New Transport Leader Says Moving Into Freight Like Learning A New Language

Amandeep Dhanju left a corporate career to step into interstate freight with no prior experience, describing the transition as learning a new language in an industry where women remain significantly under-represented.

The Managing Director of First Choice Haulage, which she acquired with her husband in July last year, had to rapidly educate herself on everything from basic truck operations to industry-specific terminology.

“It was a totally new industry for me. I didn’t even know how to start a truck, and the terminology the guys use in this industry was completely new,” Dhanju said.

“But, I have a habit of dealing with unknowns, and that’s exactly what I did.”

Operating in a male-dominated sector

The National Women in Transport Initiative reports that the transport sector is the third most male-dominated sector by employment behind construction and mining, with women making up around 27.4 per cent of Australia’s transport workforce across rail, road, sea and air.

Dhanju’s position as Managing Director places her among a small minority, with women holding just 4.5 per cent of CEO roles in transport, well below the Australian average of 20 per cent.

She says her approach to the knowledge gap was straightforward.

“From my experience so far, the major thing that has worked in my favour is always being honest. If I don’t know about something, I’ll say I don’t know,” Dhanju said.

“I was very open about what I didn’t know, and I asked a lot of questions. I had to educate myself on the industry from A to Z.”

Asking the right questions

The transition into transport required rapid education in operations and compliance, backed by a willingness to ask basic questions without hesitation.

“The key was not only to ask a lot of questions, but to know the right questions to ask. You don’t need to know the answer to everything, but by asking a question, people tend to assist you more because they can see you’re genuinely trying to learn,” Dhanju said.

She says that openness became a leadership strength, helping to normalise learning and curiosity at every level of the business and breaking down unspoken barriers that can make it harder for women to step confidently into operational leadership roles.

Managing cash flow challenges

Like many transport operators, First Choice Haulage faces the challenge of customer payment terms that don’t align with the weekly rhythm of running costs.

“The invoices are paid on your client’s terms, on their 30-day terms, but your ongoing expenses, such as fuel and employee wages, do not wait for 30 days,” Dhanju said.

“You pay your drivers either weekly or fortnightly, you pay the fuel costs, so your costs come before your client invoices are paid. Managing cash flow is a massive challenge for the transport industry.”

To bridge the timing gap and keep cash moving through the business, First Choice Haulage uses Earlypay’s invoice financing solution, accessing funds against invoices raised to clients.

“I met with Earlypay and discussed our finance options in regard to ensuring consistent cash flow,” Dhanju said.

“They help us manage cash flow by paying the invoices that we raise for some of our clients.”

Industry-wide pressures

Earlypay Chief Executive Officer, James Beeson, said First Choice Haulage is one of many transport businesses navigating increasing financial and regulatory pressures.

“Right across the sector, cash flow challenges, alongside upcoming Payday Super changes, regulatory hurdles and a driver shortage, are threatening the long-term viability of many operators,” Beeson said.

“It’s a sector that literally drives the economy forward, and operators urgently need less red tape across their operations or we risk watching our supply chain grind to a halt.”

Beeson said well-run businesses with access to flexible working capital solutions are finding ways to stay resilient, plan ahead and remain competitive in a tough market.

For Dhanju, the ability to access working capital has helped the business operate with greater certainty as it services customers in a competitive interstate freight market.

“They are very professional and are doing a brilliant job. I really like them,” she said.

Last Updated on February 16, 2026 by Nick Ross