This award shines a spotlight on outstanding female drivers who set the bar high with impeccable safety records, strong leadership qualities, and a commitment to advancing the trucking industry. But this recognition is more than just about skill—it’s about celebrating women who inspire, mentor, and lead by example.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Women currently working as professional drivers in the trucking industry are eligible.

Recognition and Celebration Awaits

Finalists and the winner will be celebrated at the highly anticipated 2025 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event. Scheduled during the Mid-America Trucking Show on March 28 in Louisville, Kentucky, this celebration is an opportunity to applaud the invaluable contributions of women drivers.

“The remarkable accomplishments of women on our team here at Walmart inspire us daily, and we know their successes are paving the way for more women to join the exciting world of trucking,” said Ryan McDaniel, vice president, Walmart Transportation. “Women in our business are not just driving trucks, they are fueling progress that is making the freight industry better, and we are honored to continue sponsoring Women In Trucking’s prestigious Driver of the Year Award.”

To qualify for the 2025 Driver of the Year Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Professional Driving Experience: A minimum of two years in the profession.

• Safety and Excellence: A proven track record of safe, skilled, and professional driving.

• Advocacy in Trucking: Active involvement in mentorship or initiatives that support women in the industry.

• Industry Contributions: A history of making significant, positive impacts in the trucking community.

Nominations can be submitted through WIT’s official website (womenintrucking.org) by January 31, 2025.

“Recognizing the accomplishments of female drivers and the value they bring to the trucking profession is a key mission of WIT and we’re pleased to showcase their stories through this award,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Honor Industry Trailblazers

Do you know a woman driver who exemplifies excellence, leadership, and inspiration? Nominate her today to ensure her efforts and contributions to the trucking industry receive the recognition they deserve.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Women in Trucking

The post Nominate a Trailblazer: 2025 Women in Trucking Driver of the Year Award is Now Open! appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In this episode of She Drives on Radio Nemo, Kaitlyn Cambria, Recruitment Marketing Manager at NFI Industries, shared insights into her work fostering an inclusive environment for women in trucking. As a proud dog owner of a two-year-old German Shepherd named Basil, Kaitlyn’s personal stories add a unique touch to her professional mission at NFI. But her focus on creating a safe, supportive community for drivers is what truly sets NFI apart.

Building a Culture of Safety for Women Drivers at NFI

Kaitlyn emphasized NFI’s dedication to safety, explaining how the company works diligently to ensure that women drivers feel secure on the road. The approach goes beyond standard measures, offering 24/7 dispatch support for drivers and ensuring they have the tools to navigate each route with peace of mind.

For example, Kaitlyn shared a story about an NFI driver on a route who needed to stop and use the restroom. She was able to stay on the phone with her dispatcher until she was safely inside. It’s these small but impactful gestures that help women drivers feel protected and supported, knowing they are part of a team that truly cares.

Listening and Adapting: NFI’s Recruitment Strategy

As part of their commitment to supporting women, NFI also has an initiative with a focus group of women drivers from the East Coast, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. This group meets regularly to discuss issues specific to women in trucking and provides valuable feedback on how to improve the driving experience at NFI. Kaitlyn explained that this focus group is “a wide variety of women between, you know, being with the company for a short period of time or a long period of time… they are feeling that their ideas are coming into play, and their company is listening.”

This feedback loop is crucial for fostering a community where women drivers feel heard and valued, and their ideas are actively contributing to company policies.

Kaitlyn also explained that NFI relies heavily on feedback from current drivers to guide its recruitment efforts and policies. According to her, listening to the experiences of existing drivers is a key part of attracting new talent. She stated, “The one thing that I do and what my team does is listen to current drivers that we have… that’s what we can put in the forefront between our marketing, making sure we have the correct stories that will resonate with other females.”

A Commitment to Women in Trucking

Through its commitment to listening to female drivers and creating a supportive environment, NFI is setting a new standard for women in the trucking industry. By prioritizing both recruitment and retention, NFI aims to continue fostering a sense of community and safety for women drivers.

For more information about career opportunities with NFI, visit drivennfi.com and be sure to tune into Kaitlyn’s episode here.

The post Creating a Community for Women in Trucking: Kaitlyn Cambria Shares NFI’s Vision on She Drives appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.