When YMX Logistics put out a call for a human resources (HR) manager earlier this year, Andrea Mastroianni was instantly interested in the opportunity. She was ready for a change of scenery and a new career challenge, and saw YMX’s business model, approach, and culture as a perfect fit.
As a dedicated HR professional with nearly 20 years of experience, Mastroianni previously worked for Gorman Roofing and Howard Air, where she focused on building strong, positive work cultures and fostering meaningful employee relationships. Her journey in HR has been shaped by her passion for helping people thrive in their roles, supporting both personal and professional growth.
Earlier this year, Mastroianni brought that experience and passion to YMX, where she is the HR Manager for a yard in Tolleson, Arizona and two yards in Colorado (Denver and Aurora). She’s learning more about the logistics and transportation environment every day and is really sinking her teeth into the new career opportunity.
For example, Mastroianni recently worked closely with the YMX yard supervisor to take over the gate (aka, the “Welcome Center”), which she now assists with managing on a day-to-day basis. “Through this hands-on experience,” she says, “I’ve learned quite a bit about hiring drivers just by being out in the yard with them and talking with them in person.”
In her role as an HR Manager, Mastroianni handles the hiring and also manages employee benefits, 401(k)s, feedback from associates, corporate culture, and other responsibilities. She explains, “I make sure everybody's happy, and if they’re not, then how can we make them happy?” Mastroianni leans on her two decades of HR experience in her current job role, but also enjoys learning the ins and outs of the logistics, yard management, and transportation field.
Take the recent gate project. When YMX got the contract to take over the gate, the incoming team received no help or support from the group that was previously running it. “We were basically on our own,” says Mastroianni. “So, I went down there and learned the positions and how everything worked at the gate.” Through that hands-on experience she learned that it’s not at all unusual for someone to call off from work just five minutes before their shift starts.
“Because of that, you really have to be thinking ahead all the time,” says Mastroianni. “The trucks have to be checked in and out in a timely manner, and if one person doesn’t show up for a 12-hour shift we have to switch quickly over to a Plan B.”
Technology serves as a great enabler both during these last-minute pivots and for managing day-to-day responsibilities in the yard. “When YMX took over the yard and the gate, the drivers were all using paper to manage everything,” says Mastroianni. “We streamlined and simplified that by immediately implementing YMX OS. Now, we can track all trailer movement—from gate check to the time they leave, and all points in between.”
The drivers are very happy with the new gate management system and YMX OS approach. “All I've heard is praise so far,” says Mastroianni. “They're all pleased with the efficiency and accuracy that the new system brings to their daily work, and that it makes their lives easier.”
When Mastroianni first stepped into her new role at YMX, she admits to feeling a touch intimidated by the industry itself. While comfortable in male-dominated environments from her construction background, the intricacies of yard operations and logistics were entirely new to her. "I knew how to get my kids to school, normal logistics, that was it," she recalls with a chuckle.
To bridge this knowledge gap, Mastroianni adopted a hands-on approach, donning a safety vest and spending significant time walking the yard, and engaging directly with drivers too. During her first week, she says she realized, "This is like air traffic control." She observed the meticulous coordination of trailers, with every movement directed by yard personnel – from gate entry to departure.
To further her understanding, Mastroianni even rode along with drivers for hours, asking questions and getting feedback. Her dedication stemmed from a clear purpose: to genuinely understand the roles she was hiring for. In fact, Mastroianni's commitment to immersive learning reflects her belief that effective leadership in HR, particularly in recruitment, hinges on firsthand experience.
"How do I write a job description or talk to an employee about whether this job is right for them if I really don't know what the job is?" she asks. “This philosophy helps me build more accurate job profiles and foster stronger connections with employees by truly understanding their daily realities.”
To other women who are interested in careers in this industry —and whether they have experience in these areas or not — Mastroianni says the best step is to jump in and give it a try. She emphasizes the value of hands-on learning and asking questions, even if it feels intimidating at first.
“By immersing yourself in the operational realities,” she adds, “you’ll not only be able to excel in your role, but you can also carve out a path for meaningful growth and impact in this very dynamic, vital industry.”