LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Cheers and applause erupted at a conference room on March 22 to recognize women drivers in the industry.
The Women In Trucking Association’s “13th Annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel” turned its attention to women CDL holders of all years of experience, while also noting many who had decades worth of time in the industry.
Attendees filled a room at the Kentucky Exposition Center for the organization as part of the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
“There are 1,500 years of experience in this room right now,” WIT President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick said.
An annual photo taken at the exposition center also showed off attendees. One driver told Trucking Dive that the event and organization serve a role in recognizing women workers that companies can overlook.
During the event, attendees were asked to remain standing based on their years of experience, surrounding tables they had just been sitting at. Groups of drivers then sat down as Hedrick recognized those with increasing levels of experience.
Mary “Candy” Bass, 79, last year’s WIT driver of the year, remained standing the longest with 51 years of experience. She’ll turn 80 on Dec. 20 and has logged 7 million miles of safe driving during her career.
“I want to thank y’all because I couldn’t have done this by myself,” she said.
The organization also announced three recipients of the Driver of the Year award for 2024 sponsored by Walmart:
- Carmen Anderson, of America’s Service Line
- Deb LaBree, Castle Transport, leased to Landstar
- Jodi Edwards, of J.B. Hunt Transport Services.
“Carmen Anderson, Deb LaBree and Jodi Edwards, are trailblazing women who are more than drivers – they are leaders, mentors and role models,” Fernando Cortes, SVP of Transportation at Walmart, said. “Their achievements prove that success isn't defined by gender.”
