“Kathy was selected for her remarkable contributions to the trucking industry, her unwavering commitment to safety, and her dedication to mentorship, particularly of women in the trucking industry,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO.

Recognizing Industry Leaders

Blaies stood out among four highly accomplished finalists, including:

• Ericka Norfleet, owner-operator, R.E. Garrison Trucking Inc.
• Gina Jones, company driver, Werner
• Sandy Winters, company driver, Leonard’s Express

While all the nominees demonstrated excellence in trucking, Blaies’ exceptional career and dedication to lifting others in the industry made her the top choice for this honor.

A Trailblazer in Car Hauling

Blaies’ journey in trucking has been defined by perseverance and skill. As a car hauler, she entered a challenging sector where many doubted her ability to thrive. She not only proved them wrong but became a respected leader, known for her expertise and willingness to guide new drivers, particularly women navigating their way into trucking.

Her impressive safety record is a testament to her professionalism, with over one million accident-free miles to her name. She has been recognized multiple times by United Road, earning the Gold Elite Award four times and the Damage-Free Elite Award twice.

United Road’s president and CEO, Mark Anderson, praised her dedication, saying, “Kathy’s outstanding performance reflects her personal drive to achieve excellence and the positive impact she has on our operations. She is a standout driver whose dedication, skill, and leadership make her truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.”

Honoring Women in Trucking

The announcement was made during WIT’s annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky. This celebration highlights the contributions of female truck drivers to the industry.

Sponsored by Walmart, the Driver of the Year Award honors women who exemplify safety, professionalism, and leadership in the trucking industry. Walmart’s Senior Vice President of Transportation, Ryan McDaniel, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “Walmart is proud to sponsor the Driver of the Year award because it aligns with our commitment to excellence and creating a culture of belonging. Kathy Blaies is more than a driver – she is a leader, mentor, and role model. We’re extremely proud to recognize her as this year’s Driver of the Year.”

A Prestigious Panel of Judges

A distinguished panel evaluated the nominees, including:

• Lisa Dilibero, General Transportation Manager, Walmart
• Lori Taylor, Director of Financial Operations, C.H. Robinson
• Ellen Voie, Founder, Women in Trucking

Kathy Blaise’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and a passion for empowering others in the trucking industry. Her recognition as WIT’s 2025 Driver of the Year reinforces the impact of mentorship, diversity, and safety in shaping the future of trucking.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: (WIT) WIT Driver of the Year: Kathy Blaies celebrates her award presented during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

The post Kathy Blaies Named WIT 2025 Driver of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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

The post Meet the Finalists for Women in Trucking’s 2025 Driver of the Year Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.