ARLINGTON, Texas — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT), working alongside Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), has issued a final call for entries for the 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking Award. Established back in 2010, the annual accolade honors female professionals holding critical leadership positions throughout the transportation sector, spanning everything from corporate boardrooms and manufacturing facilities to the driver's seat and dealership networks.

This industry recognition highlights women who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a clear dedication to mentorship. Jennifer Hedrick, President and CEO of WIT, points out that celebrating these career milestones remains a foundational pillar for the organization. Submissions close on September 11, giving fleets, owner-operators, and industry peers a tight window to put forward deserving candidates through the official WIT Awards Nomination Portal.

Angela Lentz, Chief People Officer at DTNA, emphasizes that honoring these leaders aligns directly with efforts to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Past recipients of the prize form an impressive roster of heavy-duty leadership, including Shelley Simpson, President of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, who took the honor in 2023, along with previous winners such as Trina Norman of UPS, Lily Ley of PACCAR, and Ramona Hood of FedEx Custom Critical. The winner of this year's award will be announced during the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo running from November 10 through November 13 in Dallas, Texas.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL-A drivers and independent owner-operators navigating daily supply chain challenges, executive leadership diversity directly shapes operational policies, equipment specifications, and driver retention initiatives across major fleets. Recognizing high-achieving women in executive and operational roles shines a light on career pathways available to the next generation of drivers and technicians entering the freight industry. As trucking companies hiring talent continue to look for ways to expand their talent pools, visibility at the highest levels of management encourages broader participation from qualified professionals across all demographics.

Industry Reaction

Industry advocates stress that recognizing female leaders helps break down historical barriers that have kept many qualified candidates from pursuing long-term careers behind the wheel or in dispatch offices. Major manufacturers and logistics providers view these leadership awards as a vital tool for shifting the cultural perception of heavy-haul freight transportation. Highlighting the achievements of women running logistics brokerages, dealerships, and supply networks proves that operational excellence extends far beyond traditional boundaries.

Key Points

• The Women In Trucking Association partners with Daimler Truck North America to sponsor the annual award.
• Nominations are open to women working in driving, fleet ownership, manufacturing, sales, and corporate logistics.
• The 2024 winner will be revealed at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas.
• Finalists participate in a featured panel discussion and receive exclusive virtual coaching prior to the event.

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