91ÊÓƵ

Kristine Kennedy, president and director of operations at Highway Heavy Hauling, has built the first woman-owned heavy hauling company in Oregon over 12 years. Kennedy oversees specialized, multi-axle heavy hauling and rental equipment transport, with the company providing the majority of support equipment for construction projects across the Pacific Northwest.

Despite being told “no” by three banks when seeking startup funding and facing rejection for property leases and purchases, Kennedy persevered to establish and grow her business. She leads a 34-person team, with women comprising 75 percent of the operations staff. Kennedy has focused on hiring and training young women with no prior trucking industry experience, teaching them safe practices, construction transportation logistics and personnel management.

Under Kennedy’s leadership, the company expanded to East Portland in 2023 and established corporate headquarters in North Plains in early 2025, featuring a four-bay shop, truck yard and driver facilities. Kennedy emphasized the company prioritizes employee families alongside business operations.