“There are some impressive female trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the trucking industry,” shares Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, President and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT).

Source: Women in Trucking

The trucking industry holds a rich history of extraordinary women who defied expectations and left lasting legacies. Here are just a few of the inspiring pioneers who revolutionized the field.

Bertha Benz (1849–1944)

Although not directly tied to trucking, Bertha Benz’s influence on motorized transportation is indisputable. She played a crucial role in the evolution of motor vehicles, financially backing her husband Karl Benz’s automotive invention. Bertha’s bold decision to take an unprecedented test drive in 1888 highlighted the potential of motorized vehicles to reshape travel and logistics, ultimately laying the groundwork for the modern trucking industry.

Marie Luhring (1899–1970)

Marie Luhring shattered gender norms as one of America’s first female truck designers. Overcoming the odds, she became the first female associate of the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in 1920. Her groundbreaking work at the International Motor Company opened doors for women in the field of automotive and truck engineering, inspiring numerous generations of female designers to follow her lead.

Lillie Elizabeth Drennan (1897–1974)

Lillie Drennan holds the distinction of being the first licensed female truck driver in the United States. Co-founding Drennan Truck Line in 1929, she managed her Texas-based trucking company for over 24 years despite facing significant prejudice. Drennan’s unwavering determination and business acumen showed that talent and skill—not outdated notions of gender—define success in trucking.

Luella Bates (1897–1985)

When World War I left gaps in the workforce, Luella Bates rose to the challenge. Initially serving as a truck mechanic, Bates soon became the first woman officially hired as a truck driver by the Four Wheel Drive Auto Co. in Wisconsin. She excelled as both a test and commercial driver, proving that women could master demanding roles within the industry. Post-war, Bates championed women in trucking, urging them to enter and thrive in the field.

Women Driving Progress Today

Modern leaders are taking the torch from past pioneers, spearheading innovation and pushing for inclusivity within the trucking industry. The Women in Trucking Association recognizes these forward-thinking professionals through honors like the Influential Women in Trucking and Distinguished Woman in Logistics awards.

Tracy Rushing – RE Garrison Trucking

Tracy Rushing stands out as a key voice in trucking safety and workforce equality. Serving as Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at RE Garrison Trucking, Rushing has integrated advanced safety measures and driven initiatives to increase women’s participation in the field. Her efforts have been widely recognized, including her 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking award from WIT. A member of organizations like the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), Rushing exemplifies the balance of innovation and inclusivity needed for the industry’s future.

Shelley Simpson – J.B. Hunt Transport

Shelley Simpson’s career at J.B. Hunt Transport reflects consistent leadership excellence. Starting as a customer service representative in 1994, Simpson rose through the ranks to become President and CEO. She’s played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s business operations and technology innovations, including the development of J.B. Hunt 360°, a proprietary platform aimed at increasing freight efficiency. Her career path demonstrates how understanding every level of a business can lead to impactful, forward-thinking leadership.

Honoring Women’s Contributions to Trucking

Women have had—and continue to have—a profound impact on the trucking industry. From historic pioneers like Luella Bates and Lillie Drennan to modern change-makers like Tracy Rushing and Shelley Simpson, these women are challenging stereotypes, driving innovation, and reshaping the industry landscape for future generations.

Their stories remind us that success depends on talent and perseverance, not gender. To explore more about influential women shaping the trucking industry, visit resources provided by the Women in Trucking Association.

Source: Women in Trucking

The post Celebrating the Remarkable Women Transforming Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Discovering a Career Beyond Expectations

Alyssa’s path to becoming a mechanic was not a direct one. After graduating high school, unsure of her next steps, she decided to enroll in a vocational school. Her stepfather, a CNC machinist, served as part of her inspiration to take that leap.

Looking for opportunities to grow, Alyssa selected courses in the following areas:

• CNC machining

• Welding

• Diesel mechanics

Surprisingly, diesel mechanics wasn’t her first choice—it was her third. When she received confirmation of her acceptance into the diesel mechanic program, she entered with no prior knowledge or background in the field. She didn’t know anything about mechanics. The closest she’d come was watching her stepfather change the oil in a car.

The challenges didn’t stop there. Alyssa was the only woman in her program—a fact that could have been isolating. Fortunately, her classmates created an inclusive environment, providing support, answering her questions, and helping her thrive. Soon, what began as uncharted waters evolved into a genuine passion.

Entering the Workforce

After graduating, Alyssa faced a critical decision. Though she had the training and knowledge to begin her career, she hesitated, feeling unsure about breaking into an industry with so few women mechanics.

“I felt like I didn’t have a chance in this industry,” said Briggs. “I wasn’t sure who would give a woman a chance, and it took a little more than a year of considering my options and a whole bunch of pep talks with my husband who finally convinced me to give it a try.”

Her search led her to XPO—a company that stood out due to its competitive pay, employee benefits, and flexible time-off policies. Despite her concerns, Alyssa took the leap and applied.

During the interview process, Alyssa voiced her concerns about whether the company had experience hiring women mechanics. Her interviewer reassured her, saying, “We actually have two other great women mechanics here.” This response gave Alyssa the encouragement she needed to move forward.

Shortly after, Alyssa officially joined XPO, marking the beginning of a successful career trajectory. “The amount of support and respect I’ve received here is unmatched,” she stated.

Breaking Barriers and Leading the Way

Since joining XPO, Alyssa has continued to grow her skills through on-the-job experiences, tackling challenges with unwavering determination. One of her most significant milestones came in November 2024 when she competed in XPO’s MasterTech competition—a prestigious event where the company’s top mechanics demonstrate their expertise through a series of demanding assessments.

To qualify, entrants had to undergo a rigorous selection process, including an entrance exam, interview, and a comprehensive evaluation of their work. Alyssa earned her spot and traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete. The competition tested participant skills across 27 stations, covering everything from electrical systems and preventative maintenance to brakes and more.

Alyssa became the first woman to win this competition, shattering barriers and setting an inspiring precedent. Reflecting on her historic victory, she said, “This accomplishment will motivate me to become an even better technician and inspire other women to take chances and pursue their careers fearlessly. I hope women mechanics—both those in the field and those considering entering it—see this and know we are just as capable in a male-dominated industry.”

Inspiring Future Generations

By earning this honor, Alyssa Briggs has emerged as a role model for women aspiring to join the trucking and automotive sectors. Her unwavering dedication proves that perseverance, passion, and hard work can break down stereotypes and pave the way for future generations.

Congratulations to Alyssa Briggs, WIT’s January 2025 Member of the Month! Her inspiring story is a testament to the changing face of the industry, where women are not only thriving but leading the way toward a more inclusive future.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Alyssa Briggs, Truckers News

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