Louisville, Kentucky — Mary “Candy” Bass of Transport Designs, Inc. was crowned the Women in Trucking Association’s Driver of the Year at the Mid‑America Trucking Show, a ceremony sponsored by Walmart and held during the event’s annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel.
The accolade underscores the growing visibility of women in a field that has long been dominated by men. The Women in Trucking (WIT) organization uses the award to spotlight drivers who set safety benchmarks and serve as mentors, helping to shift industry culture and attract more diverse talent to the road.
Bass entered the competition alongside Ally Cooper of Penske Logistics and Ann McFarland of Leonard’s Express, emerging as the sole winner after a judging panel that included Walmart talent‑acquisition director Erin Bergman, radio host Tim Ridley and WIT founder Ellen Voie. Her résumé reads like a road‑map of achievement: more than 6 million accident‑free miles, the 2016 TA Petro Citizen Driver award for safety and community leadership, a namesake Candy Bass Travel Center at a Tennessee TA truck stop, and a 2023 feature on WIT’s Redefining the Road magazine as one of the Top Women to Watch.
What This Means for Drivers
For CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators, Bass’s recognition reinforces the commercial payoff of flawless safety records. Fleets that emulate her disciplined approach can lower insurance premiums and avoid costly FMCSA violations. Her mentorship model offers a template for seasoned OTR truck drivers to guide newcomers, especially women, through the licensing process and long‑haul lifestyle. Companies that highlight such role models in recruiting materials may see a boost in applications for truck driver jobs, as candidates increasingly seek workplaces that value diversity and professional development.
Industry Reaction
WIT President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick praised Bass, noting that her contributions extend beyond the wheel to mentorship programs that “guide women at all stages of their careers.” Walmart’s involvement signals that major retailers recognize safe, reliable drivers as essential to supply‑chain resilience. Carrier groups across the Midwest echoed the sentiment, saying Bass’s story will be used in safety seminars and driver‑retention workshops throughout the coming year.
Key Points
- Mary “Candy” Bass logged over 6 million accident‑free miles in a 50‑year career.
- She received the TA Petro Citizen Driver award in 2016 for safety and community service.
- The award ceremony took place at the Mid‑America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
- WIT’s judging panel featured representatives from Walmart, radio and the organization’s founder.
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