ARLINGTON, Virginia — The Women In Trucking Association, operating alongside Daimler Truck North America, has issued a final call for nominations for the 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking Award. This annual honor highlights female professionals holding pivotal positions throughout the transportation industry, spanning corporate boardrooms, manufacturing plants, supplier networks, dealership operations, and the driver's seat. Established in 2010, the accolade recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a dedicated focus on mentorship within the trucking sector.
Jennifer Hedrick, President and CEO of WIT, emphasizes that celebrating the achievements of women remains central to the organization's core mission. The nomination window closes on September 11, giving industry peers limited time to put forward qualified candidates via the WIT Awards Nomination Portal. Angela Lentz, Chief People Officer at DTNA, points out that the award aligns directly with corporate efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. Representation of women across commercial transportation has expanded from local and OTR truck driver positions up to the C-suite, proving that targeted recognition drives long-term industry innovation.
Previous recipients of this award represent a diverse cross-section of heavy-duty transportation leadership. Past honorees include Shelley Simpson, President of J.B. Hunt Transport Services; Trina Norman of UPS; Lily Ley, CIO of PACCAR; and Kristy Knichel of Knichel Logistics. Other notable winners range from fleet owners and executives like Ramona Hood of FedEx Custom Critical to regulatory figures such as former FMCSA Deputy Administrator Daphne Jefferson. The 2024 winner will be announced publicly during the WIT Accelerate! Conference and Expo, scheduled for November 10 through 13 in Dallas, Texas. Finalists will participate in a featured panel discussion, while the ultimate recipient receives a specialized virtual coaching session prior to the event.
What This Means for Drivers
Professional truck drivers and owner-operators benefit directly when major commercial fleets and manufacturing giants prioritize leadership diversity and operational inclusivity. Highlighting female leaders at the highest levels of transport operations helps attract fresh talent to an industry continually facing driver shortages and retention hurdles. For CDL-A holders evaluating prospective trucking companies hiring today, corporate cultures that actively promote mentorship and professional growth often provide superior career stability and better support structures out on the road. Recognizing top-tier talent across every tier of logistics strengthens the entire commercial motor vehicle workforce.
Industry Reaction
Major stakeholders across the freight and logistics landscape continue to throw their weight behind diversity initiatives designed to broaden the appeal of trucking careers. Fleet operators note that expanding the talent pool from the warehouse floor and the steering wheel up to executive management creates more resilient supply chains. By shining a spotlight on practical leadership and operational success, organizations like WIT and DTNA encourage broader participation among women pursuing long-term careers as an OTR truck driver, fleet manager, or independent carrier.
Key Points
- The Women In Trucking Association partners with Daimler Truck North America to sponsor the annual award.
- Nominations recognize women excelling in driving, corporate management, manufacturing, and dealership operations.
- The 2024 winner will be revealed at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas.
- Past recipients include executive leaders from J.B. Hunt, UPS, PACCAR, and FedEx Custom Critical.
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