For its August 2025 Member of the Month, Women In Trucking (WIT) selected Gina Jones, a driver with Werner Enterprises based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Over a decade ago, she couldn’t have predicted that a path she hadn’t taken would become her life’s calling. Switching careers at age 50—from nearly 30 years in retail grocery after her youngest joined the military—was a bold leap. Her husband Steve invited her to ride along; she agreed, and never looked back.
“Trucking found me at a time I needed it most, and I haven’t looked back since,” Jones reflects. “You’re never too old to try something new or to completely change the direction of your life.”
Defining Moments on the Road
Her trucking career extends far beyond driving miles—it includes meaningful milestones. One standout moment came when the American Trucking Associations selected her to stand next to the President during a CRA signing ceremony supporting the auto and fuel industry.
“Standing there, I felt like I was representing not just myself, but every driver out there, especially the women who are forging new paths in this field,” she adds.
Jones has held leadership roles such as Werner Road Team Captain and participated in Operation Freedom Fleet. Her honors include inclusion on ATA’s America’s Road Team, the 2024 TA/Petro Citizen Driver Award, and a finalist spot for WIT’s 2025 Female Driver of the Year. In 2023, she also helped transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and decorations to Washington, D.C.
Despite the accolades, it’s the feedback from fellow women drivers that keeps her motivated:
“Every time I meet a woman who says, ‘I didn’t think I could be a truck driver until I met you,’ it reminds me why I keep going,” she says. “Representation matters.”
Challenges and Goals
Like many women in a male-dominated industry, Jones faced skepticism at first.
“There were people who didn’t take me seriously at first,” she admits. “But I stayed focused. I let my actions speak louder than words.”
Her personal goals include reaching two million miles without incident—a target she credits with giving her purpose:
“That’s the kind of goal that gets me up in the morning,” she notes.
Mentorship has played a key role in her success:
“I’ve been blessed with several mentors who saw something in me even when I was still finding my footing,” she recalls. Now she aims to return the favor.
Her involvement with WIT is especially meaningful:
“Connecting with other veteran members of WIT has been so empowering. The leadership and encouragement I’ve received have pushed me to grow and keep raising the bar for myself,” she reflects.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
Jones plans to continue driving with an emphasis on safety and mentorship. She also seeks to uplift veterans integrating into the workforce, drawing on her role with Operation Freedom Fleet.
Outside her cab, she’s training for a 50-mile march with the 50-Mile March Foundation in support of veterans facing homelessness and mental health challenges:
“It’s physically demanding, but I’m honored to walk that distance for those who’ve given so much for our country,” she says.
At home, she celebrates life with holiday decorations, multiple Christmas trees, and storytelling to her grandchildren—often gifting them I Want to Be a Trucker by Wanda Nance Brooks. She also longs to see Namibia, and when relaxing, you’ll find her watching Animal Kingdom on Netflix.
Her advice to women considering trucking is clear:
“Do your homework on potential employers, find a place that respects and supports you, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it, because you can. Set goals, work hard, and most importantly, be yourself. There’s power in showing up authentically.”
And the wisest career advice she’s received?
“Nothing we do is worth hurting yourself or others. Safety has to come first, always.”
From a midlife career pivot to standing on the White House lawn, Gina Jones shows that passion, authenticity, and grit can chart new horizons. And for her, the drive is just beginning.
Image and Source: Women In Trucking
