Benesch is proud to announce that Transportation & Logistics attorney Martha Payne has been named the winner of the 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA). Presented by The Women in Trucking Association (WIT), Truckstop and the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), this prestigious award recognizes one exceptional woman each year for her leadership, achievements and mentorship in the logistics industry across North America.
Selected from among three finalists, Martha was recognized for her lasting contributions to the transportation and logistics sector, her commitment to excellence and her influence as a mentor. She and her fellow finalists were honored at the TIA 2025 Capital Ideas Conference & Exhibition in San Antonio.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award,” said Benesch Transportation & Logistics Vice Chair Jonathan Todd. “Martha has made immense contributions to her field and is, without a doubt, a distinguished woman in logistics. We are so proud of her and pleased to see her recognized in such a prestigious way.”
As one of the few women in the transportation and logistics field early in her career, Martha broke barriers and overcame significant challenges, exemplifying perseverance and determination.
“Martha’s career is a shining example of leadership, dedication and a commitment to making the logistics industry a better place for everyone, especially women,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT. “We are proud to honor her with this prestigious award.”
A trailblazer in transportation law with a career spanning more than four decades, Martha is a sought-after advisor to shippers, carriers and logistics companies on cargo liability, risk management, contracting and collections. She also has a deep understanding of international transportation and logistics policy. Her career has spanned claims examination, in-house roles and private practice at Benesch, giving her an unparalleled perspective on the industry—across motor, air freight, intermodal and ocean cargo.
“TIA is proud to sponsor the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award, recognizing the outstanding contributions of women who shape the transportation and logistics industry. This year, we celebrate Martha Payne, whose dedication, expertise and leadership have left a lasting mark—not only at Benesch but across the entire industry. As a longtime TIA member and active advocate for legal and compliance standards in transportation, Martha has played a pivotal role in advancing the field. We are thrilled to congratulate her as the 2025 award winner and honor her exceptional achievements,” said Chris Burroughs, president and CEO of TIA.
A dedicated mentor, Martha has paved the way for the next generation of women in transportation and logistics. She is known for her generosity in guiding young professionals, particularly women, who look to her as an inspiration and role model.
“Martha knows our industry and is sought after for her balanced, thoughtful and succinct counsel. She has made an extraordinary impact on the transportation and logistics industry by combining her legal expertise, business acumen and practical solutions. Beyond her professional accomplishments, her commitment to mentorship and effective advocacy has helped cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. We are honored to recognize her with this prestigious award,” said Ambyr O’Donnell, chief legal officer for Truckstop.
Martha is actively involved in several prominent industry organizations, serving on the Transportation Intermediaries Association’s Program Committee and Women in Trucking’s Content Committee. She is also a member of the Transportation Lawyers Association, Intermodal Association of North America and Canadian Transport Lawyers Association, among others.
Her impact has been widely recognized. In 2021, she received the Transportation Lawyers Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2022, she was invited to join the International Association of Defense Counsel—the preeminent, invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys representing corporate and insurance interests.