Based in Arlington, the organization continues to recognize individuals who advance the industry through leadership, performance, and day-to-day contributions that keep freight moving.

“Part of WIT’s mission is to recognize women for their career accomplishments, their meaningful impact on the success of their companies, and their contributions to the industry at large,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO. “These 75 professionals exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the Women In Trucking Association and truly are impressive women to watch in our industry.”

How the List Is Selected

The recognition comes from the editorial team at Redefining the Road, the official magazine of WIT. Honorees are chosen based on their character and what they have accomplished over the past 12 to 18 months.

According to Brian Everett, group publisher and editorial director, the program has recognized standout professionals in trucking for nine years. Over that time, it has grown into a benchmark for identifying leaders across all corners of the business.

A Look at Where These Leaders Work

This year’s group reflects just how broad the trucking industry really is. The women recognized represent motor carriers, third-party logistics providers, equipment manufacturers, private fleets, technology companies, and professional service firms.

Their roles cover a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Corporate management
• Operations and fleet oversight
• Sales and marketing
• Human resources and driver support
• Safety and compliance
• Technology and engineering
• Professional driving and maintenance

For drivers and industry stakeholders, that range matters. It shows how many different roles come together to keep trucks moving safely and efficiently every day.

2026 Top Women to Watch in Trucking

The full list of honorees for 2026 includes:

• Ana Maria Arce, senior manager corporate sustainability & governance, Bridgestone.
• Allison Athey, vice president, vocational sales, Daimler Truck North America.
• Jessica Bareford, director, sales training & enablement, Estes Express Lines.
• Sophia Bernard, member partner, Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard PL.
• Molly Borkgren, enterprise account executive, 3PL, XPO Inc.
• Gina Bowker, PDC manager – Renton, PACCAR Parts.
• Lesley Boyd, vice president, operations & dedicated implementation, Lew Thompson and Son Trucking.
• Shahera Brailey, engineering manager, senior, International.
• Lori Brooks, vice president, marketing & customer experience, ArcBest.
• Wanda Brooks, compliance manager, R.E. Garrison Trucking Inc.
• Maggie Burns, director – national accounts west, Old Dominion Freight Line.
• Stacia Capponi, vice president of client services, Conversion Interactive Agency.
• Kate Chauvin, senior director of client operations, Ancora Training.
• Alison Cochran, assistant chief engineer, Peterbilt Motors Company.
• Lisa Cook, district sales manager, ThermoKing.
• Eileen Dabrowski, founder & CEO, Apex Tide Consulting.
• Heike Dasilva, group director of national sales, Ryder System Inc.
• Tammy Deschler, field operations & safety specialist, YMX Logistics.
• Rachael Doyle, executive vice president, client services, Fleetworthy.
• Tamara Draeger, CEO, Cannonball Express Transportation.
• Alicia Echols, director, safety & compliance, Bennett Heavy & Specialized LLC.
• Lisa Fingard, vice president – HR, TransX Ltd.
• Shaneka Fredrick, director II, operations, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.
• Michelle Gentile, vice president – vehicle supply, Penske Truck Leasing.
• Amber Harbold, regional terminal manager, Quality Carriers Inc.
• Melinda Herrera, district health & safety manager SOCAL, UPS.
• Allison Hughes, contractor relations manager, Bennett Motor Express LLC.
• Natalie Jackson, senior tractor technician, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.
• Chelsey Johnston, director, HR, XPO Inc.
• Shanna Kearns, vice president of corporate accounting, Peach State Truck Centers.
• Tysha Kendall, driver, tractor-trailer, WM.
• Jessie Kilgore, customized solutions manager, FedEx Freight.
• Lori Kincannon, CRO, McKinney Trailers.
• Kimberly Knight, president & CEO, Kim’s Trucker Services LLC.
• Maribeth Knueve, senior vice president of sales & marketing, Marten Transport Ltd.
• Renee Krug, CEO, Transflo.
• Julie Lawson, credit & risk manager, Direct Traffic Solutions.
• Michelle LeBlanc, CEO & founder, Drop & Hook.
• Andrea Lewis Browne, supply chain manager & quality manager, Great Dane.
• Shantel Lockett, vice president, controller, Trimac Transportation.
• Keinna McKnight, senior vice president of HR, Clean Harbors.
• Rhonda McKown, group technical safety engineer, Ryder System Inc.
• Gerri McLamb, director of transportation, Performance Foodservice – Virginia.
• Donna Miller, senior vice president, Liberty Career Finance.
• Tracey Miller, director of recruiting, Tri-National Inc.
• Amy Molski, national sales manager, Echo Global Logistics.
• Maeve Mueller, IT security & governance, Bridgestone.
• Jaime Oglesby, on-site trainer (lead driver), TA Dedicated.
• Liz Ormond, senior director, parcel transportation, Walmart.
• Maegan Ortega, HR director, Kenworth Truck Company.
• Lisa Paul, executive vice president, transportation practice leader, Alliant Insurance Services Inc.
• Katy Payne, operations manager, Truck Drivers USA.
• Brigid Plamondon, key account manager, C.H. Robinson.
• Kristyn Popejoy, director of NA materials, Peterbilt Motors Company.
• Angela Prill, vice president – intermodal network management, Schneider.
• Michelle Randazzo, CFO, Daimler Truck North America.
• Becky Reynolds, transportation manager, Dot Transportation.
• Christa Rugova, senior director, business support services, PLM Fleet.
• Nicole Sapienza, managing member, Coastwide Marine Services LLC, Evans Network.
• Susan Scott, senior key account manager, Circle K Pro.
• Shelley Sheagley, senior vice president, products, Aurora Parts.
• Shayna Sweet, manager of dealer services & operations administration, Fleet Advantage.
• Samantha Thompson, vice president, customer success & fleet telematics, Penske.
• Lesley Veldstra Killingsworth, vice president of pricing & market strategy, Polaris Transportation Group.
• Rachel Wagner, senior project engineer – vehicle programs, Kodiak AI.
• Becki Wagoner, vice president of strategic innovation & technology, May Trucking Company.
• Mandy Wells, vice president, finance, Great Dane.
• Katie White, vice president, labor, employment, ethics & compliance counsel, RXO.
• Melissa Wiesheier, district manager, WM.
• Amanda Worthen, director of driver employment, Roehl Transport.
• Cassie X. Lee, director of national accounts – Kenworth, PACCAR Financial Corp.
• Tiffini Young, VP of customer service & planning, Bay & Bay Transportation.
• Jessica Yurko, director of marketing, The Evans Network of Companies.
• Holly Zandstra, CFO, Weller Truck Parts.
• Rebecca Zeman, functional lead, enterprise transformation, International.

Why This Matters for the Industry

For drivers, fleet managers, and decision makers, recognition like this highlights the people shaping how the industry operates today. From safety programs to fleet efficiency, from driver training to technology, these roles influence what happens both on the road and behind the scenes.

This year’s program is sponsored by XPO Inc., and those recognized will be featured in an upcoming edition of Redefining the Road magazine as well as online here.

The post WIT Names 2026 Top Women to Watch in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Source: Women In Trucking

The 2025 Driver of the Year Finalists

• Ericka Norfleet, Owner-Operator, R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc.

• Gina Jones, Company Driver, Werner

• Kathy Blaies, Professional Carhauler, United Road

• Sandy Winters, Company Driver, Leonard’s Express

The winner of this prestigious honor will be announced during WIT’s “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel” ceremony, which takes place on Friday, March 28, at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ericka Norfleet (R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc.)

Source: WIT (Erica Norfleet)

Ericka Norfleet is a proud owner operator associated with R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc., who has carved out an impressive career since earning her CDL in 2015. With more than one million safe miles logged on the road, she exemplifies professionalism, safety, and teamwork.

For Norfleet, trucking is more than just a job; it’s a family lifestyle. Together with her husband, she has spent nearly nine years as part of a driving team while raising their seven children. Her dedication to safety, coupled with her deep connection to the trucking community, makes her a standout in the industry.

Gina Jones (Werner)

Source: WIT (Gina Jones)

Gina Jones, a company driver for Werner, has seamlessly transitioned from a career in retail management to becoming a force in the trucking world. She earned her CDL at the age of 50 and has since accumulated an impressive 2.5 million accident-free miles.

Her accolades include the 2024 TA Citizen Driver Award, the Werner Safe Driver Award, and the President’s Safe Driver Club Award presented by the Nebraska Trucking Association. Jones’ leadership shines through her advocacy work as a former ATA America’s Road Team Captain and Werner Road Team member. Driving a specialty-wrapped truck that honors military service members, Jones is a part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet. Off duty, she mentors aspiring drivers, supports charitable causes, and takes joy in riding her Harley Davidson or spending time with her grandchildren.

Kathy Blaies (United Road)

Source: WIT (Kathy Blaise)

With over two decades in the driver’s seat, Kathy Blaies has redefined the standards of car-hauling excellence. Blaies has maintained a damage-free career while driving more than one million miles, earning the Gold Elite Driver Award four times and the Damage Free Elite Award twice.

Known affectionately by her peers as “Carhaul Kathy,” she is admired for her meticulous attention to safety, professionalism, and mentorship within the industry. Her dedication to efficiency and quality not only leads by example but also inspires the next generation of professional car haulers.

Sandy Winters (Leonard’s Express)

Source: WIT (Sandy Winters)

Sandy Winters has dedicated over three decades to driving excellence as a company driver for Leonard’s Express. After serving four years in the U.S. Army, she entered the trucking industry in 1993 with the encouragement of a friend who noticed her innate skill with large vehicles.

Throughout her career, Winters has operated a variety of vehicles, from ink tankers to flatbeds, and navigated routes across the U.S. and Canada. Her work ethic, passion for mentoring the next generation, and commitment to the industry have earned her widespread respect. According to Winters, trucking isn’t just what she does; it’s what she loves, and she strives for excellence every single day.

Join the Celebration

Don’t miss the reveal of the 2025 Driver of the Year award winner during WIT’s “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel” event at the Mid-America Trucking Show. This recognition marks yet another milestone for women paving the way in the transportation sector.

Congratulations to these remarkable women who continue to inspire and redefine excellence in trucking.

Source: Truckers News

The post Meet the Finalists for Women in Trucking’s 2025 Driver of the Year Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“This award highlights the remarkable talent and contributions of women who inspire and drive positive change in our industry. We encourage nominations for this award to celebrate those who are shaping the future of logistics and setting the standard for excellence,” shared Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT.

This prestigious honor is open to accomplished women making a mark in logistics, such as freight brokerage, third-party logistics (3PL), supply chain management, and related sectors.

The award is an annual recognition of outstanding women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, drive innovation, and maintain a steadfast commitment to excellence within the logistics and trucking fields.

For those interested in nominating an industry leader or learning more about the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award, please visit the Women in Trucking website at www.womenintrucking.org/distinguished-woman-in-logistics. Nominations must be submitted by February 12, 2025.

The winner will be unveiled at the TIA 2025 Capital Ideas Conference, scheduled for April 11 in San Antonio.

“Since 2007, the Women in Trucking Association has been encouraging women to join and thrive in the transportation industry,” shared Chris Burroughs, president and CEO of TIA. “TIA is a proud supporter of WIT and the accomplished women driving the industry.”

This is your chance to spotlight a trailblazing woman who has left a significant impact on the logistics industry—submit your nomination today!

Source: Truckers News

The post Nominations Now Open for 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Voting Criteria

When casting your vote, consider the following factors:

• A corporate culture that supports gender diversity

• Flexible hours and work requirements

• Competitive compensation

• Quality benefits, such as paid maternity leave

• Access to training, continued education, and development

• Opportunities for career advancement

• Well-maintained and safe equipment, and facilities for drivers

• Other relevant factors

You can find the list of companies up for voting here.

Important Details

• Voting Deadline: Friday, June 28

• Maximum Votes: You can select up to 10 companies you believe deserve recognition.

• Voting Integrity: Only one vote per device is allowed to maintain the integrity of the voting process.

Recognition and Awards

The companies that receive the most votes from the industry will be named in the 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation list. The top 30 companies will be honored as “The Elite 30” and recognized at the WIT’s 2024 Accelerate! Conference & Expo during a special event on November 11.

Help us celebrate the companies making a difference in the trucking industry for women. Cast your vote today!

Source: The Trucker

The post Vote for the Best Transportation Companies for Women in 2024 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Her career is full of accomplishments, including multiple regional driver-of-the-year awards and safety recognitions. In January 2024, Edwards surpassed the remarkable milestone of 2 Million Safe Miles.

“I am greatly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Edwards said. “I want to thank my family for their support and patience, J.B. Hunt for providing me with the opportunity and leadership, and Women In Trucking for all they do to make driving a better career option for women. I do what I do because I love it, and I hope others will find as much joy and passion for being a driver as I have for decades.”

Edwards is the first-ever J.B. Hunt driver to receive this honor from WIT. Her exceptional contributions extend beyond the wheel, as she has served on WIT’s Image Team since 2016.

As an integral member of the Image Team, Edwards has played a pivotal role in mentoring aspiring professionals entering the trucking industry, while also championing the cause of promoting trucking as a rewarding career option for women. Her involvement includes hosting ride-alongs with government and organizational officials, participating in WIT events and panel discussions, and engaging in interviews with various media outlets, including WIT’s weekly radio show on SiriusXM.

“We are immensely proud of Jodi and the example she sets for our drivers and others in the industry,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services at J.B. Hunt. “Throughout her career, she has shown unwavering dedication to providing industry-leading service while enabling those around her with training and support. Her leadership speaks volumes to her integrity and professionalism, paving the way for her fellow drivers to follow.”

Furthermore, Edwards has dedicated over a decade to serving as a Smith System certified instructor and driver trainer, imparting invaluable knowledge and expertise to the next generation of safe driving professionals.

“Jodi’s fair and wise approach sets her apart, making her a great representative for all drivers in the industry,” said Mildred Hernandez, transportation manager at J.B. Hunt and Edwards’ manager for many years. “She consistently demonstrates her exceptional driving ability, reliability, and dedication to J.B. Hunt, surpassing all expectations over the 30-plus years I’ve spent in the industry.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Edwards exemplifies a spirit of philanthropy and community service. She has generously volunteered her time to support J.B. Hunt’s participation in Wreaths Across America, an annual event honoring fallen veterans during the holiday season.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Edwards will join over 50 esteemed drivers at J.B. Hunt’s corporate headquarters in Lowell, Arkansas, in May for the company’s 23rd annual Million Mile Celebration. This event serves as a tribute to drivers who have demonstrated exceptional safety records by achieving between 2 million and 5 million safe miles within the past year.

Since its inception in 1996, J.B. Hunt’s Million Mile Celebration has honored over 4,600 drivers, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of safety and excellence among its workforce. Edwards and her fellow Million Mile drivers represent the proud legacy of this enduring safety culture, which remains ingrained in the fabric of J.B. Hunt’s operations.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: J.B. Hunt

The post Women in Trucking Announces Driver of the Year Recipient appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“This year’s list is comprised of 75 impressive women who have excelled in their career in a male-populated industry,” said Brian Everett, group publisher and editorial director of WIT’s Redefining the Road magazine. “We are pleased to take this opportunity to shed light on the incredible achievements of these accomplished professionals.”

This year’s Top Women to Watch in Transportation are:

• Jessica Bennett, remarketing sales manager of Premier Truck Group
• Jennifer Biehn, vice president of human resources at The Evans Network of Companies
• Hannah Bryan, fleet solutions sales manager at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
• Heather Callahan, director of logistics at Daimler Truck North America
• Frances Craig-Watson, transportation feeder division manager-south Florida at UPS
• Katrina Cribbs, manager of national accounts customer support at Old Dominion Freight Line
• Brittany Cutler, business development manager at Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance
• Christina Davis, vice president of marketing & business relations at AMX
• Jenny DeArmond, corporate recruiter at Stoops Freightliner-Western Star
• Christina Denvit, senior director of dedicated contract solutions (DCS) operations at J.B. Hunt Transport
• Tracy Derival, marketing assistant at Fleet Advantage
• Tonyah Dillahunt, public relations and marketing communications manager at Peterbilt Motors Co.
• Tanika Dunlap, software development manager at Southeastern Freight Lines
• Sydney Emrich, senior manager of customer experience at J.B. Hunt Transport
• Abbi Failla, vice president of business operations at EASE Logistics
• Angela Fish, executive vice president of human resources at Schneider
• Tena Fisher, service center manager at XPO
• Melissa Forman, president and executive vice president at TriumphPay
• Melanie Franklin, group director of sales at Ryder System Inc.
• Paula Frey, chief human resources officer at Echo Global Logistics
• Lori Fulmer, vice president of enterprise human resources at Covenant Logistics
• Rosa Gamboa, business development manager at Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance
• Lauren Gassmann, operations manager at Booster
• Vanessa Gauci, senior transportation efficiency manager at Frito-Lay North America
• Armida Gonzalez, assistant plant manager of Peterbilt Motors Co.
• Angel Grable, manager of business operations learning at Werner Enterprises
• Mandy Graham, COO at Great West Casualty Co.
• Jodanna Hall, senior director of customer logistics transportation management at Ryder System Inc.
• Debra Hamlin, director of operations at Bridgestone Commercial Dealer Network-Bridgestone Americas
• Abby Hamm, vice president of sales at Covenant Logistics
• Lynne Hansen, national accounts sales executive, PLM Fleet
• Lauren Harper, senior strategist for business operations at Kodiak Robotics
• Gwen Hill, senior vice president of transportation and compliance at Clean Harbors
• Selin Hoboy, vice president of EHS and compliance at GFL Environmental
• Shannon Jedlicka, recruiting and compliance at ADM Trucking
• Megan Knight, director of product marketing at PACCAR Parts
• Hannah Koury, senior customer success manager, TA Dedicated
• Amy Lester, vice president of quality at Navistar
• Monica Maez, senior project manager at Standard Logistics
• Sylvia Mahfouz, director of recruiting at TCI Transportation
• Sue Maier, vice president of sales systems and analytics at Penske Truck Leasing
• Christina Mannella, senior director of the west transportation command center at Walmart
• Kelley Martin, director of pricing strategy at Daimler Truck North America
• Samantha McCracken, strategic operations manager at Bridgestone Americas
• Kris McLennan, vice president of yield management at A. Duie Pyle
• Megan Miller, director of commercial sales channel development at Bridgestone Americas
• Sarmona Miller, director of revenue management at Saia LTL Freight
• Leah Miller, director of culture and communication at Trimac
• Wendy Mitckes, tax manager at Navistar
• Alyssa Myers, vice president of technology at RXO
• Jill Nash, vice president of national accounts and brokers at GFL Environmental
• Nicole Neumann, vice president of human resources at XPO
• Cari Olive, people operations in human resources at Armstrong Transport Group
• Kaitlyn Olsen, director of human resources at Christensen
• Ann Peng, patent agent at Plus
• Caitlin Powell, director of communications and marketing at TA Dedicated
• Sarah Quick, associate vice president of safety and compliance-USA at Day & Ross
• Cassie Quien, director of business development at FreightVana Logistics
• Jessica Ramirez, vice president of human resources at Velocity Vehicle Group
• Beverly Ringstaff, vice president of brand & design at Conversion Interactive Agency
• Michelle Roberts, lead CDL instructor at FleetForce Truck Driver Training
• Lissette (Lisa) Rodriguez, talent acquisition supervisor at Air Products
• Martha Ross, account resolution team leader at Volvo Financial Services
• Suzanne Scalone, director of fleet operations at Performance Food Group
• Mary Schreiber, benefits and payroll manager at Tri-National Inc.
• Andrea Sequin, director of regulatory services and driver training at Schneider
• Heather Shirazi McAfee, engineering and strategic analytics manager at Saia LTL Freight
• Cindi Smith, operations specialist at Candor Expedite
• Pamela Stine, district manager at Waste Connections
• Abby Szafranski, head of product management-fleet at Irdeto
• Alexandria Uribe, senior director of total talent management at WM
• Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO at Waabi
• Khristine Vanzuiden, surface network planning manager at UPS
• Natalie Williams, vice president of client operations at Ancora Training
• Jaimie Wilson, learning and development manager at Atlantic Logistics

“For eight years, we’ve been pleased to recognize the accomplishments of women in transportation who make a significant impact to the industry and those around them,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. “These women exemplify the mission and values of the Women In Trucking Association and truly are top women to watch in our industry.”

Source: The Trucker

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