“Kathy was selected for her remarkable contributions to the trucking industry, her unwavering commitment to safety, and her dedication to mentorship, particularly of women in the trucking industry,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO.

Recognizing Industry Leaders

Blaies stood out among four highly accomplished finalists, including:

• Ericka Norfleet, owner-operator, R.E. Garrison Trucking Inc.
• Gina Jones, company driver, Werner
• Sandy Winters, company driver, Leonard’s Express

While all the nominees demonstrated excellence in trucking, Blaies’ exceptional career and dedication to lifting others in the industry made her the top choice for this honor.

A Trailblazer in Car Hauling

Blaies’ journey in trucking has been defined by perseverance and skill. As a car hauler, she entered a challenging sector where many doubted her ability to thrive. She not only proved them wrong but became a respected leader, known for her expertise and willingness to guide new drivers, particularly women navigating their way into trucking.

Her impressive safety record is a testament to her professionalism, with over one million accident-free miles to her name. She has been recognized multiple times by United Road, earning the Gold Elite Award four times and the Damage-Free Elite Award twice.

United Road’s president and CEO, Mark Anderson, praised her dedication, saying, “Kathy’s outstanding performance reflects her personal drive to achieve excellence and the positive impact she has on our operations. She is a standout driver whose dedication, skill, and leadership make her truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.”

Honoring Women in Trucking

The announcement was made during WIT’s annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky. This celebration highlights the contributions of female truck drivers to the industry.

Sponsored by Walmart, the Driver of the Year Award honors women who exemplify safety, professionalism, and leadership in the trucking industry. Walmart’s Senior Vice President of Transportation, Ryan McDaniel, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “Walmart is proud to sponsor the Driver of the Year award because it aligns with our commitment to excellence and creating a culture of belonging. Kathy Blaies is more than a driver – she is a leader, mentor, and role model. We’re extremely proud to recognize her as this year’s Driver of the Year.”

A Prestigious Panel of Judges

A distinguished panel evaluated the nominees, including:

• Lisa Dilibero, General Transportation Manager, Walmart
• Lori Taylor, Director of Financial Operations, C.H. Robinson
• Ellen Voie, Founder, Women in Trucking

Kathy Blaise’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and a passion for empowering others in the trucking industry. Her recognition as WIT’s 2025 Driver of the Year reinforces the impact of mentorship, diversity, and safety in shaping the future of trucking.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: (WIT) WIT Driver of the Year: Kathy Blaies celebrates her award presented during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

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Anticipating over 58,000 attendees and nearly 900 exhibitors at the Kentucky Expo Center, MATS promises an exciting, informative, and unbeatable event.

“MATS is the one event on the industry calendar that brings the entire industry together face-to-face to see the latest innovations and collaborate to define the future of trucking,” said Toby Young, MATS president.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) will be at booth 11128, participating in the Pro Talks Education Series. OOIDA’s focus will be on creating a business plan and highlighting the risks of predatory factoring. Andrew King and Paul Torlina from OOIDA will present on these crucial topics.

The Pro Talks sessions will be held in the East Hall at South Wing Room B104. These discussions provide a glimpse into OOIDA’s comprehensive Truck to Success program, scheduled for Oct. 22-24 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs, Mo.

MATS will feature various events, including the PKY Truck Beauty Championship, MATS Wall of Fame, ride and drives, 30 acres of free truck parking, and truck and tractor pulls. A Friday night concert with The Steel Woods, a Nashville-based country rock band, adds to the entertainment lineup.

To register and learn more about MATS, visit TruckingShow.com.

Photo: MATS

The post Don’t Miss out on Free MATS Registration – Deadline Growing Closer appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“MATS is the one event on the industry calendar that brings the entire industry together face-to-face to see the latest innovations and collaborate to define the future of trucking,” said Toby Young, MATS president. “MATS is the best opportunity for more than tens of thousands of trucking professionals to experience hands-on demonstrations and find solutions to improve their businesses.”

The renowned PKY Truck Beauty Championship, now in its 33rd consecutive year, will once again be a highlight of MATS. In addition to this exciting competition, attendees can look forward to educational talks, ride-and-drives, and a concert, making this year’s show more dynamic than ever.

If you have expertise in equipment, government regulations, operations, maintenance, technology, or other relevant subjects, MATS organizers are still on the lookout for speakers. Take the opportunity to share your knowledge by submitting the online form available on the truck show’s official website.

Act fast, as free early bird registration concludes on Feb. 28. For more details or to secure your spot, visit TruckingShow.com. Don’t miss out on the Mid-America Trucking Show – where industry excellence meets a world of opportunities!

Source: Land Line

Image: MATS

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