Lori Furnell, president of Truck Drivers USA, has been recognized as one of the Women In Trucking Association’s (WIT) 2025 Top Women to Watch in Transportation. With over 34 years of experience in the industry, Lori has dedicated her career to advancing trucking through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.
Lori’s Impact on the Trucking Industry
Lori’s career has spanned roles in recruiting, strategic planning, corporate development, branding, sales, and operations. She has worked with both for-hire and private fleets, including a Fortune 100 company, and led business development for the largest recruitment marketing agency in the industry. Today, she leads a top driver lead generation company that is female-owned and boasts an 80% female workforce.
Beyond business success, Lori is deeply committed to improving the image of drivers and the industry. Her passion for trucking extends beyond her company, making her a standout nominee for this prestigious recognition.
Significant Accomplishments in the Past 12-18 Months
Over the past year and a half, Lori has achieved remarkable milestones that underscore her vision for the industry:
- Built an online community of over one million followers, with a reach of up to 50 million people in a single month.
- Partnered with the NFI SheDrives initiative to amplify content that supports and elevates women in trucking.
- Launched Driver.jobs, a platform and community designed to connect and support final-mile drivers.
- Created the Haul of Fame, a space dedicated to celebrating trucking’s unsung heroes, including Drivers of the Month and Carriers of the Year.
- Developed an innovative technology-driven platform that matches drivers with companies based on their individual needs and preferences.
These achievements reflect her forward-thinking approach and unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact on drivers and the companies that support them.
How Lori Exemplifies WIT’s Mission
Lori fully embodies the mission of Women In Trucking—encouraging the employment of women in the industry, promoting their accomplishments, and minimizing the obstacles they face. She has mentored drivers and industry professionals, fostering growth and paving the way for future leaders.
Her efforts to enhance the perception of drivers go beyond recognition; she actively works to ensure their voices are heard and their contributions celebrated. Lori’s influence extends beyond drivers to the broader industry, where she continues to break down barriers for women and push for a more inclusive and supportive environment. Her advocacy, leadership, and dedication to the industry make her a true champion for positive change.
Women In Trucking’s 2025 Top Women to Watch
Lori joins an impressive group of 74 women recognized for their significant career accomplishments. These professionals come from a diverse range of roles, including operations, corporate management, sales, marketing, strategic initiatives, human resources, engineering, and technology. The full list of honorees includes:
- Vanessa Angulo, Senior Director, Talent Acquisition, Sysco
- Pamela Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Core Four Productions
- Tamsin Bencivengo, Director, Employer Brand, Penske Transportation Solutions
- Nicole Boyd, Driver Safety Trainer, Air Products
- Lina Castaneda, Chief Customer Officer, Tai Software
- Marcela Castano, Principal Applied Researcher, Bridgestone Americas
- Joanna Cooper, General Manager, Mount Holly Truck Manufacturing Plant, Daimler Truck North America
- Theresa Davinroy, Marketing Director, Tri-National, Inc.
- Jessica Dotson, Director of Business Development, Multi Service Fuel Card
- Janice Doyon, Director of Logistics, Performance Food Group
- Abbie Dunaway, BI Services Manager, McLeod Software
- Amanda Ellis, Lead, Dealer Operations – Digital Solutions, Bridgestone Americas
- Ashley Ellison, Vice President, Dedicated Operations, U.S. Xpress
- Sarah Falcon, Site Supervisor, Air Products
- Kathie Falcone, National Sales Director of Fleet Services, PACCAR Parts
- Kimberly Fisk, President, Triumph Factoring
- Angie Freeman, Chief Human Resources Officer, C.H. Robinson
- Karen Fuller, Executive Director of Maintenance, R.E. Garrison Trucking
- Lori Furnell, President, Truck Drivers USA
- Kameel Gaines, Chief Executive Officer, Rig On Wheels
- Sara Graf, Vice President, Sustainability, Culture and Communications, Estes Express Lines
- Laura Granados, Controller, May Trucking Company
- Kat Guerrero, Corporate Procurement Manager, Rihm Family Companies
- Candy June Hackworth, Manufacturing Operations Manager, International Motors
- Heather Hines, Director of Product Management, Arrive Logistics
- Betsy Hone, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition, Old Dominion Freight Line
- Tracy Hughes, Vice President, Compliance, Benefits and Spend Management, Estes Express Lines
- Carrie Johnstone, Vice President, Customer Experience and Innovation, Estes Express Lines
- Katie Justman, Director of Operations, Schneider
- Kristine Kennedy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Highway Heavy Hauling
- Anita Kim, Director, Government Affairs and Policy, Torc Robotics
- Jennifer King, Field Sales Manager, Penske Truck Leasing
- Judith Knudsen, Chief Executive Officer, eTruck Transportation, LLC
- Becky Kraemer, Director, Cargo Claims, Saia LTL Freight
- Jackie Lawrence, Senior Director – People Relations, J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- Trisha Leckow, Vice President of Product Technology, Echo Global Logistics
- Kelly Lee, Operating Center Manager, May Trucking Company
- Elizabeth Lopez, Chief Financial Officer, Dealer Operations, Sun State International Trucks LLC
- Jenny Lovering, General Transportation Manager, Walmart
- Brenda Mejia, Head of Operations, Gatik
- Erin Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer, YMX Logistics
- Laura Muir, Chief Human Resources Officer, Polaris Transport
- Annette Munger, Engagement Manager, R.E. Garrison Trucking
- Kandice Nadeau, Vice President, Dedicated Contract Carriage Solutions, Penske Logistics
- Zeliha Ozgul-Mamishi, Lead Project Manager, International Motors
- Kait Parker, Vice President, Operations, RXO
… (List continues with all nominees) …
The full list of honorees will be featured in WIT’s Redefining the Road magazine and online at Women In Trucking. Congratulations to Lori and all the exceptional women making a difference in transportation!
