The association announced Roberts as this year’s recipient on October 27 during its Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas. Sponsored by TrueBlue’s Centerline Drivers, the annual award recognizes women whose leadership and accomplishments have made a significant impact on the trucking industry.

Roberts was selected from three finalists, including Angela Lentz, chief people officer at Daimler Truck North America, and Sauny Tucker, CEO of Tucker Freight Lines.

Roberts’ Career in Transportation and Fleet Leadership

Roberts currently serves as senior vice president of North America Supply Chain for PepsiCo Beverage US and PepsiCo Foods US. Her responsibilities span manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, fleet operations, and other supply chain functions.

She has spent 26 years with Frito-Lay, holding positions in field operations and corporate transportation management. Roberts earned a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from Arizona State University and received her Certified Transportation Professional designation in 2009.

Her involvement in the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) has also been a significant part of her career. She chaired the organization’s Institute Board of Governors from 2014 through 2022 and currently serves as chair of the NPTC Board of Directors.

Beyond her transportation responsibilities, Roberts has supported employee development through several Frito-Lay and PepsiCo employee resource groups. Her leadership roles have included the Women’s Inclusion Network and PepsiCo Asian Network, along with serving as executive sponsor of the EQUAL employee resource group.

Roberts was previously a finalist for the Influential Woman in Trucking award in 2022. Earlier this year, she also received an Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award from the Asian American Business Development Center.

Award Presented at Women In Trucking Conference

The announcement followed a conference panel titled “The Ripple Effect: Influence That Lifts Others,” featuring Roberts, Lentz, and Tucker. Jill Quinn, president of Centerline Drivers, moderated the discussion, which focused on the finalists’ professional experiences and approaches to leadership.

WIT interim CEO Lana Nichols praised Roberts’ career and her contributions to the industry.

“Her influence reaches across supply chain, private fleets, and the communities she serves,” Nichols said in the association’s announcement.

Quinn also congratulated Roberts, recognizing her commitment to supporting others throughout her career.

Established in 2010, the Influential Woman in Trucking award honors women working across transportation, including corporate leadership, manufacturing, fleet operations, and professional driving. Previous recipients include executives and industry professionals from Old Dominion Freight Line, J.B. Hunt, UPS, and PACCAR.

Roberts joins that group following more than two decades of work in transportation and supply chain leadership.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: November 3, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Women In Trucking, Truckers News

The post PepsiCo Executive Mari Roberts Named 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Participation isn’t limited to drivers who are just entering the workforce. Established professionals can volunteer as mentors, seek guidance about career advancement, or connect with colleagues working in other areas of transportation. The opportunities available through industry associations and participating employers differ in how members are matched, how long relationships last, and what is required to enroll.

WIT Connections Allows Members to Choose Their Mentors

The Women In Trucking Association’s WIT Connections program allows members to find potential mentors based on their experience and professional interests.

Participants first complete their membership profiles and enroll in the program. They can identify subjects they want to discuss, their career stage, availability and preferences for meeting virtually or in person. The directory then allows them to review other members’ profiles and request a connection.

Unlike an assigned mentoring arrangement, both participants have a say in whether the relationship begins. WIT’s guidelines ask members to consider experience, availability and the needs of the person requesting guidance before accepting an invitation.

Once a connection is established, the mentee is responsible for arranging the first meeting. That conversation should establish how often the participants will communicate, their preferred contact method, and the goals they intend to work toward. WIT also recommends preparing a mentoring agreement that outlines the relationship and its expected timeline.

Experienced drivers can enroll as mentors without taking on a formal instructor position. The program also permits members to participate as both mentors and mentees, recognizing that someone with substantial driving experience may still want guidance in another part of the transportation business.

WIT Connections is available to active association members. Membership starts at $30 for professional drivers, and the association welcomes members of all genders.

Mentoring Through WIT’s Professional Networking Groups

Individual mentorship is only one part of WIT Connections. The association also maintains networking groups where members can participate in organized discussions with other transportation professionals.

These groups are led by volunteer facilitators who coordinate meetings, develop discussion topics and communicate with participants. Members can search for groups according to their interests or professional backgrounds and request to join through the same platform used for individual mentorship.

Facilitators must commit to holding at least three regular meetings, although they can determine the group’s size and meeting frequency. Members who want to organize a group around a subject that is not already represented can contact WIT about becoming a facilitator.

The association also hosts quarterly virtual Connections Mixers, which introduce members to the program and provide opportunities to meet potential mentors. Its Connections: Unplugged community supports informal in-person meetups.

These activities give members several ways to become involved without requiring everyone to maintain the same type of mentoring relationship. Enrollment information and available groups can be found through the WIT Connections platform.

ATA’s Women in Motion Uses a Cohort-Based Program

The American Trucking Associations’ Women in Motion Mentorship Program connects women seeking professional development with experienced transportation industry leaders.

The initiative focuses on career development and professional networking across the transportation business. It is not a substitute for commercial driver training, and participation is organized around the program’s scheduled cohorts.

ATA has confirmed that a second cohort has been selected. Its official mentorship page identifies summer 2027 as the next anticipated application period, meaning prospective participants cannot assume enrollment is currently available.

This arrangement requires more advance planning than WIT Connections. Someone interested in Women in Motion will need to follow ATA’s application announcements and review the requirements for the next cohort when they are published.

The program may be relevant to experienced drivers interested in developing professionally beyond their current positions, as well as women entering the transportation industry who want to build relationships with established professionals.

Mentorship Opportunities Through Trucking Employers

Some motor carriers also involve experienced drivers in mentoring newer employees. These arrangements may be part of a company’s driver-development practices, but they should not automatically be confused with formal driving instruction.

A driver trainer may be responsible for supervised instruction and evaluating required skills. Mentorship can involve a different responsibility, providing professional guidance after an employee has completed initial training. Some employers combine these roles, while others may not offer a separate mentoring position at all.

Because these programs are established individually by carriers, there is no standard application process or universal set of qualifications. Drivers interested in participating should ask their employer’s training or safety department whether a formal mentorship arrangement exists and what responsibilities it involves.

An employer-based opportunity may be particularly relevant to someone interested in supporting newer colleagues within the same company. Association programs, by comparison, allow participants to establish relationships with professionals working for different organizations.

How to Get Involved

For drivers interested in WIT Connections, the first requirement is an active Women In Trucking membership. After enrolling in the mentoring program, members can search for individual connections or join networking groups. Those interested in volunteering can register as mentors or group facilitators.

Women in Motion follows a different enrollment process. Prospective applicants should monitor ATA’s official program page for the next application period and any updated participation requirements.

Before committing to either opportunity, it is worth understanding how much time participation will require. WIT’s guidelines place responsibilities on both mentors and mentees, including regular communication, honest feedback and respect for confidentiality.

Experienced drivers do not need to wait until they leave the profession to share their knowledge. Through established association programs, they can contribute while continuing their own careers, and newer professionals can find guidance through an organized process rather than relying on informal introductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do trucking mentorship programs require a CDL?

Requirements depend on the organization. WIT Connections is available to eligible association members working in different areas of transportation, so participation is not limited to CDL holders. A company-based program may have additional employment or driving-experience requirements.

Can experienced truck drivers participate as both mentors and mentees?

Yes. WIT Connections allows members to enroll in both roles. Someone may share knowledge gained through professional driving while seeking guidance on another career interest.

Are mentors required to hold an instructor certification?

WIT Connections does not require participants to be certified driving instructors. Formal driver-training positions at motor carriers may have separate qualifications.

Can someone participate in more than one WIT Connections group or mentoring relationship?

Yes. WIT allows members to participate in multiple connections according to their availability. Group facilitators determine the size of their groups.

Does joining Women In Trucking automatically enroll someone in mentorship?

No. Members must complete the WIT Connections enrollment process to participate as mentors, mentees, facilitators, or group members.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: October 28, 2026

The post Trucking Mentorship Programs Connecting Experienced and New Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Held at the Hilton Anatole from October 25–28, the conference featured educational programming, industry speakers and an exhibition of commercial vehicles and transportation technology. Organizers had expected more than 1,000 attendees, with over 50 educational sessions, more than 125 speakers and upwards of 160 sponsors and exhibitors.

Industry Leaders Address Trucking’s Future

J.B. Hunt Transport CEO Shelley Simpson was among the featured speakers, with a Monday keynote titled “Future-Ready Leadership.” The presentation was scheduled to address changes in transportation, professional advancement, and the development of future industry leaders.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Derek Barrs was also part of the keynote lineup. Barrs, who was confirmed as administrator in October 2025, previously served as chief of the Florida Highway Patrol and held leadership positions with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Freight market conditions were another major focus of the conference, with Eric Starks, chairman of FTR Transportation Intelligence, scheduled to present “The State of Freight: Forces Reshaping Trucking and Supply Chain.”

The session examined issues expected to influence trucking into 2027, including freight volumes, capacity, rates, operating costs, and economic pressures affecting the transportation industry.

The keynote program also included Montiqua Mathers-Pettway, founder of People First Consulting, whose presentation addressed leadership expectations and the challenges women face in transportation workplaces.

Safety and Technology Take Center Stage

The conference’s educational program addressed several issues affecting professional drivers and motor carriers, including highway safety, regulatory compliance, freight fraud and driver recruitment.

Sessions also examined the growing use of artificial intelligence in fleet operations, with discussions covering safety performance, risk management, and transportation technology.

FMCSA priorities were part of the agenda, alongside strategies for improving highway safety and adapting to regulatory developments.

Professional drivers were represented through “Ask the Driver: Real Conversations with the WIT Image Team,” a session featuring perspectives from women working behind the wheel.

Commercial Vehicles Featured at the Expo

The Accelerate! Expo brought together truck and trailer manufacturers, motor carriers, technology providers and businesses offering transportation-related products and services.

A featured attraction was the Truck & Technology Tour, planned to include more than 20 tractors and trailers. The display focused on commercial equipment and developments involving advanced safety systems, artificial intelligence, and connected fleet technologies.

Exhibitors also represented driver recruiting, insurance, financial services and truck stop amenities, giving attendees access to companies serving different areas of the trucking industry.

Recognizing Women in Transportation

Alongside the educational programming, Accelerate! highlighted the contributions of women working throughout the trucking industry.

The conference included recognition associated with WIT’s Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation and Top Women to Watch initiatives, reflecting the association’s continued focus on professional opportunities and advancement.

Networking events also provided opportunities for drivers, fleet representatives, and other transportation professionals to connect. The program included a driver-focused gathering, an expo reception, and additional activities throughout the week.

More information about the annual event is available through the Women In Trucking Association’s official Accelerate! Conference & Expo website.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: October 28, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Linda Garner-Bunch/ The Trucker

The post Women in Trucking’s 2026 Accelerate! Conference Enters Final Day in Dallas appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The annual list was released October 13 by Redefining the Road, WIT’s official magazine. This year’s honorees include motor carriers, logistics providers, equipment manufacturers and other businesses serving the trucking industry.

The recognized companies will be honored during WIT’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo, scheduled for October 25–28 in Dallas. ExxonMobil is sponsoring the 2026 recognition program.

Thirty Companies Earn Elite Recognition

Alongside the full list, WIT identified its Elite 30, a group of companies that received the highest number of votes in this year’s program.

The 2026 Elite 30 companies are:

• ArcBest
• Averitt
• Bennett Family of Companies
• Daimler Truck North America
• Estes Express Lines
• FedEx Freight
• Forward
• Great Dane
• Highlight Motor Group
• J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
• Kenworth Truck Company
• Landstar System, Inc.
• Marathon Petroleum Company LP
• Marten Transport, Ltd.
• May Trucking Company
• Old Dominion Freight Line
• PACCAR Financial Corp.
• PACCAR Inc.
• PACCAR Leasing Company
• PACCAR Parts Division
• Peterbilt Motors Company
• Quality Carriers, Inc.
• Roehl Transport, Inc.
• RXO
• Ryder System, Inc.
• Suburban Propane, L.P.
• The Evans Network of Companies
• Thermo King by Trane Technologies
• UPS
• XPO, Inc.

The Elite 30 distinction is based on the number of votes received, rather than a separate ranking of the companies’ compensation, benefits, or employment practices.

Additional Companies Recognized Across the Industry

The broader 2026 list includes ADM Trucking, America’s Service Line, Boyle Transportation, Bridgestone Americas, Carter Express, Conversion Interactive Agency, Covenant Logistics, Cummins, Dot Transportation, Halvor Lines, International Motors, J. J. Keller & Associates, Koch Companies, Leonard’s Express, McLeod Software, Michelin North America, Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Schneider, Southeastern Freight Lines, TA Dedicated, Transflo, Trimac Transportation, U.S. Xpress and Wilson Logistics, among other honorees.

The overall list reflects participation from businesses throughout the trucking industry, including companies that employ professional drivers and those providing equipment, technology, and services to transportation operations.

What the Recognition Program Considers

WIT established the Top Companies for Women to Work in Trucking program in 2018 to recognize businesses supporting women’s employment and advancement in the industry.

According to Brian Everett, group publisher and editorial director of Redefining the Road, the program considers workplace characteristics such as competitive compensation and benefits, flexible schedules, professional development and opportunities for career advancement.

Everett said the recognition reflects an organization-wide commitment to creating workplaces where women can develop successful careers while contributing to business performance.

Lana Nichols, WIT’s interim president and CEO, said the program supports the association’s broader mission of recognizing companies working to improve employment opportunities for women in trucking.

For professional drivers reviewing potential employers, the annual list provides another resource for identifying companies recognized for their workplace practices. Individual job requirements, schedules, compensation, and benefits can still vary by position and location.

The 2026 honorees will receive recognition later this month at the Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: October 16, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Source: Women In Trucking

The post Women In Trucking Announces 2026 Top Companies for Women to Work in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Angela Lentz of Daimler Truck North America, Mari Roberts of PepsiCo and Sauny Tucker of Tucker Freight Lines were named this year’s finalists by the Women In Trucking Association. Established in 2010 and sponsored by TrueBlue’s Centerline Drivers, the award recognizes women whose leadership and work have made an impact across the trucking industry.

All three will take part in a panel discussion at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo, taking place Oct. 25-28 in Dallas, where this year’s winner will be announced.

Angela Lentz Brings Nearly Three Decades of Industry Experience

Angela Lentz serves as chief people officer for Daimler Truck North America, leading the company’s people and culture strategy. She also serves on DTNA’s Operating Committee and Daimler Truck’s global Human Resources Operating Committee.

Her nearly three decades with the business have included positions well beyond human resources. Lentz has worked in purchasing, materials, quality and finance, with experience in both corporate offices and the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant.

Mari Roberts’ Career Spans Transportation, Fleet and Supply Chain Operations

Mari Roberts serves as senior vice president of North America Supply Chain Centers of Excellence for PepsiCo. Her responsibilities extend across manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, fleet and integrated business solutions for PepsiCo Beverage US and PepsiCo Foods US.

Roberts has spent 26 years with Frito-Lay in field operations and corporate transportation and supply chain positions. She earned her Certified Transportation Professional designation in 2009 and served as chairman of the National Private Truck Council Institute Board of Governors from 2014 to 2022. She currently chairs the NPTC Board of Directors.

Sauny Tucker Built a Career From a Family Connection to Trucking

Sauny Tucker is CEO of Tucker Freight Lines in Dubuque, Iowa, but her connection to trucking began well before she entered the business. Both her father and grandfather were professional drivers, and Tucker began working in the industry alongside her husband, AJ Tucker, in 2001.

The couple acquired Art Pape Transfer in 2018, eventually building the operation into Tucker Freight Lines. Tucker now leads safety, human resources, recruiting and marketing while helping guide the company’s growth.

Her previous industry recognition includes being named a Top Woman to Watch in Transportation by Women In Trucking. Tucker Freight Lines has also been recognized as a Top Woman-Owned Business in Transportation and a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation, and the carrier earned TCA Elite Fleet certification in 2026.

The panel discussion in Dallas will give Lentz, Roberts and Tucker an opportunity to share perspectives from three different areas of transportation before Women In Trucking announces the 2026 award recipient.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: October 8, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Women In Trucking

The post Women In Trucking Names Finalists for 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The new platform expands the ways drivers and other transportation professionals can access AAWTA resources online. It is intended for people working across the industry, including those behind the wheel, working in offices, building transportation businesses, or developing their careers.

New Hub Brings AAWTA Resources Together

The digital hub is organized into several areas, including health and wellness, education and career opportunities, events and media updates.

The health and wellness section provides articles and resources focused on the well-being of drivers and transportation professionals. Education and opportunity resources include information about training, career development, scholarships, and upcoming educational events.

Users can also find details about AAWTA events, community gatherings and other programs. The media section brings together press releases, podcast recaps, organization updates and other recent stories.

Platform Adds Another Way to Access AAWTA Programs

The new hub will operate alongside AAWTA’s existing website rather than replacing it. The association said the goal is to make it easier for its community to find current programs, resources, events and opportunities without having to search across multiple areas.

The African American Women Trucking Association supports women working throughout transportation and provides programs focused on professional development, education, networking and industry resources.

The new digital hub is now live and available through AAWTA.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 10, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post AAWTA Launches New Digital Hub for Trucking Resources and Opportunities appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The new class represents eight trucking companies and joins 18 returning members already serving on the Image Team, including 12 legacy members and six members from the 2024 class. According to WIT, the combined team now represents 13 companies across the trucking industry.

2026 Image Team Represents a Range of Experience

Founded in 2015, the Women In Trucking Image Team brings together professional drivers with diverse backgrounds and experience levels. The 2026 class includes drivers with between one and 39 years behind the wheel, hauling freight ranging from individual packages to horses.

In addition to serving as ambassadors for the trucking industry, Image Team members participate in educational outreach, industry conferences, community events and media interviews while sharing their experiences and mentoring newer drivers entering the profession.

“Drivers are the heartbeat of our industry, and WIT’s Image Team highlights how rewarding a career behind the wheel can be,” said Lana Nichols, interim president and CEO of the Women In Trucking Association. “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.”

WITney Ambassadors Continue Outreach Efforts

Several members of the 2026 class also serve as WITney Ambassadors, transporting the organization’s WITney Educational Trailer to events nationwide.

The mobile trailer features a commercial driving simulator and interactive exhibits designed to introduce students, job seekers, and community members to careers in trucking. WIT said the ambassadors help demonstrate opportunities within the industry by participating in ride-alongs, educational programs and public events. Walmart continues to support the initiative by selecting professional drivers to serve as WITney Ambassadors.

Women In Trucking 2026 Image Team

• Cassie Altidor*, Walmart
• Nita Brown, Walmart
• Krista Cardosa*, Walmart
• Nicole Dudon, Old Dominion Freight Line
• Paula Harper, FedEx Freight
• Barbara Herring, J.B. Hunt Transport Services
• Gina Jones, Werner Enterprises
• Jo Lynn Kelley*, Walmart
• Tracy Larsen, FedEx Freight
• Lisa Ray*, Walmart
• Desiree Robbins, Walmart
• Cinthia Sanchez Altamirano*, Walmart
• Su Schmerheim, ClassAct Horse Transport
• Jenna Walker, Walker Sand & Stone
• Heather Wolff, Werner Enterprises
• Shawnta Wortham, Boyle Transportation

*Denotes a WITney Ambassador.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 14, 2026

Source: The Trucker, Women In Trucking

Source: WIT

The post Women In Trucking Names 2026 Image Team appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Presented in partnership with TrueBlue’s Centerline Drivers, the annual award is now in its 16th year and honors women whose influence extends beyond their own organizations through leadership, mentorship, innovation, and service to the industry.

Industry Encouraged to Submit Nominations

Nominations are open through August 31, with Women In Trucking inviting colleagues, peers, mentors, and industry leaders to recognize women who have made a lasting impact throughout the transportation industry.

Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, President and CEO of Women In Trucking, said each year’s nominees represent leaders who are driving innovation, creating opportunities for others, and helping shape the future of trucking. She encouraged companies across the industry to recognize women whose leadership deserves celebration.

Award Presentation Scheduled for October

The 2026 recipient will be announced at Accelerate! 2026. Conference & Expo, scheduled for October 25 through October 28 in Dallas.

Award finalists will also take part in a panel discussion on October 28, where they will discuss leadership, career experiences, and lessons learned throughout their time in the industry.

Centerline Drivers President Jill Quinn said recognizing influential women helps highlight the many career opportunities available throughout trucking while encouraging more women to consider careers across the industry.

Sixteen Years of Recognizing Industry Leadership

Over the past 16 years, the Influential Woman in Trucking Award has recognized executives and industry leaders from carriers, fleets, logistics providers, and equipment manufacturers across North America.

Recent recipients include Dee Dee Cox of Old Dominion Freight Line, Tracy Rushing of RE Garrison Trucking, Shelley Simpson of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Trina Norman of UPS, Lily Ley of PACCAR, Kristy Knichel of Knichel Logistics, and Jodie Teuton of Kenworth of Louisiana.

Nominations for the 2026 award remain open online through August 31.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 27, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Women In Trucking

The post Nominations Open for the 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The May 16 event, called “Trucks Are For Girls,” was coordinated through Women In Trucking and Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. Around 50 girls and their parents attended the event, according to WIT Director of Driver Engagement Jenny Fall, who organized the program alongside Moon Star Express Director of Human Resources and Safety Renee Osear.

Some girls arrived curious about truck driving itself. Others knew very little about the transportation industry before walking through the doors.

By the end of the event, many had spent time learning pre-trip basics, asking questions about trucking jobs, touring the WITney® Educational Trailer, and hearing directly from industry professionals about careers connected to transportation.

“I got to talk with girls who didn’t know anything about the careers in trucking to girls who were confident they wanted to drive someday,” said Fall. “These girls were 10 to 12 years old, and their excitement, engagement, and overall attitudes made this day so special.”

The Event Focused on Showing How Broad Trucking Careers Really Are

Throughout the day, organizers introduced participants to different parts of the industry instead of presenting trucking as a single career path.

Girls rotated through activity stations that included a pre-trip inspection exercise with a quiz component, craft activities, yoga sessions led by Operation Broga Executive Director Maggie Wolarik, and a full walkthrough experience inside the WITney® trailer.

The conversations surrounding those activities often expanded beyond driving itself.

According to Fall, one parent shared concerns about helping her daughter find future career opportunities outside a traditional four-year college route. That discussion became an opportunity to explain how trucking companies rely on operations staff, customer service teams, logistics personnel, safety departments, and many other positions alongside professional drivers.

“One mom shared that her daughter just wasn’t into school, so she wanted to help her find something that didn’t need a 4-year degree,” Fall said. “I got to talk with her about all the things in trucking that I’ve gotten to see from driving a truck to operations and customer service roles. I say it all the time: the future of trucking is bright!”

Industry Groups Continue Looking for New Ways to Reach Younger Audiences

Events centered around younger students have become more visible across parts of the trucking industry as organizations search for ways to build earlier awareness around transportation careers.

For many families, trucking still feels limited to what they see from the highway. Programs like “Trucks Are For Girls” are designed to widen that perspective by introducing students to the variety of jobs supporting freight movement every day.

That includes careers connected to dispatching, maintenance, safety, recruiting, logistics, customer support, and operations management in addition to driving itself.

At the end of the event, participants received Women In Trucking Girl Scout patches along with dolls wearing personalized I Heart Trucking® shirts.

For organizers, the larger objective was not simply hosting a one-day event. The goal was to help more young girls leave with a stronger understanding that transportation offers multiple career paths long before they begin making long-term career decisions.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 25, 2026

Source: Women In Trucking

Image Source: Women In Trucking

The post Michigan Girl Scout Event Gives Young Girls A Hands-on Introduction to Trucking Careers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The announcement was made on April 21 and reflects continued focus on truck stop conditions that affect safety and day-to-day usability on the road.

The seven standards behind the rankings

The Women in Motion designation is based on seven requirements developed from feedback provided by women drivers. To qualify for the Top 3 list, a truck stop had to meet all seven standards and also earn strong user ratings in the Trucker Path app.

The seven standards are

• Lighted parking
• Lighted bathroom access
• Lighted lounge areas
• Lighted showers
• Lighted laundry facilities
• 24-hour maintenance
• On-site security

These standards are centered on the conditions drivers say matter most when choosing where to stop.

The top three truck stops on the list

The three highest-rated locations are

• Compass Travel Center in DeMotte, Indiana
• Garden Inn Truck Plaza in Mound City, Missouri
• Talent Truck Stop in Talent, Oregon

Compass Travel Center also ranked number 25 on Trucker Path’s broader Top 100 Truck Stops list.

How Trucker Path is tracking these features

Trucker Path added Women in Motion-specific search functionality in 2024, giving drivers the ability to filter truck stops based on these safety-focused features.

Since then, more than 12,000 truck stops have added information about at least one Women in Motion-friendly feature, and nearly 250 locations now offer all seven.

The Women in Motion section of the app has been accessed more than 64 million times, showing how widely this information is being used.

Why this list matters to truck drivers

Access to safe parking remains a leading challenge, according to WIM and Industry leaders, who say improvements in lighting, security, and facility access are critical to driver well-being, not just convenience.

That makes lists like this more than recognition. They give drivers another way to plan stops around the conditions that matter once the truck is parked.

Nikki Thomas, ATA vice president of industry affairs, said expanding safe stopping options has been a key focus for the group, noting that partnerships with platforms like Trucker Path have encouraged truck stop operators to upgrade amenities.

How drivers can use this information

Drivers can use the Trucker Path app to search routes and filter for Women in Motion-friendly features. Truck stop operators can also add or update their amenity profiles within the platform.

For drivers, that means the app can be used to identify locations that meet these standards before the next stop is locked in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a truck stop women-friendly, according to WIM?
It must meet seven standards tied to lighting, facility access, maintenance, and on-site security.

Which truck stops made the Top 3 list?
Compass Travel Center in Indiana, Garden Inn Truck Plaza in Missouri, and Talent Truck Stop in Oregon.

How were these truck stops selected?
They had to meet all seven Women in Motion standards and receive strong ratings in the Trucker Path app.

Can these features be searched in Trucker Path?
Yes. Trucker Path added Women in Motion-specific search functionality in 2024.

How many truck stops now offer all seven features?
Nearly 250 locations now offer all seven.

Truck stops that meet all seven standards stand out because they align with the conditions women drivers identified as most important. For any driver planning a stop, that makes this list is worth paying attention to.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry updates, job insights, and real-world topics that impact drivers on the road.

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking

The post Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops Identified by WIM and Trucker Path appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.