Female CDL Holders: We ‘Salute’ You!

To salute someone is to make a gesture of respect or acknowledgement of valued accomplishment. On March 22, Women In Trucking (WIT) hosted its 13^th annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event during the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY. Nearly 200 people gathered to celebrate female CDL holders. Attendees ranged from prospective CDL students, professional drivers, friends, families and industry representatives – all attending to share in the celebration of women behind the wheel.

During the event, female CDL holders ‘rocked’ their complimentary red t-shirts and demonstrated their excitement, passion, dedication and pride of their careers in the trucking industry. Collectively, the women in the room represented over 1,500 years of professional driving experience. 

Upon entering the doors of event, attendees were greeted with a chorus of support, cheers, high fives, and of course, an upbeat music track – all in an effort by WIT to show appreciation for the sacrifices and time that is spent by these professional drivers delivering our nation’s freight.

Salute attendees enter the doors of event and are greeted by supporters with high fives, cheers, and applause to show their appreciation of female professional drivers.  

Attendees were invited to enjoy complimentary food and beverages, partake in the chocolate fountain, and meet WIT partners to learn more about their services and advocacy in the industry. Raffle tickets were on sale giving participants an opportunity to win a wide range of prizes, with all proceeds benefitting the Women In Trucking Foundation’s scholarship fund. The Foundation awarded 53 total scholarships in 2023 – all benefitting women entering the transportation industry.

Truckers Against Trafficking shared their story with attendees and provided insight into the importance of professional drivers to their mission of eliminating human trafficking. 

“With only around 12% of CDL holders being female, it’s important for us to highlight the opportunities in this industry, and to recognize and celebrate the women who are trailblazing the efforts towards diversity and inclusion behind the wheel,” says Jenny Fall, WIT’s Director of Driver Engagement.

In addition, the Salute event showcases the accomplishments and positive things that women in this industry are doing. During this year’s Salute event, WIT recognized:

• The driver with the most experience in the room, Candy Bass, who has 51 years successful experience behind the wheel.
• All WIT Image Team members, with the introduction of the newest class of Image Team members. These women have been selected to represent WIT’s mission and to share the positive aspects of a female working in this industry.
• Walmart WITney® Ambassadors, a select group of drivers who will be trained and dedicated to assist with taking the WITney® educational trailer across the country, sharing the message and mission of WIT, and encouraging more women to consider the trucking industry as a career choice.
• Drivers of the Year. For the first time WIT selected three Drivers of the Year as part of this annual awards program. All three women exemplifying safety, professionalism and true dedication to the industry.
• Most attendees – Walmart was recognized with the ‘largest number of attendees’ award.

The event wrapped up with the iconic photo which showcases and celebrates female CDL holders in their red Salute shirts. Female CDL holders – we Salute you!