OTA Dispatch Issue 4 2017

businesses.” The commodity is also different: they’re hauling high value and highly sensitive products, such as medical equipment and computer systems that requires specialized skills and equipment. While Lile and many other moving companies offer interstate hauling services through independent contractors, the majority of crews are local and utilize the company’s own equipment. So what makes Lile unique? First, the company is proud to be woman-owned. There’s plenty of competition with smaller companies, and many are starting to consolidate. However, Lile is the largest NW owned and operated moving company, and has been a leader in the industry for over 60 years. They’ve developed their own moving processes and standards to make sure every customer gets the same level of care. Sure, things can go wrong, but the company tries to take a proactive approach and correct mishaps immediately. They’ve recently launched a virtual platform for customers. The customer can submit a video of their space using the technology—enabling Lile to provide a more accurate quote before the move. Diane continues, “Our motto at Lile is ‘small enough to care; large enough to meet your needs,’ and it’s reflected in each and every move we complete.” COMPANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS There have been plenty of successful moves throughout Lile’s 60-year legacy, such as Tacoma General Hospital and Rainier Tower in Seattle. In the 70’s Lile became the primary carrier for Xerox, and for 35 years the company picked up and delivered every Xerox machine in both Washington and Oregon. Lile was part of the Edith Green project, a 26-floor move out and back in for their 2-year building renovation. One of Lile’s more recent accomplishments was the relocation of Pokemon Headquarters in Bellevue, WA. The 300-person move took place over a weekend and involved furniture installation, wiring and, of course, every employee’s computer equipment. Lile pooled its resources and hired drivers that typically only worked the day shift to assist in a 24/7 move that was completed in only 2.5 days! DIANE DEAUTREMONT, OTA’S First Female Chair Her father had always been heavily involved with professional organizations, and it looks like Diane is following in his footsteps. She’s been a part of OTA’s executive committee for over ten years during Bob Russell’s position as chief lobbyist, and she sits on OTA’s Image Committee. At the OTA 2017 Leadership Convention in September, she was officially voted in as OTA’s first-ever woman chair! Long before that, she served, and continues to serve, on the board for the Oregon Moving & Storage Association (OMSA) and North American Movers Association. She’s also involved in the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), geared at helping women leaders grow their businesses. During WPO meetings, members work on sales and marketing, understanding business valuation, and strategic planning, areas which Diane has refined and perfected over the years. “OTA is a solid resource for businesses, and provides a lot for mid-sized transportation companies that may not have the tools to provide everything themselves. The organization offers safety, recruiting resources, and training for all employees,” Diane offers, “However, the most important function is staying involved in the regulatory environment.” Diane’s father was a strong believer in advocacy. He’d say, “You have to be involved or you can’t complain.” She goes on to say, “We absolutely must promote business here in Oregon, and you can’t do that without getting involved.” During her term, Diane plans to focus on maintaining all the existing programs, increase participation from our existing members, increase membership, and improve financials. WOMEN IN TRUCKING Some numbers show that women take up just under 50 percent of the total workforce, but women in the trucking industry account for just shy of 15 percent. Trucking takes a lot of hard work and can often require a certain level of physical strength, which can lead some women to think there’s no place for them in the industry. Especially in the moving business, women are traditionally found performing operational functions like packing or working on an Office & Industrial Moving (O&I) crew where most product being moved is placed on wheels and of course performing administrative roles. As with the industry as a whole, more men are driving the trucks, and trucking continues to be viewed as a traditionally male dominated vocation. “We need to bring more women to the industry,” said Diane, “It’s going to help make the world a better place.” She believes that women add a civilizing effect on business because they tend to take a more personal approach, which, as mentioned above, plays a key role in the 17 www.ortrucking.org Issue 4 | 2017