When it comes to building stronger teams and creating real opportunities for drivers and staff alike, Dee Dee Cox of Old Dominion Freight Line has set the bar high. The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) named Cox, vice president of human resources at Old Dominion Freight Line (OD), as the 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking, recognizing her leadership and dedication to making trucking a better, more inclusive industry for everyone on the road and behind the scenes.
The announcement took place at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, where industry leaders gathered to highlight the women shaping the future of transportation.
“Dee Dee’s leadership exemplifies the spirit of this award,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “Her dedication to professional development, inclusion, and a positive workplace culture reflects the very best of what this award celebrates. We are honored to recognize her contributions to the advancement of women in trucking.”
A Career Built on People and Purpose
Cox brings three decades of experience in human resources and workforce development, with a focus on several industries, including textiles, flooring, and transportation. At Old Dominion, she has played a major role in improving how the company recruits, trains, and retains its people—from the shop floor to the corporate office.
Through her leadership, OD’s management trainee, supervisor development, apprentice, and internship programs have opened new career paths for both men and women looking to build long-term futures in trucking. These efforts have helped raise retention rates and strengthen diversity across the company.
“I am thrilled and honored to be recognized as the recipient of this award. The real recognition goes to Old Dominion Freight Line for allowing me and the team to develop these programs. Our leaders at OD supported these opportunities, which have helped us continue to fulfill our vision of being the premier transportation provider while maintaining our unique OD Family atmosphere,” said Cox.
Supporting the Next Generation of Trucking Leaders
Cox was announced as the 2025 winner after taking part in a panel discussion titled “Becoming an Influential Woman in Trucking.” Other finalists included:
- Cindy Ellers, chief customer officer for Fleetworthy
- Katerina Jones, chief marketing officer for Fleet Advantage
- Leah Shaver, president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute
The panel was moderated by Jill Quinn, president of Centerline Drivers.
“We are honored to celebrate the incredible achievements of Dee Dee and all of this year’s finalists,” said Quinn. “At Centerline, we are committed to driving progress for women behind the wheel and across the industry. By amplifying the stories and impacts of these influential leaders in trucking, we aim to encourage more women to see the rewarding possibilities within this field.”
Leadership That Lasts
Since joining Old Dominion, Cox has grown her HR and talent acquisition teams from just one person to nearly 40 across the country. She also developed a leadership training program that ties directly into OD’s core values and family-first culture—ensuring the company’s next generation of leaders carry those same principles forward.
Her work continues to make an impact well beyond Old Dominion, inspiring fleets across the industry to prioritize leadership development, inclusion, and employee engagement as essential parts of success.
Image Source: WIT, Dee Dee Cox
Other Source: The Trucker
