Dallas, Texas — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has officially disclosed the three candidates vying for the 2023 Influential Woman in Trucking award, a distinction sponsored by Daimler Truck North America. The finalists include Tori Blake, CFO of Western Logistics Express; Megan Ferguson, a senior executive at Walmart; and Shelley Simpson, president of J.B. Hunt Transport Services. This annual recognition, established in 2010, aims to spotlight female leaders who have significantly shaped the operational and strategic landscape of the freight industry.

The award serves a critical purpose in an industry historically dominated by men, highlighting the tangible impact women have on logistics efficiency and corporate governance. By elevating these professionals, WIT underscores the necessity of diverse leadership in navigating complex supply chain challenges. These three women represent different facets of the trucking ecosystem, from mid-sized carrier financial management to massive national retail logistics and global freight technology development. Their selection reflects a broader shift where female executives are no longer just present but are driving core business decisions that affect thousands of CDL-A drivers and fleet operations nationwide.

Tori Blake brings extensive financial expertise to the table, having previously worked as an auditor at Ernst & Young. She is currently recognized as the Kansas City Business Journal’s 2023 CFO of the Year for her role in growing Western Logistics Express and WLX. Megan Ferguson, with over 15 years at Walmart and Sam’s Club, oversees end-to-end delivery acceleration, leveraging her background in supply chain management from Michigan State University. Shelley Simpson, a 29-year veteran of J.B. Hunt, played a pivotal role in creating the J.B. Hunt 360° freight-matching platform and currently serves as the company's chief commercial officer. Their diverse backgrounds illustrate the wide range of skills required to lead modern trucking companies.

What This Means for Drivers

For the average owner-operator or OTR truck driver, seeing these leaders recognized signals a maturing industry that values strategic planning and technology integration. As companies like J.B. Hunt and Walmart expand their digital freight-matching capabilities, drivers may see more streamlined load boards and consistent payment terms, reducing the downtime that often plagues independent operators. Furthermore, the emphasis on employee development and talent acquisition by leaders like Blake suggests that trucking companies hiring more aggressively will likely offer better training programs and retention incentives for new HGV license holders. This focus on human capital helps stabilize the workforce, which is crucial for maintaining reliable service levels across the network.

Industry Reaction

The trucking sector has responded positively to the visibility of female leadership, recognizing that diverse perspectives are essential for solving persistent labor shortages and operational bottlenecks. Advocacy groups note that these profiles help dismantle stereotypes, encouraging more women to enter the industry in both driving and executive roles. The announcement coincides with the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, scheduled for November 5–8, 2023, where industry stakeholders will gather to discuss these trends. The winner will be revealed on Tuesday, November 7, at 10:15 a.m. CST, following a dedicated panel discussion that explores the future of leadership in freight.

Key Points

• The three finalists for the 2023 award are Tori Blake, Megan Ferguson, and Shelley Simpson.
• The award is sponsored by Daimler Truck North America and has been given since 2010.
• Shelley Simpson was instrumental in developing the J.B. Hunt 360° technology platform.
• The winner will be announced during the WIT Accelerate! Conference in Dallas on November 7.

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