Freight Recession and Market Volatility

One of the major themes on the agenda is freight market instability. Demand has been sluggish throughout 2025, and carriers have struggled to forecast volumes amid unpredictable swings.

“It’s possible that the stronger freight market seen in the first few months of this year has continued and is resulting in some tightening of the market,” said Avery Vise, vice president of Trucking for FTR Transportation Intelligence, during last year’s WIT Accelerate! Conference.

“To be clear, this is not something that has been reflected in the spot volume or rate data for dry van and refrigerated this year, so this would be an unexpected development,” Vise continued. “On the other hand, May was a strong month for general freight truckload payroll employment, so it’s conceivable that demand for route guide freight finally is outpacing the supply of drivers, leading to a tipping point that is showing up in the spot market. Again, this is possible but would be a new development.”

Eric Starks, chairman of the board at FTR, is scheduled to provide further analysis at the 2025 event.

Labor Shortages and Workforce Engagement

Driver recruitment and retention remain urgent challenges for the industry. Fleets are not only struggling to fill open positions but also working to improve employee engagement through better pay, scheduling flexibility, and professional growth opportunities.

The Women In Trucking Association continues to highlight workforce diversity as part of the solution. According to the 2024–25 WIT Index, women now make up 28% of C-suite executives, 34.5% of company leaders, and nearly 39% in both dispatch and safety roles.

Experts from Stay Metrics (Tenstreet), F|Staff, FreeWorld, People First Consulting, R.E. Garrison, and Holcim Group will lead discussions on recruitment strategies. In addition, several fleets recognized as “Top Companies for Women to Work” — including International, XPO, Schneider National, Daimler Truck North America, and WM — will share case studies on building supportive workplace cultures.

Cargo Theft and Fraud

Security is another high-profile concern. Verisk CargoNet reported that cargo theft incidents rose by 26% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with losses estimated at over $1 billion. Increasingly, criminals are using sophisticated methods, including identity theft, falsified documentation, and fraudulent carrier impersonation.

Representatives from CargoNet, Travelers Inland Marine, DHL Supply Chain, Jarrett, and Highway will present sessions at Accelerate! 2025 focused on strategies to mitigate theft and fraud risks.

Additional Topics

Other conference sessions will cover regulatory and legal issues, emerging technologies in trucking, and driver career satisfaction.

WIT Executive Director Mary Presley emphasized the event’s focus on business value:
“Our event is not solely about entertainment. We strive to provide a well-rounded schedule that includes valuable educational sessions, a B2B Marketplace, and ample networking opportunities—delivering strong return on investment and exceptional value to our sponsors, whose continued support has been instrumental in WIT’s growth over the years.”

Looking Ahead

With freight volatility, workforce pressures, and security threats reshaping the industry, the 2025 Accelerate! The conference aims to provide actionable insights for carriers and suppliers.

More details and registration information are available at WomenInTrucking.org.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Women In Trucking

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(Source: DRC) Roniqua Garett (right) and Roni Brassfield (left), MTC CDL instructor

Breaking Barriers: Roniqua’s Journey

Pursuing her CDL at MTC Truck Driver Training in St. Ann, Missouri, Roniqua made history as the first African American woman to be awarded this scholarship. She faces the future with confidence and genuine excitement, seeing truck driving as much more than a job.

“I love to travel, and I love driving, so it seemed perfect to me,” Roniqua shared. “This is a great opportunity to build a better life for me and my kids.”

Thanks to this scholarship, Roniqua has been able to cover a sizeable part of her training costs. That peace of mind means she can devote her focus to learning and getting ready for her career on the road. She already has a job lined up for after graduation.

A Bright Spot in Trucking

Selecting Roniqua for the scholarship was a proud moment for those at the Driver Resource Center. Brock, who is the Director of Enrollment, offered high praise and encouragement:

“We are excited to award Roni the Future of Trucking Scholarship,” he said. “She has such a positive attitude and is determined to succeed.”

Roniqua’s award recognizes her determination and shows other women, especially women of color, what’s possible with grit and drive.

Encouraging Diversity Behind the Wheel

The trucking workforce has long been dominated by men, but this is beginning to change. The Women in Trucking Association points out that only about 8% of drivers in the US are women, and fewer still are African American. Each step forward, like Roniqua’s, helps chip away at those gaps.

Scholarships like this are an important part of opening doors and encouraging more women and minorities to explore trucking as a career. They help highlight how diverse voices and talents make the industry stronger and more innovative.

Expanding Opportunities: About the Scholarship

Created in 2024 for St. Louis residents, the Future of Trucking Scholarship was so successful that it now accepts applicants from Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Ohio, South Carolina, and Kentucky. The main goal is to help ease the financial load for those starting out in the trucking trade, allowing more people to chase their ambitions in a growing, dynamic field.

If you live in one of these states and have thought about truck driving as a career, you can apply for the next round. The application deadline is August 30. Applicants are assessed on their passion for the industry, resilience, and commitment—traits Roniqua displays in abundance.

How to Apply

Interested in taking your first steps toward a career like Roniqua’s? The Driver Resource Center is currently accepting new applications for the Future of Trucking Scholarship. Details and application forms can be found directly on their website.

Why Roniqua’s Story Matters

Roniqua’s success isn’t just her own; it marks real progress for anyone dreaming of a place in an industry where women and minorities have often been underrepresented. Her story offers hope and shows that with the right support, anyone with heart and commitment can find their path in trucking.

If you’ve ever imagined a career on the road, this scholarship might be your starting point. The industry is calling for people like you—ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to make a difference. With new doors opening each year, now is the perfect time to start your own story.

Source: Truckers News

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