Penske Logistics vice president Aurélie Doucette has been named the 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award winner, recognized for improving operations and mentoring people across the industry. For truck drivers, leadership like this affects how freight is managed, how teams are supported, and how consistent the job is day to day.
Awards like this are not just recognition. They point to the people influencing how companies run and how drivers experience the work behind the wheel.
What the award recognizes across trucking and logistics
The Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award is presented by the Women In Trucking Association, along with the Truck Parking Club and the Transportation Intermediaries Association. It highlights professionals who improve performance while also developing people within their organizations.
“With more than two decades of experience, Aurélie exemplifies the leadership and dedication this award was created to recognize,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “Her commitment to developing people, improving operations, and advancing opportunities for women makes her an outstanding ambassador for the industry.”
Doucette was selected from a group of finalists that included Eileen Dabrowski of Apex Tide Consulting and Erin Mitchell of YMX Logistics.
How her role connects to day-to-day trucking operations
Doucette leads dedicated contract carriage operations at Penske Logistics. That type of role is tied directly to how freight moves for specific customers, including planning, performance, and execution.
Work at this level affects how loads are scheduled, how equipment is used, and how consistent operations are across accounts. For drivers, that shows up in how steady the work is and how well things are coordinated.
She began her career with Transfreight and continued in leadership after it became part of Penske Logistics, building experience across operations before moving into her current role.
Why mentorship still plays a role in how companies run
In addition to operations, Doucette has been recognized for mentoring and developing others. She serves as executive champion of Penske Logistics’ Women’s Business Resource Group, supporting professional development and internal growth.
Mentorship at the company level can shape training, communication, and how opportunities are presented across teams. That influence does not stay at the top. It works its way into how companies operate over time.
She is also a two-time recipient of the company’s President’s Award, reflecting performance and leadership within the organization.
Industry backing behind the recognition.
The award is supported by multiple organizations across trucking and logistics, each pointing to the role leadership plays in strengthening the industry.
“TIA is proud to support recognition of leaders who strengthen and innovate the logistics industry. Aurélie embodies what this award stands for from her operational excellence, a mentor’s mindset, and a clear commitment to opening doors for women across the supply chain,” said Chris Burroughs, president and CEO of TIA.
“Truck Parking Club proudly partners with and recognizes Women in Trucking for its unwavering commitment to advancing and empowering women across the logistics marketplace, exemplified through the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award,” said Brent Hutto, chief relationship officer at Truck Parking Club.
What this means for drivers on the road
Leadership decisions affect more than office operations. They shape how freight is planned, how problems are handled, and how consistent work feels week to week.
When leadership focuses on performance and people, it tends to show up in better coordination and clearer expectations. That can lead to fewer surprises on the road and more predictable work.
Drivers may not see these roles directly, but they feel the results in how the job runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award?
It is an industry award that recognizes leadership, operational performance, and contributions to developing people in logistics and transportation.
Who is Aurélie Doucette?
She is a vice president at Penske Logistics who leads dedicated contract carriage operations and has been recognized for her leadership and mentorship.
Why was Aurélie Doucette selected for this award?
She was selected for improving operations and for her commitment to mentoring and advancing others in the industry.
Who presents the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award?
The award is presented by the Women In Trucking Association in partnership with Truck Parking Club and the Transportation Intermediaries Association.
How does leadership like this affect truck drivers?
It influences how freight is managed, how consistent operations are, and how well drivers are supported across a company.
Recognition like this reflects where the industry is placing its focus. For drivers, the real impact comes from how that leadership shows up in daily operations, communication, and long-term stability.
The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Source: Truckers News
