Celebrating the Women Behind the Wheel This Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Every September, we pause to honor the backbone of the American supply chain: our nation’s truck drivers. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is more than a celebration — it’s a chance to recognize the dedication, strength, and resilience of the men and women who keep America moving. And this week, we’re shining a special spotlight on the trailblazing women behind the wheel. 

Trucking has long been considered a male-populated industry. But we know that narrative is shifting — and fast. Women are entering the industry in record numbers, taking on roles as drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and fleet managers. These women aren’t just showing up — they’re excelling, proving every day that skill and determination matter more than stereotypes. 

From long-haul drivers logging thousands of miles to regional haulers balancing work and family, women in trucking are rewriting the rules of the road. Their stories are powerful testaments to courage and persistence. 

Why Women Truck Drivers Matter 

Safety: Statistics have shown that women truck drivers often have fewer accidents. They bring a different style of driving that contributes to safer roads and more efficient operations. 

Community and Leadership: Women in trucking are mentoring the next generation, building support networks, and advocating for better working conditions across the board. 

Representation: Visibility matters. When women see others like them thriving in trucking, it opens doors and inspires new careers. 

Thinking back to the 2025 Driver of the Year recognition, the finalists really represent what it means to be a female on the road.   

“I'm so proud to be a female truck driver. It’s the best thing that I have done in my career. I can help women come into this industry and help their journey as special as mine." — Gina Jones, professional driver, Werner Enterprises

“I’ve been doing this job for a little more than 32 years and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else." — Sandy Winters, company driver, Leonard’s Express

“Every single day I get behind the wheel and I do what I love.”  — Kathy Blaies, professional carhauler, United Road 

Let’s Celebrate  

If you're looking for ways to show appreciation during NTDAW, here are a few ideas: 

• Say thank you to a truck driver, whether at a truck stop, online, or in your community. 
• Support women-led trucking organizations like Women In Trucking Association (WIT). 
• Share stories of women drivers who inspire you on social media using hashtags like #NTDAW, #WomenInTrucking, and #ThankATrucker. 
• Nominate a female trucker for recognition in your company or through national appreciation awards. 

Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a time to express gratitude — but it’s also a moment to recognize the shifting landscape of the trucking industry. Women in trucking are not just participating — they’re leading. This week, we honor their hard work, their hustle, and their heart. 

To all the women behind the wheel: Thank you for every mile, every delivery, and every barrier you break. 

Related Articles: 

• The Trucking Life of April Crysel: “Be In Control Of Your Career And Life”
  
• Miles With Meaning: The Drive of Gina Jones 
• The Trucking Life of Yuma Haidara: “If I Can Do It, You Can Do It!” 
  
• Fueled By Grit: Sue Bell’s Inspiring Journey in Trucking 
• Esther Parsons: “Trucking Is A Blessing That Keeps On Giving” 

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