confident.

What's next: - Tina Pole says she plans to keep growing Straight Forward Logistics while delivering reliability, integrity and personalized service. - She continues to encourage young women to pursue logistics and lead with confidence. - Her recognition in the 2026 Influential Women Network edition suggests her influence in the industry is likely to keep expanding.

The bottom line: - Tina Pole’s story is less about a title than about results: lower costs, better delivery performance and a leadership style built on ownership and trust.