The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has revealed the four exceptional finalists for its 2025 Driver of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Walmart. This award celebrates female professional drivers who uphold superior safety standards and enhance the public perception of the trucking industry.
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
