Accelerating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Allyship

Because Our Differences Are What Drive Us
ESG Report
98 %
of employees feel they are treated fairly based on sexual orientation & race​
45 %
of leadership (and employee base) is women
95 %
of the Fleet believes new employees are made to feel welcome 
We are Merchants, a set of unique individuals that collaborate as a unified fleet of people with diverse perspectives. Our people support our communities, grow our business, better our planet, and are what make Merchants, Merchants.
At Merchants, Our Differences Drive Us.
Merchants Fleet recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. Through a culture of belonging that encourages our employees to bring their authentic selves to work, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that power our innovative thinking. Our differences are what drive us.
Culture Stats

Including (and Elevating) Everyone #sosayweall

Merchants Fleet is dedicated to understanding and addressing issues surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and believes that the best innovations happen when all voices are heard. DEI is about creating and supporting a workforce that represents various backgrounds and perspectives, is empowered to offset societal imbalances, and is actively encouraged to participate, and — when necessary — give us a kick in the butt to do more, right now.

With a diverse and welcoming workforce, Merchants is forging a culture of belonging that encourages dialogue, learning, and celebration of all that makes us unique — including honest talks and evaluation about the barriers we need to overcome (and how). We have more work to do and we know it.  Merchants is taking the following DEI actions:

  • Emphasis on gender equity: In the traditionally male-dominated fleet industry, Merchants stands out with its robust commitment to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program. In line with the program’s equity pillar, Merchants is proud to report that female executives make up 45% of our executive leadership team and half of our total employee base.
  • Joined the Diversity Workforce Coalition – In 2021, we became a corporate member of the Diversity Workforce Coalition, comprising employers and other community members whose dual purpose is to promote diversity in the workplace through education, training, and enhanced networking opportunities, and to identify and connect resources to its members and the public.
LIFE ON THE TEAM

Voices #LifeAtMerchants

We believe that innovation and positive change happens through a culture of belonging that encourages all employees to be their authentic selves. We leverage diverse perspectives and invest in our employees to become leaders, in and out of the office — growing our business, supporting their communities, and bettering the planet for future generations. 

Richie Coladarci, Ed. D.
Director of Human Resources

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What We're Doing in Pursuit of Equity + A Better World for All

  • DEI events +  learning library: Merchants launched a popular event series focused on DEI, including topics such as “Black in America: Three Perspectives” and “Demystifying Trans Identity.” We’ve also curated an extensive library of resources to accelerate honest dialogue, designed to create allyship and further our commitment to a truly inclusive work environment. Examples include books written by female activists, articles on racial identity, films that tell the story of gay rights in America, and many more topics designed to educate employees on diverse views and experiences.
  • Actively Hiring Diversity — With Eyes Wide Open on Responsibility: Diverse staffing is a business imperative. Merchants currently uses Circa, a diversity recruitment firm that connects directly with millions of underrepresented job seekers. Every new Merchants job posting is sent through Circa to 200 community organizations, and we offer relocation assistance (to our HQ in New Hampshire or Innovation Center in Chicago) for many roles. However, we are also incredibly aware of our responsibility to you — because the only thing worse than doing nothing with DEI hiring (we need you!) is having you come join us and not having the excellent experience and welcoming culture you expect and deserve. ❤️ We’re ready for you!
  • How are we doing? Merchants Named 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Rising Champion by University of New Hampshire: Merchants has been named a 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Rising Champion by the University of New Hampshire, which promotes organizations who demonstrate values of DEI. The program recognizes employer partners, such as Merchants, who demonstrate the utmost devotion to social justice and equality through tangible actions.
  • Many more recent progress, wins + initiatives should go here — including 2023 DEI Champion award from the Diversity Council. I require guidance from Richie, Ted + others to make this page more relevant, authentic + awesome for you! Working docs now = 2021 ESG report … I hear there’s an updated one in the works …
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Merchants Fleet Named 2022 Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation

Merchants Fleet is recognized as a 2022 “Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation” by Redefining the Road, the official magazine of Women In Trucking Association.

“We are proud to work with so many incredible women at Merchants, whose drive and expertise are critical to our success,” said Brendan P. Keegan, chairman, CEO & president of Merchants Fleet.

 

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“Having a leadership team that is as diverse as our clients, employees and communities enables us to better manage the company as we pull from our variety of experiences, perspectives, and talents to better represent and serve our stakeholders. Here at Merchants, every employee has an opportunity to make an impact and share their unique and diverse perspective—hearing from our stakeholders enriches our ability to anticipate and mitigate risks while most often identifying innovative ways to turn them into opportunities. As leaders, we take pride in being surrounded by different minds and perspectives.”

Amanda E. Rogers, VP, Marketing & Innovation

Stats Go Here

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LIFE ON THE TEAM

Voices #LifeAtMerchants

The impact of integrating ESG with corporate strategy extends far beyond the inherent environmental, social, and corporate benefits. The world is rapidly changing, causing tremendous shifts in client, investor, and employee sentiment. Viewing corporate strategy through an ESG lens prepares Merchants to mitigate financial risks and enhances our ability to engage with stakeholders who are increasingly measuring success in new and meaningful ways. The opportunity to do good while simultaneously doing well, is great, and I’m thrilled to lead the way with ESG at Merchants.

Ted Lague
Director of ESG & Sustainability

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