The trucking industry has long been viewed as a male-dominated field, but trailblazing women have steered its course in profound ways. These women, from drivers to executives, have broken through barriers with unwavering determination and ingenuity. Their contributions not only reshape the industry today but pave the way for future generations, inspiring progress and inclusivity.
“There are some impressive female trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the trucking industry,” shares Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, President and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT).
Source: Women in Trucking
The trucking industry holds a rich history of extraordinary women who defied expectations and left lasting legacies. Here are just a few of the inspiring pioneers who revolutionized the field.
Bertha Benz (1849–1944)
Although not directly tied to trucking, Bertha Benz’s influence on motorized transportation is indisputable. She played a crucial role in the evolution of motor vehicles, financially backing her husband Karl Benz’s automotive invention. Bertha’s bold decision to take an unprecedented test drive in 1888 highlighted the potential of motorized vehicles to reshape travel and logistics, ultimately laying the groundwork for the modern trucking industry.
Marie Luhring (1899–1970)
Marie Luhring shattered gender norms as one of America’s first female truck designers. Overcoming the odds, she became the first female associate of the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in 1920. Her groundbreaking work at the International Motor Company opened doors for women in the field of automotive and truck engineering, inspiring numerous generations of female designers to follow her lead.
Lillie Elizabeth Drennan (1897–1974)
Lillie Drennan holds the distinction of being the first licensed female truck driver in the United States. Co-founding Drennan Truck Line in 1929, she managed her Texas-based trucking company for over 24 years despite facing significant prejudice. Drennan’s unwavering determination and business acumen showed that talent and skill—not outdated notions of gender—define success in trucking.
Luella Bates (1897–1985)
When World War I left gaps in the workforce, Luella Bates rose to the challenge. Initially serving as a truck mechanic, Bates soon became the first woman officially hired as a truck driver by the Four Wheel Drive Auto Co. in Wisconsin. She excelled as both a test and commercial driver, proving that women could master demanding roles within the industry. Post-war, Bates championed women in trucking, urging them to enter and thrive in the field.
Women Driving Progress Today
Modern leaders are taking the torch from past pioneers, spearheading innovation and pushing for inclusivity within the trucking industry. The Women in Trucking Association recognizes these forward-thinking professionals through honors like the Influential Women in Trucking and Distinguished Woman in Logistics awards.
Tracy Rushing – RE Garrison Trucking
Tracy Rushing stands out as a key voice in trucking safety and workforce equality. Serving as Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at RE Garrison Trucking, Rushing has integrated advanced safety measures and driven initiatives to increase women’s participation in the field. Her efforts have been widely recognized, including her 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking award from WIT. A member of organizations like the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), Rushing exemplifies the balance of innovation and inclusivity needed for the industry’s future.
Shelley Simpson – J.B. Hunt Transport
Shelley Simpson’s career at J.B. Hunt Transport reflects consistent leadership excellence. Starting as a customer service representative in 1994, Simpson rose through the ranks to become President and CEO. She’s played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s business operations and technology innovations, including the development of J.B. Hunt 360°, a proprietary platform aimed at increasing freight efficiency. Her career path demonstrates how understanding every level of a business can lead to impactful, forward-thinking leadership.
Honoring Women’s Contributions to Trucking
Women have had—and continue to have—a profound impact on the trucking industry. From historic pioneers like Luella Bates and Lillie Drennan to modern change-makers like Tracy Rushing and Shelley Simpson, these women are challenging stereotypes, driving innovation, and reshaping the industry landscape for future generations.
Their stories remind us that success depends on talent and perseverance, not gender. To explore more about influential women shaping the trucking industry, visit resources provided by the Women in Trucking Association.
Source: Women in Trucking
