“The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list honors women for their career accomplishments, their influence on company success, and their contributions to the broader industry,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT President and CEO. “These professionals exemplify the mission and values of Women In Trucking and are impressive leaders to watch in our industry.”

Katy Payne’s Impact on Truck Drivers USA

Katy has built her career from the ground up, gaining hands-on experience in trucking and the challenges drivers face every day. She began focusing on driver retention and then expanded into creating communities where drivers can learn, gain recognition, and thrive. Today, her work guides Truck Drivers USA’s community growth and development strategy.

As Operations Manager, Katy serves as the consistent voice for drivers at Truck Drivers USA. She works to improve the professional image of truck drivers while ensuring they are connected with companies that value and support their careers. Her approach combines operational discipline with empathy, making her a trusted leader in the company’s ongoing evolution.

Key Achievements Over the Past 12–18 Months

• Haul of Fame Launch – Katy developed the Haul of Fame section of the Truck Drivers USA website, giving drivers recognition and visibility to elevate their professional standing.
• Enhanced Driver-to-Company Matching – She led the development of a matching algorithm that connects drivers with companies aligned with their skills, goals, and values.
• Driver Career Coaching Program – Katy is actively developing a career coaching solution to help drivers maximize earning potential and career growth with driver-focused carriers.

Supporting Women in Trucking

Katy also coaches women within Truck Drivers USA, helping them expand their transportation knowledge and understand how economic factors impact drivers and carriers. By amplifying driver stories, she highlights professionalism and diversity in the industry and helps broaden public perception of trucking careers.

About the Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch Program

The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list, now in its ninth year, recognizes women across a variety of roles, including operations, corporate management, sales, HR, technology, and professional driving. Selection is based on character and measurable accomplishments over the past 12 to 18 months. This year’s list includes 75 women from a range of companies, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and industry impact.

Looking Ahead

Katy Payne’s recognition reflects her leadership in building communities for drivers, supporting professional development, and advancing the trucking industry. Her work at Truck Drivers USA continues to strengthen the connection between drivers and the companies that value them, setting a standard for operational excellence and advocacy in transportation.

Congratulations, Katy!

The post Katy Payne of Truck Drivers USA Recognized on the 2026 Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch List appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The annual recognition program is sponsored by Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops.

“We’re incredibly proud to see these drivers receive such an esteemed honor,” said Todd Wilson, vice president of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. Their consistent commitment, integrity, and work ethic set a powerful example each day. They represent the values we stand for at Love’s, and we’re honored to champion their continued influence within the trucking industry.”

José Samperio, vice president and general manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., also expressed pride in the event: “It’s a privilege to help recognize these outstanding professionals who play a vital role in keeping our industry moving forward. Their dedication to high standards on the road and meaningful contributions to their communities make a significant and enduring difference.”

The five honorees represent a range of fleets and backgrounds, but each shares a track record of safety, leadership, and long-term commitment to the profession.

A Career Built on Service and Mentorship – Marcia Luchenbill

Marcia Luchenbill, a company driver with Knight Transportation’s El Paso terminal for six years, has accumulated nearly 650,000 career miles, including more than 193,000 accident-free miles in the past two years. A military veteran and mother of three, she has also mentored 22 female drivers in two and a half years as a trainer.

“Trucking is really a good fit for me,” says the married mother of three teens.

Her record reflects consistent safety performance and a steady presence on demanding routes. Luchenbill’s professionalism earned her selection as a Knight Fleet of Heroes driver, one of the company’s highest honors. She also continues her lifelong commitment to service through veteran-focused initiatives, including three Wreaths Across America Arlington convoys.

Millions of Miles Without a Preventable Accident – Nick Barboza

Nick Barboza has spent 27 years with Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., logging more than 3.5 million miles and earning membership in the company’s 120 Club, equivalent to circling the globe 120 times without a preventable accident. In addition to maintaining that record, he has trained new drivers throughout his career.

“Through the years I’ve learned that not everybody learns the same way,” Barboza said. “I look for the easiest way for the new drivers to learn — when they start to get it, and you can see it on their face, I love that.”

Off the road, he and his wife have fostered more than 30 children and adopted four, quietly serving their community through acts of generosity and faith.

Four Decades in Specialized Hauling – Tommy Cash

Tommy Cash, a driver with CAST Specialty Transportation, has spent 22 years supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s WIPP program, hauling legacy nuclear waste as part of a small group of drivers nationwide entrusted with this critical assignment. His career spans more than four decades and an estimated 3.675 million miles.

“One of the highlights of my career has been training new drivers. It makes me feel good helping somebody start a new career and do it the right way.”

Beyond his driving record, Cash plays a key role in training and evaluating new hires, shaping CAST Specialty’s hiring and training practices, and mentoring other drivers across the fleet.

A Veteran’s Approach to the Highway – Richard Fertig

Richard Fertig, a 23-year Army veteran with Smith Transport, has driven over three million safe miles. Known for reliability, preparation, and quiet leadership, Fertig approaches every trip as a learning opportunity.

“My life is the highway,” Fertig said. “In my 28 years driving, it’s just been a joy to get out there and meet a lot of people.”

“I’ve had people call me at all hours of the day and night,” he said. “Every day out here, I learn something different.”

Building Community Through Training – Jesus Acevedo-Soto

Jesus Acevedo-Soto, affectionately known as “Avocado,” is a driver for Swift Transportation. Known for vigilance, skill, and respect on the road, he has also trained multiple generations of drivers who stay connected as a peer support network called the “Guac Squad.”

“The Guac Squad just kind of happened naturally,” said Soto, a married father of three. “It became a community of drivers that helped and supported each other. We use this to get camaraderie back in the business.”

He later added, “There are no two days alike in this industry. I love it — it’s truly a passion.”

Soto became the company’s youngest Million Mile Driver at age 28 and has earned multiple Diamond Driver distinctions for maintaining elite safety, fuel efficiency, and mileage standards for 36 consecutive months. Beyond driving, he participates in Children’s Miracle Network fundraising, blood donations, and youth coaching.

Nominations for the 2027 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For more information, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.

The post Truckload Carriers Association Names 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Over the next two years, these drivers will represent the trucking industry across the country. Their work includes attending industry events, engaging with communities, visiting schools, and speaking with policymakers to promote safe driving while sharing firsthand insight into trucking as a career.

“This group of professional drivers have earned their place at the top through years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to safety on the road,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “They represent a vital segment of the American workforce, one whose impact is felt by nearly every person in the country. As these Captains take to the road with a new mission and an important message, we are incredibly proud of their achievements and confident the nation will gain valuable insights from their leadership and the example they set for our industry.”

A Longstanding Program Focused on Safety

America’s Road Team was established in 1986 to recognize professional truck drivers who have demonstrated exceptional safety records and a commitment to representing the industry with integrity. With the support of their companies, Captains volunteer their time to participate in public outreach efforts that help explain the role trucking plays in everyday life.

The 2026 2027 class represents 13 states and includes four military veterans, one independent contractor, and drivers from both small fleets and large national carriers. Together, the group brings 51 million miles of safe driving experience to the program.

Volvo Trucks Celebrates 25 Years Supporting America’s Road Team

Volvo Trucks remains the program’s sponsor and will mark 25 years of partnership with America’s Road Team this October. During their two-year term, the Captains will travel the country in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck, a Volvo VNL 860 pulling an American flag themed trailer. The trailer features a mobile classroom and a state of the art truck driving simulator used for education and outreach.

“Volvo Trucks is honored to continue our long-standing sponsorship of America’s Road Team and to take part in this week’s selection of the 2026–2027 Captains,” said Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve. “This year at MCE marks 25 years of Volvo’s proud support of America’s Road Team, a milestone that reflects our deep respect for professional drivers and our commitment to safety, professionalism, and leadership across the trucking industry. America’s Road Team is one of the most visible groups of professional truck drivers in the country, and we believe their hard work and dedication pays.”

How the 2026 2027 Captains Were Selected

ATA conducted the final round of selections from January 18 through January 20 at its headquarters in Washington, DC. During this process, drivers were evaluated on more than just miles logged or years of experience.

Candidates were judged on their ability to clearly communicate about trucking, safety, and transportation issues, as well as their overall driving records. The selection panel included trucking industry executives and members of the trade press, ensuring the final group reflected both operational excellence and the ability to represent the industry publicly.

Once selected, the new Captains received their signature navy blue America’s Road Team blazers and immediately began their work as ambassadors. Their focus over the next two years will be on improving public understanding of trucking and reinforcing the industry’s commitment to safety and professionalism.

Supporting the Mission of America’s Road Team

Trucking professionals and industry partners can support the work of America’s Road Team by following the Captains throughout their two year term and engaging with them at major industry events, conferences, and community visits. ATA also encourages industry members to follow the team’s journey on Facebook, where updates from the road and event appearances are shared.

“America’s Road Team Captains exemplify the highest standards of safety in our industry, helping to elevate trucking’s image by sharing their experiences and leading by example,” said ATA Chief Operating Officer Dan Horvath. “These respected leaders craft compelling safety messages and demonstrate how the trucking industry offers meaningful, rewarding careers. Through their participation in community events, conferences, and industry engagements, they fulfill the mission of America’s Road Team. We congratulate this new class for their dedication to excellence and for keeping our nation moving safely.”

The 2026- 2027 America’s Road Team Captains

1. Cardell Benfield Jr., Titan Transfer, Mississippi
2. Victor Blackburn, Prime Inc., Florida
3. Antonio Cruz, Groendyke Transport, Florida
4. Jason Damron, Convoy Systems, Kansas
5. Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods, Arkansas
6. Bruce Hoyes, ABF Freight Systems, Missouri
7. Izet Kanarevic, Werner Enterprises, Missouri
8. Matthew McKnew, ABF Freight Systems, California
9. Matt Meadows, ABF Freight Systems, West Virginia
10. Myles Piotrowski, FedEx Freight, Indiana
11. Selvin Ramirez, XPO, Rhode Island
12. Jackie Reed, FedEx Freight, Mississippi
13. Jeffrey Reed, United Parcel Service, New Mexico
14. Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, Florida
15. Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight, Minnesota
16. Omar Stebbin, XPO, Florida
17. David Swierenga, FedEx Freight, Florida
18. Dave Thomas, ABF Freight Systems, Iowa
19. Kenneth Tolliver, Hoffman Transportation, Kentucky
20. Ryan Ybarra, United Parcel Service, California

To learn more about the 2026 2027 America’s Road Team, visit the official America’s Road Team webpage.

Source: American Trucking Associations

The post ATA Introduces the 2026 2027 America’s Road Team Captains appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Nominations are open through February 6, 2026. The Image Team is made up of CDL-holding drivers who are actively working in trucking and willing to share their real-world experiences with audiences inside and outside the industry.

What the Image Team represents

The Image Team was established in 2015 to highlight the role women play behind the wheel and to give drivers a platform to speak directly about their careers. Members of the team come from different segments of trucking and bring a wide range of experience to the role.

Drivers selected for the Image Team take part in activities that may include:

• Media interviews and public speaking
•  Community and industry events
•  Educational outreach
• Ride-alongs that introduce others to trucking careers

The goal is to provide a visible and authentic driver perspective while encouraging more women to consider careers in trucking.

Why WIT says the Image Team matters

WIT leadership says the program is designed to elevate drivers who are passionate about the profession and willing to help move the industry forward.

“Drivers are the heartbeat of our industry, and WIT’s Image Team highlights how rewarding a career behind the wheel can be,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO. “We are excited to showcase women who are passionate about their careers, confident in sharing their stories, and committed to supporting and elevating others across the trucking profession.”

Who is eligible to be nominated

Nominations must be submitted by a current employer or supervisor who supports the driver’s participation and time commitment. Owner-operators are allowed to self-nominate.

To be eligible, nominees must:

• Hold a current CDL and be actively working in trucking
•  Maintain a clean safety record
•  Demonstrate professionalism and a strong safety focus
• Be comfortable with public speaking and media engagement
• Show passion for WIT’s mission
•  Have a presence or willingness to engage on social media

Finalists will participate in interviews during February.

When the 2026 Image Team will be announced

The 2026 Image Team will be revealed during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville on March 27, 2026.

For drivers interested in representing the industry and sharing their story, the Image Team offers a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role while continuing to do the job that keeps freight moving.

Source: AJOT

The post Women In Trucking Opens Nominations for 2026 Image Team appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Understanding and Responding to Driver Needs

Driver feedback consistently ranks stable schedules, fair compensation, and career growth as critical. For example, fleets offering flexible schedules and guaranteed home time report up to 25% higher driver retention. Listening closely and adjusting policies accordingly builds trust and loyalty.

Providing Consistent and Meaningful Recognition

Recognition programs like driver-of-the-month awards, shout-outs for safe driving, and personalized thank-you notes foster a positive work environment. One fleet saw a 15% drop in turnover after launching regular driver appreciation initiatives, highlighting their impact.

Prioritizing Safety and Development

Regular safety meetings, ongoing training, and investing in safety technology reduce incidents significantly. Trucking companies using advanced dashcams reported 40% fewer accidents, improving driver confidence and company reputation.

Leveraging Data and Technology to Enhance Communication

Digital platforms for real-time updates and feedback solicitations enable swift resolution of issues and operational alignment. Fleet managers who adopt these tools experience better driver engagement and fewer compliance problems.

Supporting Work-Life Balance with Flexible Scheduling and Wellness Programs

Considering the demanding lifestyle, flexible scheduling paired with wellness initiatives, including mental health resources and ergonomic equipment, reduces burnout. Studies show that fleets prioritizing mental health have a 20% increase in driver satisfaction.

Investing in Leadership Development

Training managers in empathy and communication skills creates a respectful, trusting culture. Empathetic leadership correlates with improved driver retention rates and smoother conflict resolution.

• For example, one fleet implemented weekly one-on-one check-ins and saw a 30% decrease in voluntary turnover within six months.
• Another company introduced a peer recognition program, boosting driver morale and reducing complaints related to management.
• A large carrier invested in a transportation management system, resulting in streamlined communication that cut driver dissatisfaction by nearly half.

Truck Drivers USA combines frontline industry knowledge with these validated, actionable strategies to set the standard for building enduring company-driver partnerships. Fleets implementing these real-world practices achieve safer roads, higher retention, and stronger business outcomes grounded in genuine expertise.

The post Building Lasting Company and Driver Relationships with Expertise from Truck Drivers USA appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This award, presented annually by TCA, recognizes a leader who has made significant, measurable contributions to improving truck driver safety, reducing highway incidents, and promoting a culture of accountability. Stickling’s recognition is the result of nearly two decades of forward-thinking leadership, deep care for people, and a hands-on approach to workplace safety in trucking.

Recognized for a People-First, Innovation-Driven Approach

Brent Nussbaum, CEO of Nussbaum Transportation, described Stickling as a rare kind of leader: “What distinguishes Jeremy as a top safety professional is that he cares about people and is passionate about what he does. He’s an inventor who has a unique ability to view problems, quickly see solutions, and follow them through implementation. Jeremy has built many of the safety programs in existence at Nussbaum today and advocated for the technology and ongoing training that assists in the success of our programs. He’s worked tirelessly to build a culture of safety that protects and builds on the heritage of an eighty-year-old employee-owned business. We’re very proud of Jeremy. He is very worthy of this award.”

Stickling’s commitment to creating a safer work environment has touched every corner of Nussbaum’s operations. His leadership helped the company earn the 2024 TCA Grand Prize for Fleet Safety, a testament to the real-world impact of his safety programs and continuous driver education efforts.

A Road Paved with Experience and Purpose

Jeremy Stickling joined Nussbaum in 2007, beginning in the accounting department before stepping into a larger role that would eventually shape the company’s safety and HR practices. By 2013, he had become HR & Safety Manager—a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter in how Nussbaum approached compliance and fleet safety.

Now serving as Chief Administrative Officer, Stickling oversees HR, safety, and accounting. With nearly 15 years dedicated to transportation safety, his leadership has led to lower CSA scores, stronger driver performance, and a company-wide focus on continuous improvement.

TCA commended Stickling’s far-reaching impact, stating: “His leadership builds a culture of accountability and growth, empowering employees through innovative systems and comprehensive training programs. His broad expertise across safety, HR, and accounting makes him uniquely qualified to lead and enhance all aspects of Nussbaum’s operations.”

Setting the Standard in Fleet Safety

Stickling’s influence goes beyond programs and policies—his work represents a deep-rooted commitment to people. Whether he’s implementing new technology, leading training sessions, or mentoring others, he brings the same energy and dedication every day. His career serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when fleet safety is seen not just as a requirement, but as a core value.

With this recognition from TCA, Jeremy Stickling’s legacy as a safety trailblazer in trucking continues to grow—and so does the standard for what it means to lead with both heart and vision.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

The post Jeremy Stickling Named 2025 TCA Safety Professional of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Amplify WIT’s Voice on Social Media

Follow WIT on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Sharing posts, liking updates, and spreading the word about WIT’s initiatives helps expand the reach of its mission. Your social media engagement matters!

Stay Informed

WIT keeps members up to date with its weekly e-newsletter, WIT e-News, and its award-winning magazine, Redefining the Road. These resources deliver industry insights, organizational updates, and opportunities to engage. Stay connected by reading these publications and sharing them with others in the industry.

Engage with the Community

WIT’s members-only online platform, Engage, fosters mentoring, community building, and education. By participating in discussions and connecting with other members, you can enhance networking opportunities and grow alongside like-minded individuals. The Engage app makes staying connected even easier.

Participate in Events

WIT hosts impactful events like the annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo, which focuses on empowering and educating women in trucking. This event offers 60+ educational sessions, networking opportunities, and volunteer roles. Additionally, the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel at the Mid-America Trucking Show honors female CDL holders and celebrates their contributions to the industry.

Mentor and Support Career Growth

Through WIT’s mentor match program, members can connect for career development and guidance. Mentoring is a rewarding way to contribute to the growth of others while gaining fresh perspectives yourself.

Advance Your Career

Take advantage of the Professional Development Certification (PDC) program, offering 30 online courses designed to help you grow personally and professionally. The first course, “The History of WIT,” is free for members.

Represent WIT at Industry Events

If you attend industry trade shows or conferences, consider volunteering at the WIT booth or assisting with presentations. It’s an excellent way to connect with others while representing WIT’s mission.

Engaged members are happy members, and your active participation helps WIT thrive. Ready to get involved and make an impact? Join Women In Trucking today and become part of a community dedicated to empowering women in the industry. Click here to join now!

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