Lee White

Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

Lee’s career in transportation started as a peak-season driver for UPS during college. After graduating in 1984, he became a UPS Driver. He then progressed through multiple leadership positions to become the senior engineering leader in several operating districts across the US. He has a track record of achieving improvements in service, production, and cost results. He developed and led programs that laid the foundation for future successful deployments. Directing transportation technology projects required him to work across technology, strategy, and engineering disciplines. His successes include managing the Autonomous Trucking Project Charter and leading the deployment of systems and new business models globally. 

More recently, as the Vice President of Strategy for TuSimple, he built the autonomous freight network business model, partnerships, operations, and ecosystem, enabling multiple customers to test autonomous trucking for hundreds of thousands of miles with real freight on real lanes. His mandate spanned all aspects of the network—from defining the business model to engaging and onboarding partners—resulting in a $9 million network with 15+ customers across 11 states. 

Most recently, as the President of LM White Consulting, Lee worked with boards, fleets, OEMs, and supply chain stakeholders in developing forward-looking strategies, business models, and roadmaps for AV operations. His unique background enables him to bring all systems, planning, operations, and structures together allowing his clients to adopt, integrate, and scale the technology rapidly. 

Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Georgia. Beyond the professional accolades, Lee is a recognized thought leader in the AV industry, frequently sharing his insights in media interviews and at major conferences.

When he's not immersed in shaping the future of freight, Lee enjoys life with his wife, Jean. They’re proud parents of three children and delighted grandparents to three energetic grandchildren.