Redefining the Road Edition 1 2026

WHAT MAKES A TOP WOMAN TO WATCH?

Lesley Veldstra Killingsworth Vice President of Pricing and Market Strategy

BEHIND THE BEST.

Kenworth’s Erin Fitzpatrick simplifies truck financing as fleet pricing manager for Kenworth’s sales operations group.

Erin learned the value of going the extra mile as a hospitality professional and now applies that mindset to help Kenworth fleet customers successfully navigate complex financial decisions.

Here’s to Erin and the entire Kenworth team who are making The World’s Best ® trucks even better.

Read her story

IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN

The Model 579 combines aerodynamic styling with best-in-class driver comfort. The 579 comes standard with the powerful and fuel-e cient PACCAR MX-13 engine, which is an industry leader in reliability with over 99% uptime proven through multi-million-mile fleet endurance testing. Customers also benefit from the MX-13 technology-driven approach to uptime with standard remote diagnostics and prognostics technology.

Every Model 579 and every MX engine is proudly made in the United States of America.

Women In Trucking Association

P.O. Box 656

Merrifield, VA 22116 USA

Phone: 1-888-464-9482 www.WomenInTrucking.org

Published by: MindShare Strategies, Inc.

P.O. Box 3555

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004

Billing Address: MindShare Strategies, Inc. P.O. Box 843 Springfield, TN 37172

Group Editorial Director and Publisher: Brian Everett, ABC 952-442-8850 x201 brian@WomenInTrucking.org

Managing Editor: Cassidy Mullins 952-442-8850 x215 cassidy@WomenInTrucking.org

Brynn Aiello

Courtney Bloom

Brian Everett

Marcia Jedd

Advertising Sales: Carleen Herndon 1-888-464-9482 carleen@WomenInTrucking.org

Design/Production Managers: Todd Pernsteiner 952-841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com Amy Pinkston amy@pernsteiner.com

Accounting/Administration/ Circulation: Melanie Haley Accounting@mindShare.bz

America Trucking Show Louisville, KY | March 26–28, 2026

WIT Salute to Women Behind the Wheel Louisville, KY | March 27, 2026 Connect with WIT

Building Relationships That Move Your Career Forward Webinar | April 9, 2026

WIT Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award TIA Capital Ideas Conference Phoenix, AZ | April 17, 2026

Regional Event: WIT on the Road Hosted by McLeod Software Birmingham, AL | April 29, 2026

Top Companies for Women to Work in Trucking Nomination Deadline: May 8, 2026

Voting Opens: May 18, 2026

I Heart Trucking® Photo Contest Deadline: June 30, 2026

WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo Dallas, TX | Oct. 25-28, 2026

Jennifer Hedrick, CAE President & CEO

WIT Recent Progress: Building a Stronger Network for Women in Trucking

We’re excited to share the first issue of Redefining the Road for 2026. While we’re well into 2026, we always like to reflect on the previous year’s activities and accomplishments as it helps drive our future. Last year was a year of measurable impact and powerful momentum for Women In Trucking and our industry.

Our leadership continued to focus intently on carrying out the mission and vision of WIT. I want to thank our 2025 Board leadership, especially Sarah Smith (Penske), who served as chair this past year. Her commitment to educating, advancing and celebrating accomplishments of women in the trucking profession guided us throughout 2025. Many thanks to Sarah and all the volunteer leaders in the Board of Directors and committees who continually strive to move WIT ahead.

In 2025, a large part of our focus as an organization was increasing connectivity and building a broader community. Some highlights on that journey, included:

• Enhancing our Engage platform to encourage broader connectivity opportunities for you to meet people in your communities or who have similar interests, jobs or goals.

• The “Accelerate! Conference, as always, is our main meeting point as an organization, and this was no exception in 2025. We were so grateful to the many of you who participated, shared ideas and experiences—making this the mustattend event for the trucking community.

• Many of you have asked us how we can bring the Accelerate! experience into your local communities on a smaller scale. And so, in 2025, we launched WIT on the Road, an opportunity to host your local trucking community for conversation, education and idea sharing. We’re excited

to expand this in 2026 across the country and invite you to join us. Reach out to Alyssa Kirkman if you’d like to learn more about how to host a WIT on the Road event in your community: alyssa@ womenintrucking.org

• And, as always, we had the privilege and honor to celebrate and recognize the many members of our community who are continuing to be visionaries in their respective fields within trucking, including Top Women to Watch and Driver of the Year, amongst others.

A highlight of my year, amongst many, was listening to the passion that WIT Driver of the Year Kathy Blaies, a professional car hauler with United Road, shared in her journey in trucking, imploring all of us to continue to serve and be proactive in building connectivity and greater opportunities for women. She exemplified how drivers bring alive the work that all of us focus on each day, in whatever capacity that may be.

These are only a few highlights of the past year. If you’re not engaged in some of these areas, reach out to our team to learn more. And, if you know someone who

wants to learn more about trucking, share this magazine with them.

Through connectivity and community, we will continue to grow and create opportunities for women in trucking, and Women In Trucking at large.

On behalf of the WIT team and Board leadership thank you for your support, engagement and the honor to connect with you. We hope to see you often in 2026.

WHAT MAKES A TOP WOMAN TO WATCH?

COVER: Top Women to Watch

Since 2018, Redefining the Road magazine has celebrated exceptional professionals whose careers reflect the Women In Trucking mission to recognize women’s achievements across the industry. While the industry historically has been long populated by men, it is rapidly evolving and women are increasingly driving change and innovation. But creating a successful career in this industry isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about expertise, leadership, vision and integrity in an industry that keeps America moving.

Let’s explore the defining traits that set apart the exceptional women honored as the 2026 Top Women to Watch in Trucking.

Expertise Matters

Women who stand out blend expertise with strategic thinking. Whether it’s building a skilled workforce or mastering operational excellence, top performers understand the complexities in trucking and use that insight to make smarter decisions for their teams and companies.

For example, Chelsey Johnston, Director of Human Resources for XPO, Inc., consistently ties people strategy to business performance. She built XPO’s Road Flex Operation (RFO) from the ground up starting in November

2023, designing scalable onboarding, policy, and scheduling for a largely non wired, geographically dispersed workforce. Under her HR leadership, RFO now stands at 359 teams, significantly reducing dependence on highway subservice and strengthening lane reliability.

Lesley Boyd, Vice President of Operations & Dedicated Implementation with Lew Thompson and Son Trucking, is known for approaching challenges with clarity, adaptability, and purpose. She brings structure to complexity, aligns teams around common goals, and ensures

operational continuity even under pressure. Her ability to balance efficiency with service quality reflects both her experience and her commitment to doing what is right for customers and the organization.

Cassie Lee, Director of National Accounts with Kenworth, skillfully supports Kenworth and their Dealer Network while driving truck and finance share growth through innovative finance solutions and marketing programs. Her prior leadership of the Used Equipment department showcased her strategic acumen in maximizing product resale value and pioneering digital tools such as the continued on page 9

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CRM Lead Generation module, Predictive Pricing tool, and eCommerce platform that significantly enhanced sales efficiency and customer experience. As a result, she set and still holds PFC’s all-time record for Used Truck gain on sale.

Power In Relationships

Women who rise to prominence are often natural collaborators. They actively listen, build trust with drivers and staff, and create inclusive environments where diverse perspectives thrive.

Kimberly Knight, President & CEO of Kim’s Trucker Services, has helped countless small fleets, new entrants, and minorityowned businesses navigate complex regulations and stay on the road. Beyond her technical expertise, Knight is an inspiring leader who invests in people. Her

leadership style is a blend of discipline and compassion—the kind that builds loyalty, confidence, and growth.

Holly Zandstra, CFO with Weller Truck Parts, has been a consistent, trusted leader whose impact extends far beyond financial leadership. She combines strategic insight with a peoplefirst approach, helping to guide Weller’s long-term growth while fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and inclusion.

Becky Reynolds, Transportation Manager with Dot Transportation, has played an integral role in shaping the company’s strategies around driver recruiting and retention. Her influence can be seen in the way this large food redistributor continues to evolve its approach in attracting, supporting, and retaining drivers in a highly competitive industry.

CONGRATULATIONS

Maggie Burns, Director – National Accounts West with Old Dominion Freight Line, has led a career defined by perseverance and innovation. Beginning her career there in 1993 as a customer service representative while completing her degree, she steadily rose through roles of increasing responsibility, from Claims Prevention Supervisor to ultimately executive leadership. Today, as Director of National Accounts West, Burns influences strategy, customer relationships, and company-wide growth.

Be A Visionary

The ability to see the big picture while making things happen enables a successful woman to align vision with action, turning strategic insight into measurable results.

Liz Ormond, Senior Director of Parcel Transportation with Walmart, currently leads a delivery program focused on reshaping Walmart’s Parcel Delivery capabilities. Under her leadership, Walmart’s delivery strategy is being reshaped to enable faster, more reliable service for customers. This program exemplifies best-in-class, cross-functional

collaboration across Walmart’s end-to-end network.

Michelle Gentile, Vice President – Vehicle Supply with Penske Truck Leasing, currently leads three teams that manage all vehicle procurement, which could involve up to 45,000 units on order at one time. She manages the company’s relationships with major OEM partners to

Drive for Bob's!

ensure they have the fleet available to meet customers’ needs.

Lesley Veldstra Killingsworth, Vice President of Pricing & Market Strategy for Polaris Transportation Group, has made critical efforts around the simplification of the NMFC system and the pursuit of an API roadmap for every step of the freight process to help the industry propel at a sustainable rate. She’s now assisting the transition in Canada as well.

Build Trust and Credibility

Leading with integrity allows a woman to build trust, earn lasting respect, and create opportunities that strengthen her reputation and long-term career success.

Top Company for Women in Transportation since 2022

Bob’s Discount Furniture is continuing its journey of becoming the top furniture retailer in the country with over 200 stores and counting! Driving with Bob’s offers incredible benefits, top pay, more home time and all with the consistency and job security you deserve! Apply now at: careers.mybobs.com/us/en

Melissa Wiesheier, District Manager with WM, is driven by an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, the right way. She has both a strong work ethic and a hands-on leadership style, and continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes that ensures the highest level of service for both internal and external customers.

Amanda Worthen, Director of Driver Employment with Roehl Transport, embodies the company’s values of innovation, doing the right thing, and delivering success.

2026 TOP WOMEN TO

Authentic Women Living their Best Professional Lives 2026 Top Women to Watch

The 2026 honorees were selected from hundreds of peer-submitted nominations. Each nomination required thoughtful, detailed insight into the nominee’s professional impact, recent career milestones from the past 12 to 18 months, and demonstrated alignment with WIT’s mission.

Congratulations to these 75 individuals who have been named as a 2026 “Top Woman to Watch in Trucking.”

Ana Maria Arce

Sr. Manager Corporate Sustainability & Governance Bridgestone

Led the development of the demonstration M870 truck/ bus tire produced with 70% recycled and renewable materials via ISCC mass balance.

Allison Athey VP, Vocational Sales Daimler Truck North America

Streamlined specifications for key vocational applications, reducing rework and shortening quote to order cycle time.

Jessica Bareford Director, Sales Training & Enablement

Estes Express Lines

Spearheaded the implementation of Salesforce introducing new methodologies that streamlined workflows, improved access to content, and increased overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Sophia Bernard Member Partner

Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard PL

Served as lead counsel in numerous catastrophic trucking accident cases, successfully defending motor carriers and logistics companies in claims involving multimilliondollar exposure.

Molly Borkgren Enterprise Account Executive, 3PL XPO, Inc.

Premium Services attainment at 120.3%., earned CH Robinson’s Carrier of the Year award and manages the largest book of business in the channel at $254M YTD.

Gina Bowker

PDC Manager – Renton PACCAR Parts

Partnered with employees to develop solutions and implement targeted improvements that delivered a 43% increase in retention.

Lesley Boyd VP, Operations & Dedicated Implementation Lew Thompson and Son Trucking

Achieved a 99% on-time performance for a key automotive customer, demonstrating ability to manage demanding service requirements while maintaining consistency and reliability.

Shahera Brailey Engineering Manager Sr. International Modernized the chemistry lab through updated testing methodologies, enhanced instrumentation, and streamlined workflows which significantly improved analytical precision and turnaround speed.

Lori Brooks VP, Marketing & Customer Experience ArcBest

Championed the launch of an AI-powered churn model that identifies early “at-risk” signals, enabling account managers to engage customers proactively and provide personalized support.

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Top Women to Watch

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Wanda Brooks

Compliance Manager

R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc.

Earned the NATMI

Certified Director of Safety designation underscoring her expertise and ongoing commitment to fostering safer, stronger fleets.

Maggie Burns

Director – National Accounts West

Old Dominion Freight Line

Advanced through roles in claims prevention, office management, and ultimately into sales, where she quickly distinguished herself as a high performer.

Stacia Capponi

VP of Client Services

Conversion Interactive Agency

Instrumental in sustaining a 95–98% client retention rate by elevating Conversion’s client experience through hands-on leadership, stronger service models, and performance-driven reporting.

Kate Chauvin

Sr. Director of Client Operations

Ancora Training

Maggie Burns Director – National Accounts

FROM CLERK TO DIRECTOR

CONGRATULATIONS!

At OD, we believe our people are the secret to our success! Maggie Burns is a shining example of our hard working team members. We’re thrilled to announce that Maggie has been named as a 2026 Top Woman to Watch in Transportation. Maggie is a true testament to the power of hard work. She began her career at OD as a customer service clerk and has since risen to become a National Sales Director. A valued member of the OD Family since 1993, Maggie continues to drive strong results for our National Accounts sales team in the West Region. Join us in congratulating Maggie on this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication and leadership continues to shape the future of OD.

To learn more about open positions at OD apply

Oversees Ancora’s highly successful CDL training operations, which are responsible for providing safe and compliant ELDT training to thousands of learners nationwide every year.

Alison Cochran

Assistant Chief Engineer

Peterbilt Motors Company

Leadership in founding Peterbilt’s AVP Organization has played a significant role in Peterbilt’s efforts to stay true to its commitment to purposeful innovation.

Lisa Cook

District Sales Manager

Thermo King

Launched a corporate ERG partnership with Women in Trucking, giving Thermo King employees new professional development opportunities across the trucking industry.

Eileen Dabrowski

Founder/CEO

Apex Tide Consulting

Built a consulting practice grounded in real-world execution, helping logistics companies stabilize teams, strengthen culture, and achieve sustainable growth in tough markets.

Heike DaSilva

Group Director National Sales Ryder System, Inc.

Promoted from Director to Group Director, now managing an expanded annual revenue portfolio from $280 million to $500 million.

Tammy Deschler

Field Operations & Safety Specialist

YMX Logistics

Played a key role reducing preventable incidents by reinforcing consistent operating behaviors, conducting field audits, and addressing risk at the point of execution.

Rachael Doyle

EVP Client Services

Fleetworthy

Sustained commitment to transportation shows through education, collaboration, and mentorship, plus ongoing efforts to strengthen the industry for today’s and future professionals.

Tamara Draeger CEO

Cannonball Express Transportation

Third generation and sole owner of Cannonball Express Transportation, Nebraska Warehouse Company, and The Junction, leading hands-on and fostering a culture of excellence through example.

Alicia Echols

Director, Safety & Compliance

Bennett Heavy & Specialized, LLC

Lead ATA graduate, ATA safety Chair and member of the ORNL transportation security unified stakeholders group where she led discussions on women in trucking.

Lisa Fingard

Vice President – HR TransX Ltd

Implemented the Shop Time & Attendance System, automating time-tracking to reduce payroll errors and streamline processes, saving costs while ensuring fairness.

Shaneka Fredrick

Director II, Operations

J.B. Hunt Transport

Consistently leads touchpoints that build strong working relationships and enable critical coaching for her team and partners across her territory.

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Michelle Gentile VP – Vehicle Supply Penske Truck Leasing

Leads three teams who manage all Penske’s vehicle procurement, which could be up to 45,000 units on order at one time.

Amber Harbold Regional Terminal Manager Quality Carriers, Inc.

Successfully assumed responsibility for the Appleton and Cincinnati terminals and two satellite operations, significantly expanding her operational scope and leadership impact.

Melinda Herrera District Health & Safety Manager SOCAL UPS

Supporting Southern California Transportation Operations, met 2025 injury and feeder auto frequency goals and launched West Zone Feeder Supervisor Safety School training.

Allison Hughes Contractor Relations Manager Bennett Motor Express, LLC

Leads her department with professionalism while pursuing innovative ideas that strengthen retention, company performance, and the trucking industry overall.

Natalie Jackson Sr. Tractor Technician

J.B. Hunt Transport

Delivers consistent high performance, mentors others, and earned category awards in the multiple Arkansas Trucking mechanic competitions, demonstrating technical excellence and composure.

Chelsey Johnston Director, HR XPO, Inc.

Built RFO from startup to 359 teams, creating recruiting, onboarding, and policy foundations and reducing subservice reliance while improving lane reliability.

Shanna Kearns VP of Corporate Accounting Peach State Truck Centers

Led a major in-house accounts payable (AP) automation initiative, representing a significant operational and technological advancement for the organization.

Tysha Kendall Driver Tractor Trailer WM

Demonstrates women can thrive in trucking through her confidence, professionalism, and success, while inspiring others to pursue careers at WM through her example.

Jessie Kilgore Customized Solutions Manager FedEx Freight

Delivered substantial business impact through strategic and operational leadership that has driven measurable results across the organization.

Lori Kincannon CRO Mckinney Trailers

Became CRO in February 2025, leading national accounts, business development, marketing, sales, hiring, and training while driving major growth and opening two branches.

Kimberly Knight President & CEO

Kim’s Trucker Services LLC

Launched a DOT Drug and Alcohol Consortium delivering fully compliant testing and reporting services, strengthening fleet safety and regulatory compliance.

Maribeth Knueve

Sr. VP of Sales & Marketing

Marten Transport, Ltd.

Led more than $800M in sales, achieved 20%+ yearover-year customer growth, and secured partnerships with more than 70 new customers last year.

Renee Krug CEO Transflo

Led Transflo through a strategic reset, redefining vision, accelerating digital transformation, and advancing AI and machine learning across the trucking ecosystem.

Julie Lawson Head of Accounting & Risk Direct Traffic Solutions

Streamlined claims handling processes, resulting in an average claim closure time of 20 days and an average claim amount of approximately $1,922.

AT MCKINNEY TRAILERS, LEADERSHIP MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.

We’re proud to share that Lori Kincannon, Chief Revenue Officer, has been named a “2026 Top Woman to Watch in Trucking” by WIT’s Redefining The Road.

Lori’s recognition reflects the dedication, integrity, and service excellence that define Mckinney Trailers. MckinneyTrailers.com

Michelle LeBlanc

CEO & Founder

Drop & Hook

Established herself as a pioneering force in transportation marketing by building a unique marketing agency dedicated exclusively to the sector.

Andrea Lewis Browne Supply Chain Manager & Quality Manager

Great Dane

Led cross-functional efforts to improve supplier alignment, enhance quality controls, and proactively address risk across the supply network.

Shantel Lockett

VP, Controller Trimac Transportation

Deployed several automation tools that check for invoice accuracy and budget consolidation, reducing manual effort and improving department reliability.

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2026 Top Women to Watch in Transportation

Every step of my career has been driven by curiosity—challenging assumptions, asking thoughtful questions, and turning insight into meaningful action.

- Angela Prill VP of Network Planning, Schneider

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Keinna McKnight SVP of HR

Clean Harbors

Successfully led a major organizational restructuring that involved realigning five regions into four, optimizing state coverage, headcount, budgeting and health and safety support.

Rhonda McKown

Group Technical Safety Engineer

Ryder System, Inc.

Spearheaded the Lytx 30in-30 program, a targeted campaign to encourage meaningful coaching sessions based on the severity of driver behaviors.

Gerri McLamb

Director of Transportation

Performance Foodservice –Virginia

Leading a department of 250 employees, she played a pivotal role in scaling operations to meet rapid growth while maintaining safety, service, and efficiency.

Donna Miller

Sr. VP

Liberty Career Finance

Under her leadership, Liberty has added more than 60 CDL training schools to their lending platform in the past two years.

Tracey Miller

Director of Recruiting Tri-National, Inc.

Improved TNi’s ATS, implemented driver recruitment guidelines, and mentors new and experienced recruiters through oneon-one coaching to strengthen skills.

Amy Molski

National Sales Manager

Echo Global Logistics

Led change management for the first sales team to adopt a proprietary enhancement to Echo’s Transportation Management System, including EDI load acceptance and load building.

Maeve Mueller

IT Security & Governance

Bridgestone

Applies principles from marketing, change management and learning development to ensure security education is accessible, relevant and operationally aligned to the broader Bridgestone organization.

Jaime Oglesby

On-Site Trainer (Lead Driver)

TA Dedicated

Maintained an outstanding driving record with zero preventable accidents and zero Lytx events throughout the past three years reinforcing best-in-class safety performance.

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Nicole Sapienza & Jessica Yurko

Leadership in Motion

At XPO, women are driving the

future

of transportation.

“XPO has created an environment where I’ve been able to grow my career, share ideas and take on new opportunities,” says Molly Borkgren, enterprise account executive—3PL. “The women across the organization inspire me every day through their collaboration, leadership and shared commitment to our customers.”

Whether preparing emerging leaders through field-based management training or supporting growing families with paid prenatal leave and flexible accommodations, XPO invests in women and the future of our industry.

Congratulations to our Top Women to Watch in Trucking

Molly Borkgren

Enterprise Account Executive – 3PL

Molly Borkgren, an enterprise account executive, has been recognized for her contributions supporting complex customer relationships and driving strategic growth. She partners with some of XPO’s largest 3PL customers to deliver tailored solutions, build long-term partnerships and advance the company’s success in a highly competitive market.

Chelsey Johnston

Human Resources Director

Chelsey Johnston, human resources director for XPO’s Northeast region and Road Flex Operation, brings over a decade of HR experience. She is recognized for her leadership and impact supporting employees across the organization. In her role, she works closely with leaders to strengthen talent development, enhance engagement and support initiatives that enable teams to perform at their best.

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Liz Ormond

Sr. Director, Parcel Transportation

Walmart

Played a key role advancing Parcel Delivery strategy, directing the roadmap with focus on peak readiness, infrastructure planning, and technology improvements.

Maegan Ortega

HR Director

Kenworth Truck Company

Led implementation of a Time and Leave management system across three locations, improving efficiency, user experience, employee satisfaction, and administrative accuracy.

Lisa Paul

Executive VP, Transportation Practice Leader

Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.

Led the development and structuring of retail and specialty insurance programs designed to align transportation risk management with operational growth strategies.

Katy Payne

Operations Manager

Truck Drivers USA

Created the Haul of Fame section of the TDUSA website, providing drivers with recognition and visibility that elevates their professional standing.

Brigid Plamondon

Key Account Manager

C.H. Robinson

Consistently leads with both confidence and compassion, setting a powerful example for women across the transportation and logistics industry.

Kristyn Popejoy

Director of NA Materials

Peterbilt Motors Company

Helped manage the largest portfolio of new product change in PACCAR’s history with a combined total investment greater than $1B.

Angela Prill VP – Internodal Network

Management

Schneider

Played an integral part of the team that launched Schneider Fast Track, a premium solution designed for shippers with time-sensitive and high-service freight needs.

Michelle Randazzo CFO

Daimler Truck North America

Oversees enterprise-wide controlling and accounting across Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, Detroit Reman, DVCM, and affiliated groups.

Congratulations

HOLLY ZANDSTRA

2026 Top Woman to Watch in Trucking

Holly Zandstra, CFO at Weller Truck Parts, is a key member of the company’s executive management team, helping guide and manage all aspects of the organization. Her voice, insight, and leadership play a critical role in shaping the company’s success.

Holly’s journey reflects the power of deep operational knowledge combined with strategic leadership. Her progression from hands on financial work to executive management highlights not only her technical skill, but also her ability to lead, influence, and drive results across the organization.

It’s this combination of experience, leadership, and impact that makes Holly a deserving selection as a “2026 Top Woman to Watch in Trucking,” something her colleagues at Weller have known all along!

Becky Reynolds

Transportation Manager

Dot Transportation

Chairs the SWAT employee resource group, promoting inclusion and a strong employee experience for female drivers across all company locations.

Christa Rugova

Sr. Director, Business Support Services

PLM Fleet

Developed and implemented PLM’s digital rental quoting and reservation functionality within the sales platform that the company relies on today.

Nicole Sapienza

Managing Member

Coastwide Marine Services LLC,

Evans Network

Elected Chairwoman of the Motor Carrier Committee for the Port of Virginia, in which she works closely with the port to increase efficiency from the carrier side.

Susan Scott

Sr. Key Account Manager

Circle K Pro

Achieved a major milestone in her career this past year by being awarded the inaugural Green Jacket – Circle K’s highest recognition for sales excellence.

Shelley Sheagley

SVP Products

Aurora Parts

Reorganized the Product Management Team and implemented a world class product management process that streamlined product introductions and portfolio oversight.

Shayna Sweet Manager of Dealer Services and Operations Administration

Fleet Advantage

Proactive approach to problem-solving has minimized delays and prevented potential errors, improving the reliability and responsiveness of Fleet Advantage’s operations.

CONGRATULATIONS

Heike Dasilva Group Director, National Sales

Rhonda McKown Group Technical Safety Engineer

Sam Thompson

VP Customer Success and Fleet

Telematics

Penske

Instrumental in supporting the successful launch of one of Penske’s largest, most strategic and forward-looking capabilities and solution offerings: Catalyst AI.

continued on page 22 FEATURE: 2026

Lesley Veldstra

Killingsworth

Vice President of Pricing & Market Strategy

Polaris Transportation Group

Elected the first female board chair of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and was the recipient of the 2024 Pros to Know Award.

Team TNi commends Tracey Miller, Recruiting Director, for being named a “2026 Top Women to Watch in Transportation” by WIT’s Redefining the Road.

Your dedication & leadership has been inspirational to us all.

On being nominated a 2026 Top Women to Watch Director of Recruiting

800-870-0560

www.tri-nat.com

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Rachel Wagner

Sr. Project Engineer –Vehicle Programs

Kodiak AI

Secured a stable supply path for critical steering components used on Kodiak’s customer’s autonomous trucks and established a new steering collaboration with a major supplier.

Becki Wagoner

VP of Strategic Innovation & Technology

May Trucking Company

Geolocation and timezone automation, enhanced equipment visibility, and integrated cross-department reporting eliminated long-standing gaps and fundamentally improved how teams make decisions.

Mandy Wells

VP, Finance

Great Dane

Partnered with crossfunctional teams to streamline tariff tracking and collections for national accounts, aligning financial controls with operational execution.

Katie White

VP, Labor, Employment, Ethics & Compliance Counsel

RXO

Expanded her role by leading Ethics, Compliance, and Trade Compliance programs while continuing her responsibilities as Labor and Employment Counsel.

Melissa Wiesheier District Manager WM

Recognized as a WM Circle of Excellence winner for her drive, outstanding performance, and leadership in 2025.

Amanda Worthen Director of Driver Employment

Roehl Transport

Streamlines recruiting practices, builds recruiter tools, and collaborates across recruiting, orientation, operations, safety, technology, and driver pay teams.

Cassie X. Lee Director of National Accounts –Kenworth PACCAR Financial Corp. (PFC)

Optimized a diverse portfolio of finance products and deploying targeted marketing program bridging the gap between sales objectives and finance solutions.

CONGRATULATIONS

As VP of Pricing & Market Strategy, Lesley has been a driving force behind Polaris’ growth – leveraging 20+ years of experience to create service efficiencies, enhance communications and expand our North American reach. She is a respected leader committed to positively influencing the future of transportation.

Thank you, Lesley, for inspiring women across our industry!

Tiffini Young VP of Customer Service & Planning

Bay & Bay Transportation

Significantly enhanced customer service and planning by improving operational efficiencies, increasing on-time service, and strengthening relationships with trusted shippers.

Jessica Yurko

Director of Marketing

The Evans Network of Companies

Built the Employee Intranet as a centralized hub for HR, benefits, company news, and resources – a site that HR can maintain when policies and information are updated.

Holly Zandstra

CFO

Weller Truck Parts

Recently promoted from Controller to Chief Financial Officer reflecting both her exceptional performance and her 22 years of dedication.

Rebecca Zeman

Functional Lead Enterprise Transformation

International

Built cross-functional alignment among technology, operations, and business units while guiding her team through the challenges of system integration and change management.

2026 Top Woman to Watch in Trucking

Lori’s visionary leadership drives better customer experiences, and her ability to inspire those around her cultivates growth and development across our organization. Thank you, Lori, for your commitment to the industry and your dedication to supporting the success of women in logistics!

NAVIGATING WORKPLACE CONFLICT

AND DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

Dealing with workplace conflict and having difficult conversations might be one of the most emotionally challenging parts of a job, but also one of the most rewarding for personal growth and career development.

Conflict feels different because our brains are wired to react to uncertainty as if it were a real threat, even though the danger might only be a missed deadline or a harsh email. But more serious conflicts can escalate quickly. When expectations are disrupted, stress kicks in which can cloud our thinking, memory and judgment.

For anyone working through a conflict with another person, focus on yourself first. “A simple way to start to understand conflict is to discern what’s going on with us first. Maybe you need to re-connect with

yourself to understand yourself better so you can relate to others better,” says Rachel Kuhlen, Founder of Amplify Your Impact, which conducts training and coaching to enterprises on handling workplace conflict.

“The first step is to recognize our own emotional triggers by understanding our own unmet need in the situation. Triggers are our responsibility,” Kuhlen says.

“Similarly, if your employee is triggered, maybe there is an accountability point you need to take or maybe there is an unmet need for connection. How as a leader can you better solve the situation?”

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Unmet Needs Lead to Workplace Clashes

Our brains are wired for survival. Thousands of years ago, unpredictability often meant danger. While today’s workplace threats are not saber-tooth tigers, our brains still react the same way when expectations are disrupted. Stress activates the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for fightor-flight responses. That surge can lead to impulsive reactions, poor memory recall, or an inability to problem-solve clearly.

“It’s not always about the size of the issue,” Kuhlen notes. “It’s about the way our brain interprets it.” Something as small as a missed deadline or harsh email can feel like a threat to our sense of stability.

THE BIG FOUR NEEDS™

Because every conflict has a root, and every reaction is trying to protect something.

The Four Core Unmet Needs

Kuhlen highlights four core unmet needs that often underly many workplace clashes. Understanding these needs is critical to managing conflict effectively:

1. Power and Control: The need to feel agency and autonomy. When this is threatened, conflict can manifest as resistance or resentment.

2. Respect and Recognition: The desire to be valued and acknowledged. Without it, people may feel invisible.

3. Care and Closeness: The need for connection. When missing, individuals may withdraw or stir up drama for attention.

4. Safety and Security: The need for stability. When one’s security is shaken, people may attempt to over-control or resist change in order to reclaim safety.

Each of our needs has multiple ways a person gives it away or takes it from others. For instance, we can give away our power by lacking boundaries or take power away from others by withholding information.

Kuhlen advises to avoid personalizing every disagreement by using detached involvement. “I can show up for you, I can be there but I’m not responsible for the outcome,” she says.

Whether you are a supervisor, or HR person helping to mediate conflict between others, or working through your own conflict with a

“IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE ISSUE,” KUHLEN NOTES. “IT’S ABOUT THE WAY OUR BRAIN INTERPRETS IT.” SOMETHING AS SMALL AS A MISSED DEADLINE OR HARSH EMAIL CAN FEEL LIKE A THREAT TO OUR SENSE OF STABILITY.

“THE CAVEAT TO NAVIGATING CONFLICT IS IT’S NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SOLVE SOMEONE’S UNMET NEED. YOU WILL NEVER FIX IT AND THEY CAN’T FIX YOURS,” KUHLEN SAYS. “BUT IT IS YOUR DUTY TO SHOW UP WITH EMPATHY AND CURIOSITY TO BUILD THAT TRUST. THAT’S WHERE YOU WIN.”

co-worker, know that you cannot fix others’ unmet needs. “The caveat to navigating conflict is it’s not your responsibility to solve someone’s unmet need. You will never fix it and they can’t fix yours,” Kuhlen says. “But it is your duty to show up with empathy and curiosity to build that trust. That’s where you win.”

Indeed, these qualities are among the many aspects of emotional intelligence (EI) that is often required to solve conflicts. Examples of EI skills include using selfawareness to recognize triggers and pause before reacting, and showing empathy by acknowledging the person’s feelings without trying to fix them. Another EI skill is reframing to shift the focus from blame to possibility. “Even small changes in language can reduce tension and open the door to solutions,” Kuhlen says.

Companies Managing Conflict

“Having a strong HR leader is vital, someone who is not afraid of conflict and knows how to handle it by listening to all sides of the story. Usually one version in middle is the truth,” says Laura Duryea, Director of Driver Recruitment and Professional Growth at Boyle Transportation, a motor carrier of high-security cargo in Billerica, Mass. “We look at the core issue and drill down to find the initial cause of the conflict.”

Duryea occasionally fields calls from drivers that want to talk through an issue as it’s brewing—this form of early intervention goes a long way to avoid escalation.

“Otherwise relationships can fracture and become unfixable over time,” Duryea says.

When more serious conflict arises between Boyle team members—the company employs 120 pairs of professional drivers— a best practice is to hold face-to-face or online video mediations. The company also cautions employees to back away from confrontations with customers.

Likewise, today’s on-board technologies and security measures such as side-marker cameras that capture video in real time, also aid conflict resolution with police or other authorities involving safety incidents or accidents. And when driver skills need training or upskilling, Boyle relies on tenured professional driver coaches.

Tips to Manage Conflict

Duryea offers these tips to manage conflict: First, plan your talk. It’s critical to outline key talking points in advance. “Think about your goals about how you want the conversation to progress,” emphasizes Duryea. “Intent is everything.”

Second, lead with the carrot, not the stick

Focus on coaching and improving, not reprimanding. Duryea says: “Give employees opportunities to learn and improve to be better people and drivers before proceeding to disciplinary actions.”

Laura Duryea

Third, observe body language. When faceto-face isn’t possible, use video conferencing technology to watch facial cues, body language and other contextual elements. “Tone and cadence can also really affect the whole conversation,” Duryea says.

Lastly, walk your talk. Lack of follow-up erodes communication and trust, and it’s typically up to the HR manager to track actions. “Follow up on what you say you will do. Be specific on next steps so it’s handled,” Duryea says.

Finally, when navigating conflict, remember to pause first. “Watch what happens that’s causing you to be triggered, and for the other person to trigger. Stop and recognize there are basically four unmet needs. You aren’t going to nail it out of the gate but you will chip away at understanding conflict in the simplest way,” Kuhlen says. “If you can navigate that work first, it’s brilliant. There’s nothing better.”

Three Key Steps to Navigate Conflict

1. Identify: Spot any emotional triggers and identify unmet needs, using the Big Four of respect, power, care, and safety. “People don’t typically say ‘I need more respect from you.’ Recognize there are other issues under the surface,” Kuhlen says.

2. Understand: Learn to decode behavior beneath the surface. “Ask the right questions to tease out what’s important to the person. They’ll tell you which helps to build trust and accountability,” Kuhlen says. “Even something as simple as ‘Tell me the best thing a boss has ever done for you.’”

3. Translate: Respond with emotionally intelligent language that de-escalates, builds trust and keeps conversations productive. Show empathy and understanding with active listening.

Call For Entries: I Heart Trucking® Photo Contest Visually Capture the Female Spirit of Your Organization

Eleven years ago, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) created the I Heart Trucking® Photo Contest to highlight the amazing and authentic women in the industry—whether they’re working behind the wheel, doing maintenance on a truck, dispatching the load, making the sale, or sitting in an office in the C-suite.

This annual photo contest is a fun opportunity to spotlight the industry’s amazing women, their passion for their careers, and to celebrate the vast talent of women in trucking,” says WIT President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick, CAE.

There is not a specific theme for this year’s contest, so you have flexibility to get creative in your photo submission approach to show off the impressive women in your organization. Photo entries must feature a truck and incorporate the I Heart Trucking® theme which encapsulates why women in your workforce love being employed in the trucking industry or how your company celebrates women in your workforce. Be sure to get creative. Capture a solo shot or show off your corporate culture. Ensure your entry is good quality—try to minimize blurriness or adding too much filter.

You can include individual women or groups of individuals using custom signs, balloons and other props. This year, WIT is offering an exclusive I Heart Trucking® T-shirt which can be purchased through the Online WIT Store if you’d like to have your team wear this T-shirt for additional impact. The only requirement is that photo submissions must incorporate a truck and the I Heart Trucking® theme.

How It Works

• Submit your photo by June 30 to include the following information: Submitter’s contact information, company, photo title and description, and print-quality photo file (Note: only one photo entry per contestant and there is no cost to participate in the contest).

• After all submissions are received, industry-wide voting will determine the People’s Choice winners, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be awarded to the entries who receive the most votes (only one vote per person). Additionally, a panel of judges will determine the Judges’ Choice winners, which also includes 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Criteria for the judging panel consists of originality, use of I Heart Trucking® theme, and composition of photo.

• Winners will be highlighted in Redefining the Road magazine, via social media, and during the Opening Expo Reception at the annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo in October.

For more details and to submit your entry, visit WomenInTrucking.org, click “Community” then “I Heart Trucking Photo Contest.”

“Top Companies For Women To Work” Call For Nominations Now Open

Every year, we highlight the top companies that are exceptional workplaces for women in all roles of the trucking industry. They are supportive of workplace inclusion, accommodate family and life balance, offer competitive compensation, benefits, continued training, and more. The top 30 companies that generated the highest number of votes are known as “The Elite 30.”

How the process works:

1. Nominate your organization. Explain in 75 words or less what makes your company worthy of being recognized and identify attributes that make your company appealing to women. Nomination deadline: May 8, 2026

2. Vote. The voting portion of this nomination carries a lot of weight on whether your company makes the list. Be sure to communicate this process and share the voting link with your workforce, business partners, and key stakeholders. (Note: In 2025, more than 21,000 votes were cast in total!) Voting takes place May 18-June 26, 2026

3. Be recognized. Companies making the list will be featured in a cover story of Redefining the Road (WIT’s official magazine), be part of a media relations blitz, and be recognized at WIT’s Accelerate! Conference in Dallas in October.

2026 TOP COMPANIES

FOR WOMEN TO WORK

Requirements for organizations to apply:

• Must generate a minimum of U.S. $5 million in gross global sales

• Have a minimum of 100 employees

• Be an active member of WIT

• Nominator must be an authorized representative of the organization nominated (Communications embargo lifts Oct. 12)

• Must participate in the 2026-27 WIT Index study.

To nominate your organization, visit WomenInTrucking.org.

Careers

WIT Board of Directors Works on Association’s Long-Term Strategic Roadmap

A strong strategic plan does more than outline goals—it provides a clear roadmap for how an industry association will turn its vision into meaningful progress. For organizations like the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), the engagement and insight of its board of directors play a critical role in shaping that direction and ensuring the organization continues to grow, evolve, and serve its members effectively.

With that purpose in mind, members of the WIT Board of Directors, partners, and the WIT leadership team gathered last February and again during the 2025 Accelerate! Conference last November in Dallas to evaluate progress on the association’s current strategic plan and continue the important work of aligning its long-term roadmap with its new mission statement: To champion the employment and advancement of women in trucking, foster connections, and recognize achievements.

According to Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, President and CEO of WIT, the collaborative effort is essential to advancing the organization’s mission and positioning it for continued impact in

both the near and long term. Each year, the WIT Board, partners and key team members engage in strategic planning initiatives, a key commitment toward WIT members and the future of the organization.

“This exceptional group of leaders is deeply committed to advancing WIT’s mission and driving inclusion of women across the trucking industry,” Hedrick says.

“As we continue to make progress in our long-term strategy, we look forward to sharing more details about the vision and priorities that will guide WIT in the years ahead. We’re excited for the next chapter of WIT under the guidance and leadership of these professionals in the trucking industry.”

WIT Announces New 2026-27 Board of Directors

Newly elected WIT Officers on the Executive Committee are:

• Chair: Jennifer Plumlee, Vice President, Managed Logistics with J.B. Hunt Transport Services

• Vice Chair: Nicole Wiggins, Chief Diversity Officer with International

• Treasurer: Armida Gonzalez, Assistant Plant Manager, Peterbilt Motors Company, a PACCAR Company

• Secretary: Kelley Martin, Director, Integrated Marketing – Aftermarket, Daimler Trucks – North America

Newly elected members of the Board of Directors are: Jackie Greenberg, Director of Service Sales, CXS AMN, Michelin North America; Kimberly Harmsen, Vice President – Corporate Communications, Penske Transportation Solutions; Mike Keller, Vice President, Walmart Transportation – West Division; Megan Miller, Director, Network & Solutions Development and Deployment, Bridgestone Americas; Angelic Perez, Transportation Operations Manager, UPS Individuals continuing their terms on the WIT board of directors are: Ingrid Brown, Professional Driver and Operations Manager for Blackjack Express LLC; Lesley Kerr, Vice President of Human Resources with Ryder System; Melissia Reeves, Managing Director – District Operations with FedEx Freight; Sheena Thieschafer, Director, Strategic Sales– Healthcare with C.H. Robinson; and Annie Wilson, National Accounts Sales Manager with Great Dane.

WIT on the Road Regional Event Held in Arlington, VA

On Dec. 2, WIT hosted a WIT on the Road regional event in Arlington, VA, a half- day gathering sponsored by Tyler Technologies that united professionals across the industry with a shared mission: to advance women in trucking.

This in - person event drew an enthusiastic and diverse audience eager to connect, learn, and uplift one another. From powerful keynote talks to insightful panel discussions and networking opportunities, WIT on the Road delivered practical takeaways and inspiration for women at all stages of their careers.

Highlights of the event include:

• A keynote address from Jennifer Hedrick, WIT’s President & CEO, on the importance of representation and the association’s mission to support women across the trucking landscape.

• A panel on transferable skills, moderated by Yvonne Glover, CEO of Sugarcane Enterprises and Chair of the WIT Membership Committee. Dr. Mansha Swami of Morgan State University and Susan Soccolich of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shared actionable advice on leveraging strengths to thrive in transportation careers and discussed their research and how it impacts both women and the industry.

• A fireside chat on the impact of mentorship on career growth and practical tips for finding and becoming a mentor. Wanda Brooks, Compliance/ Safety Manager with R.E. Garrison and Renee Osaer, Director of Safety and HR with Moonstar Express, LLC shared personal stories and strategies to unlock professional development opportunities.

• The State of the Industry 2025 session shed a spotlight on emerging trends and the vital role women play in shaping the future of trucking, with perspectives from

WIT ON THE ROAD

Steve Keppler, Co-Director with Scopelitis Transportation Consulting and Tom Jensen, WIT’s government affairs advisor.

• Susan Soccolich with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute presented on how research drives innovation in transportation, sharing findings that attendees can translate into their own work and leadership initiatives.

The day wrapped with an inspiring closing keynote from Tracy Rushing, Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting from R.E. Garrison and WIT’s 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking. Her message centered on strategies for breaking barriers and advancing careers — from the driver’s seat to the C-Suite — reminding attendees that leadership comes in many forms.

The next WIT on the Road event will take place April 29 at McLeod Software offices in Birmingham, AL. To register, visit womenintrucking.org.

WIT Launches New Image Team Video Interview Series

WIT recently announced the launch of a new video interview series, called “Trucking Chat with WIT,” which spotlights real experiences of women professional drivers and WIT Image Team members. Kicking off the series are Kellylynn McLaughlin, Professional Driver with Clean Harbors and Ashley Finneran, Industry Advocate, who sat down with each other for candid, driver-to-driver conversations about life behind the wheel.

In this first series, McLaughlin and Finneran turn the tables and interview one another, offering an authentic look at the day in the life of a professional truck

driver. From daily routines on the road to the challenges and rewards of the job, the conversations highlight what it truly means to build a career in trucking.

Finneran also shares her unique journey as a driver, trainer, and crane operator, discussing the added responsibilities of specialized roles and the skills required to succeed in them. Her perspective provides valuable insight into the diverse career paths available within the trucking industry and the opportunities for growth beyond traditional driving roles.

This series was created to amplify the voices of women in trucking and showcase the wide range of experiences

represented within the WIT Image Team. Through honest conversations and personal stories, the series aims to educate, inspire, and connect drivers, industry professionals, and those curious about careers in trucking. New episodes will be released regularly on the Women In Trucking YouTube channel.

Creating Clear Pathways for Women

Three decades ago, Dee Dee Cox began building a career in human resources with a simple belief: strong organizations are built by investing in people. Today, as Vice President of Human Resources Development at Old Dominion Freight Line (OD), Cox has helped to shape the culture of one of the nation’s leading transportation companies— overseeing talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee engagement initiatives that ensure the company’s workforce continues to grow, thrive, and lead the industry forward.

Her impact has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her commitment to advancing opportunities for others, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) named Cox as the 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking. Through innovative programs such as management training, apprenticeships, and internships, Cox has helped create clear career pathways—particularly for women and underrepresented professionals— strengthening both the company’s talent pipeline and the future of the trucking industry.

“I am thrilled and honored to be recognized as the recipient of this award,” says Cox. “The real recognition goes to Old Dominion Freight Line, for allowing me and the team to develop these programs. Our leaders at OD supported these opportunities which has helped us continue to fulfill our vision of being the premier transportation provider while maintaining our unique OD Family atmosphere.”

Under her leadership, the HR Development and Talent Acquisition teams have grown from one employee to nearly 40 nationwide. Cox also developed a comprehensive leadership curriculum that integrates OD’s vision, core values, and family culture into every level of training. Her strategic approach and commitment to inclusion have made her a respected industry leader dedicated to empowering people and opening doors for the next generation of women in trucking.

Redefining the Road magazine recently caught up with Cox to ask a few questions. What specific impact have you made in advancing women in the trucking industry?

Since becoming a part of the transportation industry 20 years ago I have created clear pathways for women through Management Trainee Programs and Supervisor Development Programs within a structured skills-based career ladder. These programs have helped advance women into leadership positions. How do you measure that impact?

I developed leadership classes tailored to the industry and embedded each company’s core values and their unique culture. At OD family culture is huge and by bringing that to the forefront I have normalized empathy, communication and professionalism as leadership traits within the industry.

By changing how leaders interact (smile, say hello, ask about family) I feel as if I have humanized the trucking workplace making the industry more approachable, especially for women and younger generations. By bringing the OD family values to the forefront since being at OD the last 17 years, this has led more

women to raise their hands for growth opportunities within the organization. Also, as someone who had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, I have sympathetic heart to those high school students who are not familiar with a variety of career paths, since I am a first generation college graduate myself at OD we have set up nationwide high school recruitment efforts to communicate our diverse career paths in the transportation industry. This early outreach is reshaping public perception of trucking as an inclusive, forward-looking field for females.

Finally, since coming to OD, there were only a couple of people in HR, this department has grown in the field to a nationwide team of 40, 67% of whom are women. Overall, I feel my impact has been that not only does transportation have opportunities for females but this industry has something for every female in every stage of their career; whether it is on the dock, in the truck, in the office or in the C suite, women belong in this industry and can thrive and be great leaders.

I remain committed to expanding opportunities for women in transportation and continuing to shape a more inclusive future for the industry. Looking ahead, what is one bold change you believe the industry needs? The trucking industry needs to understand what flexibility and opportunity look like for women. For too long, success in this field has been measured by miles, hours, or time on the road — but those traditional measures

don’t always reflect the realities or ambitions of today’s workforce, especially women who are balancing multiple priorities. To truly support women, we need to create intentional career pathways that allow for both growth and balance — whether that’s through shared or regional routes that provide more home time, or clear transitions from driver to leadership roles.

How are you positioned to help lead that change?

As a Vice President of Human Resources, I’m in a position to drive these changes by shaping policy, influencing culture, and ensuring that our workforce truly reflects the diversity and potential of the communities we serve. When women see themselves represented at every level, the entire industry becomes stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive.

2025 Accelerate! Conference Review: Celebrating Community, Growth, Momentum

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) hosted its 11th annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo Nov. 9–12 in Dallas, welcoming more than 1,000 attendees to the Hilton Anatole for four days focused on leadership, professional development, and industry collaboration. What began more than a decade ago as a vision to elevate, educate, and encourage women in trucking has grown into one of the industry’s most anticipated gatherings. Today, the conference brings together professionals from across the industry, ranging from drivers and fleet managers to safety leaders, HR executives, and emerging professionals, to exchange ideas, build skills, recognize achievements, and accelerate progress for women in trucking.

Relevant Content to Educate, Inspire and Motivate

The event featured a robust agenda addressing both the opportunities and challenges shaping the trucking workforce. Educational sessions explored topics ranging from leadership development and workforce culture to safety, technology, and fraud prevention. Throughout the conference, speakers offered practical strategies and insights aimed at helping companies strengthen operations while creating more inclusive, supportive workplaces.

Several sessions focused on pressing operational issues. With cargo theft rising sharply across the industry, experts examined the growing sophistication of freight fraud schemes. Panelists outlined common tactics used by criminals—from fake carriers to identity manipulation— and shared strategies to mitigate risk, including stronger vetting procedures, better communication between shippers and carriers, and technology tools designed to detect suspicious activity.

Safety remained another central theme. Industry leaders discussed the evolving risks drivers face both on and off the road and emphasized the importance of proactive safety programs. Fatigue continues to be a leading factor in serious crashes, driven by long hours, demanding schedules, and irregular sleep patterns. Other risks include distracted driving, speeding, adverse weather conditions, and unsafe behavior by passenger vehicles. Panelists highlighted how improved training, new safety technologies, and stronger support systems can help fleets better protect both drivers and the freight they transport.

Technology’s expanding role in trucking also took center stage. Executives discussed how digital tools—from AIdriven scheduling and telematics to automated onboarding systems and

predictive analytics—are reshaping operations. By streamlining administrative tasks and improving data visibility, these innovations can increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and help fleets manage both equipment and workforce needs more effectively.

Research insights from Dan Murray, senior vice president of the American Transportation Research Institute, provided additional perspective on women’s experiences behind the wheel. Drawing on more than a decade of industry data, Murray noted that women often choose trucking for its independence, competitive pay, job security, and variety. At the same time, challenges remain—including limited access to restroom facilities, a shortage of safe parking, concerns about harassment or discrimination, and difficulties achieving sufficient home time. Together, the discussions underscored both the progress being made and the work still ahead. As the Accelerate! Conference continues to grow, it remains a powerful forum for advancing opportunities, sharing solutions, and strengthening the future of women in trucking.

says

WHERE MILES MAKE

CAREERS

We’re a dedicated group of over 42,000 strong and counting, united by a shared drive to reach our full potential — and help you reach yours.

Different perspectives fuel our innovation, and we welcome the ideas and experiences that make us stronger together.

Explore opportunities across a variety of roles, including:

Truck drivers

Warehouse and supply chain operations

Maintenance and collision repair technicians

Congratulations, Liz Ormand

WIT’s 2026 Top Women to Watch in Transpor tation

Liz joined Walmar t as a project manager in 2010 and has developed into a transformative leader, mentoring emerging talent and enabling faster, more reliable ser vice for our customers.

At Walmar t, Liz is known for developing others. She coaches with intention, shares oppor tunities, and advocates for women in transpor tation and technology so more leaders can be seen, suppor ted, and ready.

She is also respected for the way she leads through complexity. She asks thoughtful questions, keeps teams connected, and helps turn big goals into clear next steps.

This recognition celebrates the impact she makes ever y day at Walmar t, on our work , on our culture, and on the next generation of women building careers in transpor tation and supply chain.

There’s a road for everyone at Walmart!