Spotlight on the Finalists

The three finalists for 2026 bring a wide range of experience and achievements:

Eileen Dabrowski — Founder and CEO, Apex Tide Consulting

Dabrowski established Apex Tide Consulting in 2025 to help transportation and logistics companies strengthen leadership teams and improve organizational performance. Her experience spans sales, marketing, learning and development, and strategic planning. Before founding Apex Tide, she held leadership roles at private and publicly traded transportation companies where she built training programs, led key initiatives, and contributed to enterprise growth. Dabrowski has received industry recognition, including the DEI Pioneer Award, Leading Lady in Logistics, and TMSA Member of the Year. She continues to influence the industry through consulting, speaking engagements, and active participation in logistics associations.

Aurélie Doucette — Vice President of Dedicated Contract Carriage Operations, Penske Logistics

Doucette has more than twenty years of logistics experience and currently manages dedicated contract carriage operations for Penske Logistics. She moved from France to pursue an MBA at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis and began her career at Transfreight in 2001. Over time, she advanced into leadership roles overseeing multiple accounts. After Penske acquired Transfreight in 2015, Doucette continued to shape operations across all product lines. She focuses on mentorship, customer relationship management, and team development. Doucette also serves as executive champion for Penske’s Women’s Business Resource Group and has received the President’s Award twice.

Erin Mitchell — Chief Operating Officer, YMX Logistics

Mitchell joined YMX Logistics in 2024 to lead yard and trucking operations as well as human resources, IT, customer success, engineering, fleet safety, and maintenance. She brings over twenty years of experience from Kraft Heinz, where she managed logistics across more than one hundred warehouses and five North American distribution networks. At YMX, Mitchell focuses on modernizing outsourced yard operations and improving safety, sustainability, and overall performance. She is a strong advocate for expanding opportunities for women. More than half of recent leadership hires at YMX have been women. Her awards include Supply Chain Pros to Know 2026, Women in Supply Chain Award Trailblazers, Global Trade Magazine’s Women in Logistics list, and WIT’s Top Women to Watch in Transportation.

Why This Award Matters

The Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award honors professionals who combine operational expertise, leadership, and strategic vision. Finalists are chosen based on their accomplishments, mentorship, and measurable contributions to the logistics and transportation industry. This year’s group reflects a mix of consulting expertise, operational leadership, and innovative strategies that continue to influence logistics at every level.

The post Three Industry Leaders Named 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award Finalists appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The announcement came during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The event highlights women who continue raising the bar across trucking through consistency, professionalism, and long-term impact.

A Career Built Over Decades

Brown’s career spans 46 years, covering everything from running as an independent owner-operator to managing operations for a specialized refrigerated fleet. She currently serves as operations manager at Blackjack Express LLC while still spending time behind the wheel hauling heavy, oversize, and refrigerated freight.

Her background includes launching Rollin’ B LLC and steadily building a reputation rooted in safety, reliability, and leadership. Over time, that consistency has turned into a legacy recognized across the industry.

She has also earned multiple honors throughout her career, including the National Association of Small Trucking Companies Woman Driver of the Year Award, the TA Petro Citizen Driver Award, and recognition as an inaugural inductee at the Mid-America Trucking Show Wall of Fame.

Leadership Beyond the Driver’s Seat

Brown has been involved with the Women In Trucking Association since 2007 as a charter member. She is now serving her second term on the board of directors and works as a liaison to the Women In Trucking Foundation board.

Her influence goes beyond titles. She has contributed as a safety collaborator with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and has spent years mentoring other drivers while staying active in her community.

Her story also includes personal resilience, having survived melanoma cancer three times while continuing to stay engaged in the industry.

Recognition From Industry Leaders

Her selection for Driver of the Year reflects how peers and leadership view her impact.

“We are proud to recognize Ingrid, whose tireless commitment to excellence, safety, and empowering women in this industry sets a standard that inspires us all,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO.

That same respect is echoed by others who have worked alongside her.

“Ingrid consistently operates with the highest standards of safety, reliability, and integrity, understanding that her actions reflect not only on her company, but on the trucking industry as a whole,” said Kristy Knichel, president of Knichel Logistics. “Through her actions, attitude, and dedication, she elevates the profession and inspires those around her.”

What the Award Represents

The Driver of the Year Award, presented with support from Walmart, focuses on individuals who consistently prioritize safety while helping shape how the public views trucking.

“Walmart is proud to sponsor the Driver of the Year award because it reflects our commitment to safety, excellence, and a culture of belonging across transportation,” said Ryan McDaniel, Walmart senior vice president, transportation. “Ingrid Brown embodies what this recognition stands for: a seasoned professional whose leadership, safety advocacy, and dedication to the industry have made a meaningful impact. Congrats to Ingrid for being named Driver of the Year.”

Finalists Recognized Alongside Brown

Brown was selected from a strong group of finalists, each bringing their own contributions to the profession:

Fabiola Campos-Buenavista, professional driver and driver development instructor, FedEx Freight
Gina Jones, company driver, Werner
KellyLynn McLaughlin, national transportation driver, dump and roll off, Clean Harbors Environmental Services

Why This Recognition Matters

Awards like this highlight what many already know. Long careers built on safety, consistency, and mentorship don’t just move freight. They shape the future of trucking.

Brown’s story reflects what’s possible when experience meets leadership and when drivers stay committed to doing the job right year after year.

The post Ingrid Brown Earns WIT 2026 Driver of the Year Recognition appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list honors women for their career accomplishments, their influence on company success, and their contributions to the broader industry,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT President and CEO. “These professionals exemplify the mission and values of Women In Trucking and are impressive leaders to watch in our industry.”

Katy Payne’s Impact on Truck Drivers USA

Katy has built her career from the ground up, gaining hands-on experience in trucking and the challenges drivers face every day. She began focusing on driver retention and then expanded into creating communities where drivers can learn, gain recognition, and thrive. Today, her work guides Truck Drivers USA’s community growth and development strategy.

As Operations Manager, Katy serves as the consistent voice for drivers at Truck Drivers USA. She works to improve the professional image of truck drivers while ensuring they are connected with companies that value and support their careers. Her approach combines operational discipline with empathy, making her a trusted leader in the company’s ongoing evolution.

Key Achievements Over the Past 12–18 Months

• Haul of Fame Launch – Katy developed the Haul of Fame section of the Truck Drivers USA website, giving drivers recognition and visibility to elevate their professional standing.
• Enhanced Driver-to-Company Matching – She led the development of a matching algorithm that connects drivers with companies aligned with their skills, goals, and values.
• Driver Career Coaching Program – Katy is actively developing a career coaching solution to help drivers maximize earning potential and career growth with driver-focused carriers.

Supporting Women in Trucking

Katy also coaches women within Truck Drivers USA, helping them expand their transportation knowledge and understand how economic factors impact drivers and carriers. By amplifying driver stories, she highlights professionalism and diversity in the industry and helps broaden public perception of trucking careers.

About the Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch Program

The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list, now in its ninth year, recognizes women across a variety of roles, including operations, corporate management, sales, HR, technology, and professional driving. Selection is based on character and measurable accomplishments over the past 12 to 18 months. This year’s list includes 75 women from a range of companies, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and industry impact.

Looking Ahead

Katy Payne’s recognition reflects her leadership in building communities for drivers, supporting professional development, and advancing the trucking industry. Her work at Truck Drivers USA continues to strengthen the connection between drivers and the companies that value them, setting a standard for operational excellence and advocacy in transportation.

Congratulations, Katy!

The post Katy Payne of Truck Drivers USA Recognized on the 2026 Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch List appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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.

A Growing Health Concern Drivers Should Know About

Over the last two decades, researchers have flagged a troubling shift. While overall cancer rates are trending down, colorectal cancer is moving in the opposite direction, especially among younger adults.

Cases in people under 55 have nearly doubled. The National Cancer Institute now identifies colorectal cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related death among people ages 20 to 49, adding urgency to what’s already a concerning rise in younger diagnoses. Even more concerning, diagnoses at younger ages are often more aggressive, making early detection even more critical.

Globally, colorectal cancer now ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, accounting for nearly one million deaths each year.

Why This Hits the Trucking Industry Hard

Many of the known risk factors for colorectal cancer overlap with the realities of long-haul driving:

• Diets high in processed or low-nutrient foods
• Frequent consumption of red meat and limited access to fresh options
• Sedentary workdays with long hours behind the wheel
• Higher rates of tobacco use
• Limited opportunities for regular exercise

There are also environmental concerns, like pollutants and chemicals, that may play a role. While no single cause has been identified, the combination of these factors puts drivers in a higher-risk category.

Free Screening Options Built for Life on the Road

Recognizing these challenges, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) has expanded access to preventive care through its Get Preventive Screenings (GPS) program.

This initiative is designed specifically for Class A CDL over-the-road drivers who struggle to find time for traditional medical visits. The program provides free screening kits that can be completed at home or even while out on a run.

Screenings currently available include:

• Prostate cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Cervical cancer

With newer testing methods, colorectal screenings no longer require a clinic visit. These FDA-approved tests use a simple sample and deliver results in minutes, helping drivers take action without disrupting their schedule.

When Should Drivers Start Screening?

Standard guidelines recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45. But with rising cases in younger adults, SCF encourages a more proactive approach.

Drivers can request an annual FIT test at any age. For those with a family history, such as a parent or sibling diagnosed with colorectal cancer, screening should begin 10 years earlier than the age at which their relative was diagnosed.

The message is simple: don’t wait for symptoms to show up.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Colorectal cancer often starts quietly, which is why screening matters. Still, there are symptoms drivers should take seriously:

• Ongoing changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Feeling like the bowel doesn’t fully empty
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, including cramps or bloating
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Sudden weight loss

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they do mean it’s time to talk to a medical professional.

Early Detection Keeps You on the Road Longer

There’s some encouraging news. Survival rates for colorectal cancer continue to improve, largely because of earlier detection and better screening tools.

For drivers, that means taking a few minutes now could prevent a major health setback later. Catching cancer early not only increases survival rates, but it can also reduce downtime, protect your livelihood, and keep you moving.

Take the Next Step

Health often takes a backseat in this industry, but it doesn’t have to. Programs like SCF’s GPS are removing barriers and making it easier than ever to stay on top of your health.

If you’re running hard and putting off checkups, this is one step you can take without missing a load.

Register for your free screening kit here.

The post Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Why Truck Drivers Shouldn’t Skip This Free Screening Opportunity appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The annual recognition program is sponsored by Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops.

“We’re incredibly proud to see these drivers receive such an esteemed honor,” said Todd Wilson, vice president of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. Their consistent commitment, integrity, and work ethic set a powerful example each day. They represent the values we stand for at Love’s, and we’re honored to champion their continued influence within the trucking industry.”

José Samperio, vice president and general manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., also expressed pride in the event: “It’s a privilege to help recognize these outstanding professionals who play a vital role in keeping our industry moving forward. Their dedication to high standards on the road and meaningful contributions to their communities make a significant and enduring difference.”

The five honorees represent a range of fleets and backgrounds, but each shares a track record of safety, leadership, and long-term commitment to the profession.

A Career Built on Service and Mentorship – Marcia Luchenbill

Marcia Luchenbill, a company driver with Knight Transportation’s El Paso terminal for six years, has accumulated nearly 650,000 career miles, including more than 193,000 accident-free miles in the past two years. A military veteran and mother of three, she has also mentored 22 female drivers in two and a half years as a trainer.

“Trucking is really a good fit for me,” says the married mother of three teens.

Her record reflects consistent safety performance and a steady presence on demanding routes. Luchenbill’s professionalism earned her selection as a Knight Fleet of Heroes driver, one of the company’s highest honors. She also continues her lifelong commitment to service through veteran-focused initiatives, including three Wreaths Across America Arlington convoys.

Millions of Miles Without a Preventable Accident – Nick Barboza

Nick Barboza has spent 27 years with Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., logging more than 3.5 million miles and earning membership in the company’s 120 Club, equivalent to circling the globe 120 times without a preventable accident. In addition to maintaining that record, he has trained new drivers throughout his career.

“Through the years I’ve learned that not everybody learns the same way,” Barboza said. “I look for the easiest way for the new drivers to learn — when they start to get it, and you can see it on their face, I love that.”

Off the road, he and his wife have fostered more than 30 children and adopted four, quietly serving their community through acts of generosity and faith.

Four Decades in Specialized Hauling – Tommy Cash

Tommy Cash, a driver with CAST Specialty Transportation, has spent 22 years supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s WIPP program, hauling legacy nuclear waste as part of a small group of drivers nationwide entrusted with this critical assignment. His career spans more than four decades and an estimated 3.675 million miles.

“One of the highlights of my career has been training new drivers. It makes me feel good helping somebody start a new career and do it the right way.”

Beyond his driving record, Cash plays a key role in training and evaluating new hires, shaping CAST Specialty’s hiring and training practices, and mentoring other drivers across the fleet.

A Veteran’s Approach to the Highway – Richard Fertig

Richard Fertig, a 23-year Army veteran with Smith Transport, has driven over three million safe miles. Known for reliability, preparation, and quiet leadership, Fertig approaches every trip as a learning opportunity.

“My life is the highway,” Fertig said. “In my 28 years driving, it’s just been a joy to get out there and meet a lot of people.”

“I’ve had people call me at all hours of the day and night,” he said. “Every day out here, I learn something different.”

Building Community Through Training – Jesus Acevedo-Soto

Jesus Acevedo-Soto, affectionately known as “Avocado,” is a driver for Swift Transportation. Known for vigilance, skill, and respect on the road, he has also trained multiple generations of drivers who stay connected as a peer support network called the “Guac Squad.”

“The Guac Squad just kind of happened naturally,” said Soto, a married father of three. “It became a community of drivers that helped and supported each other. We use this to get camaraderie back in the business.”

He later added, “There are no two days alike in this industry. I love it — it’s truly a passion.”

Soto became the company’s youngest Million Mile Driver at age 28 and has earned multiple Diamond Driver distinctions for maintaining elite safety, fuel efficiency, and mileage standards for 36 consecutive months. Beyond driving, he participates in Children’s Miracle Network fundraising, blood donations, and youth coaching.

Nominations for the 2027 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For more information, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.

The post Truckload Carriers Association Names 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The organization is offering free cervical cancer screening kits to female over-the-road drivers nationwide, allowing them to complete the process privately and on their own schedule.

“Access to preventative care can be incredibly challenging for women who spend weeks at a time on the road,” said Lindsey Bryan, health & wellness manager at SCF. “By offering free, discreet, at-home cervical cancer screening kits, we’re removing barriers and meeting female drivers where they are. Early detection saves lives, and we want every woman in trucking to have access to that peace of mind.”

How the Screening Program Works

The cervical cancer kits expand SCF’s existing lineup of preventative screenings for professional drivers. The nonprofit already provides at-home and on-the-road prostate and colon or colorectal cancer screening kits.

Female OTR drivers can request a cervical cancer kit directly through SCF’s website by selecting the Cervical Cancer Screening option. Once submitted, the information goes straight to a St. Christopher Health and Wellness Case Manager. That case manager completes the registration and arranges shipment of the kit to the driver’s preferred location, whether that is a home address, carrier terminal, or P.O. Box.

Drivers complete the screening in private and return it using a pre-addressed, stamped envelope. Results are delivered within seven to ten days. If a test returns positive, the driver is offered a free Telehealth appointment for follow-up consultation.

SCF emphasized the importance of early action, stating, “Cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable when detected early.”

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 14,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. When caught early, the five-year survival rate is approximately 91 percent. That rate drops significantly if the disease spreads, making regular screening a critical safeguard.

A Growing Population on the Road

Health access matters even more as the number of women in long-haul trucking continues to grow. The Women In Trucking Association has reported that women now represent approximately 9.5 percent of professional OTR drivers. With more than 2.2 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver jobs reported in 2024 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, that percentage translates to more than 200,000 female OTR drivers currently operating nationwide.

“Women in trucking play a vital role in keeping our supply chain moving,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of Women In Trucking Association. “Programs like this demonstrate a true commitment to supporting women drivers beyond the cab. Providing free cervical cancer screenings helps ensure women have access to preventative care no matter where the road takes them.”

Beyond Emergency Relief

SCF remains the only nationwide nonprofit providing short-term financial assistance to Class A OTR drivers who have experienced an illness or injury within the last 365 days that forced them out of work. Alongside financial relief, the organization also offers multiple free health and wellness programs aimed at keeping drivers healthy and on the job.

Those programs include nicotine cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers.

Female OTR drivers who want to request a cervical cancer screening kit or learn more about other available screenings can do so through the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund website.

For an industry that depends on long hours and long miles, initiatives like this bring preventative care closer to the people who keep freight moving every day.

Source: The Trucker

The post Free At-Home Cervical Cancer Screenings Now Available for Female OTR Drivers Through SCF appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has partnered with the National Safety Council (NSC) to highlight these critical issues in the Safety Is Personal series. NSC President and CEO Lorraine Martin and WIT President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, discussed the importance of safety in the trucking industry and how it impacts drivers daily.

View the conversation between Hedrick and Martin.

Making Safety Personal

The Safety Is Personal series emphasizes real stories and lessons that shape how trucking leaders prioritize safety. For Hedrick, safety is not abstract. She focuses on ensuring that drivers, especially those in underserved segments, return home each day safely.

In her interview with Martin, Hedrick discussed major safety challenges that extend beyond vehicle operation. These include awareness of surroundings, the lack of safe and accessible truck parking, and how harassment and discrimination can influence safety outcomes for drivers.

Hands-On Training With a Purpose

As part of the collaboration, Hedrick coached Martin on driving a commercial truck using the WITney Educational Trailer simulator. The interactive experience demonstrates how training and awareness can prevent accidents and support drivers on the road.

Why These Discussions Matter

Truck driving is a demanding profession. Long hours, tight schedules, and extended time away from home create stress that affects both safety and performance. Research shows that female truck drivers experience harassment and discrimination more frequently than their male counterparts, which can directly impact safety and retention.

Hedrick and Martin stress situational awareness as a critical skill. Drivers must stay alert to hazards, vehicle behavior, and environmental conditions. Addressing challenges like commercial truck parking shortages ensures drivers make safer decisions while complying with hours-of-service rules.

Advancing Industry Safety

WIT and NSC’s collaboration promotes a culture of care that goes beyond compliance. Their combined efforts highlight respect, preparedness, and proactive risk management. The conversation encourages all stakeholders in the trucking industry to prioritize safety as a central value that protects drivers, supports their careers, and ensures the safe delivery of goods across the country.

Through initiatives like Safety Is Personal, WIT continues to advocate for inclusion, driver safety, and the professional advancement of women in trucking.

Source: Women In Trucking

The post Safety First for Truck Drivers: How WIT and NSC Are Driving a Culture of Care appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The first episodes feature Image Team members Kellylynn and Ashley in a peer-to-peer format, interviewing one another about their daily lives as professional drivers. The conversations focus on practical realities, routines, road challenges, career progression, and what it truly takes to succeed in trucking today.

Rather than scripted messaging, the format highlights unscripted driver perspectives. For industry stakeholders, this offers an authentic view into how professional drivers describe their work, their growth, and their long-term career outlook.

Ashley discusses her path beyond standard over-the-road driving. In addition to operating commercially, she works as a trainer and crane operator. Her experience illustrates how CDL careers can expand into specialized roles that require additional skill development and responsibility.

The Image Team initiative was created to elevate the visibility of women across different sectors of the trucking industry. This new video format builds on that mission by giving drivers space to share first-hand experiences that resonate with both working professionals and those considering entering the field.

New episodes will be released every other week and will feature additional Image Team members.

View Kellylynn and Ashley’s interviews and subscribe to the Women In Trucking YouTube channel here.

Source: Women In Trucking

The post Women In Trucking Debuts Driver-to-Driver Interview Series Highlighting Image Team Voices appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

WIT is encouraging eligible companies to complete a confidential survey that gathers workforce data on women employed in a range of roles, including leadership, operational, and professional driving positions. The information collected will be used to produce the 2026–27 WIT Index, which is published every two years.

What the WIT Index measures

The WIT Index serves as an industry barometer that measures and tracks the percentage of women working in key transportation roles. Those roles include corporate management, functional positions, and professional truck drivers holding commercial driver’s licenses.

WIT said the updated Index will continue to provide a consistent way for the industry to evaluate progress and identify long-term workforce trends related to women’s participation.

Who is invited to participate

The association is inviting a broad range of transportation organizations to submit data, including:

• For-hire trucking companies
• Private fleets
• Transportation intermediaries
• Railroads
• Ocean carriers
• Equipment manufacturers
• Technology companies

Companies are asked to report the percentage of women employed in various workforce categories. WIT emphasized that all data will be kept strictly confidential and reported only as aggregated totals.

An authorized company representative must complete survey submissions.

Survey timeline and participation benefits

The survey is currently live and will remain open through April 17, 2026. Companies can submit their data online at womenintrucking.org/index.

Organizations that participate will receive an executive summary of the 2026–27 WIT Index at no cost. WIT said the summary allows companies to benchmark their own hiring and talent management practices involving women against broader industry data.

Why the data matters

WIT President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick said the Index plays a critical role in providing reliable, data-driven insight into workforce participation trends.

“Monitoring women’s involvement in a male-populated industry like transportation is critical so that statistically valid data can be used to evaluate progress made in this area,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “The association created the WIT Index in 2016 to monitor the industry’s progress in women’s involvement among key roles, including corporate leaders and supervisors, technicians, safety directors, human resources, dispatchers, and professional truck drivers.”

Highlights from the most recent WIT Index

The most recent 2024–25 WIT Index showed a notable presence of women in leadership and governance roles across the industry.

According to WIT’s findings:

• About 28% of C-suite and executive positions were held by women
• 34.5% of supervisory leadership roles were held by women
• 29.5% of board of director positions were held by women

For the first time, the 2024–25 Index also reported the percentage of professional truck drivers with CDLs who are women, segmented by company size.

Women CDL driver representation by company size

The data showed variations based on workforce size:

• Micro and small companies with fewer than 500 employees reported that 12.5% of their CDL-holding professional drivers were women
• Medium and large enterprises with 500 to 4,999 employees reported that approximately 10.5% of their CDL driver workforce was women
• Major enterprises with more than 5,000 employees reported that approximately 7% of their CDL driver population was women

WIT said collecting updated data in the current survey cycle will help the industry better understand how these figures are shifting over time and where additional focus may be needed.

The association encourages eligible companies to participate to ensure the next WIT Index reflects a comprehensive and accurate snapshot of today’s transportation workforce.

Source: Truckers News

The post Women In Trucking Requests Industry Data for Updated WIT Index appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.