Originally from Poland, Joanna Singh is a remarkable entrepreneur with an exceptional educational background. Her journey in the transportation industry is not just about building a successful business; it is about breaking stereotypes and blazing a trail that few women have ever walked before. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination and an unwavering belief in one’s potential, even in the face of adversity.
Joanna joined Amazon relay — a tool that gives carriers the opportunity to leverage Amazon’s network and technologies to build and grow their transportation businesses — in early 2020, and believes Relay is a key reason for the growth of its trucking company, Ontime Freight Ltd. We discovered that Amazon could deliver bulk quantities for us in Europe as well as the UK and we signed up to Relay! Joanna said. By using Relay features such as the “Relay Load Board” to reserve and fulfill loads and “Auctions” to secure and fulfill lanes, Ontime Freight Ltd. benefits. Consistently reviewed Amazon Relay’s suite of products and features, finding it to be “easy to use” for carriers, accommodating to drivers, and reliable in ensuring timely payment.
From a young age, Joanna was passionate about the dynamic world of transportation. She found the industry exhilarating, describing it as “never boring.” Driven by her enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge, she pursued her education in different countries, mastering five languages along the way. Her academic journey culminated when she obtained her degree in International Law from the University of Milan.
Despite her diverse background and skill set, Joanna faced challenges entering the traditionally male-dominated transportation industry. Facing doubts, she had to make an extra effort to gain recognition. Despite this, her perseverance never wavered. In 2018, while managing a portfolio of businesses in a transportation company, I made the decision to establish Ontime Freight Ltd. With her determination and expertise in logistics, she paved the way for success. Starting with just one truck, their business expanded rapidly, exceeding all expectations.
Joanna’s success inspired her husband to join his wife’s business while she led Ontime Freight Ltd. Towards greater horizons. Today, Joanna proudly runs three shipping companies – her own,
RH Freight & Consulting Ltd and J&M Transport – managing a fleet of nineteen trucks in two UK cities and one in Poland.
Joanna’s story is emblematic of a broader shift in the business landscape, where gender barriers are gradually being dismantled. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, highlighting the power of determination and resilience to overcome obstacles. “To all women who are thinking of starting their own business, have faith in yourself, the best investment is in you,” she says.
As we celebrate trailblazers like Joanna, we remind ourselves that with determination, perseverance, and self-confidence, anything is possible, even when the road ahead seems unattainable.
