WIT on the Road stopped in Thomasville, NC, on June 17. The half-day event, hosted by Old Dominion Freight Line, brought together transportation professionals for a morning of research-backed insights, candid leadership advice, and honest conversations about the future of the industry.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Greg Plemmons, Executive VP and COO of Old Dominion Freight Line, and WIT President & CEO Jennifer Hedrick, setting a collaborative and energizing tone.
Highlights of the event include:
What The Research Says — Rebecca Brewster of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) presented findings from ATRI's research and fielded questions from attendees eager to put that research into action. During the Q&A, she offered two ways to start implementing changes to make women drivers feel more welcome: 1) advertisements should depict the drivers you want to recruit 2) provide real, clean restroom access. She was positive about the future of the industry and expressed enthusiasm for introducing high schoolers to trucks and transportation technology as a way to build the next generation of industry talent.
Authentically You: The Competitive Advantage Women Bring to the Workplace — Dee Dee Cox, VP of Human Resources at Old Dominion Freight Line, delivered a talk centered on showing up with intention and confidence. Her message was clear: build relationships, be visible about where you want to go, and don't just try your best — do your best. She encouraged attendees to take every opportunity to have meaningful conversations and never turn down a chance to be in the room. Women bring a genuine competitive advantage to the workplace, and owning that is part of how careers are built.
Panel Discussion: Employee Shortages in Transportation, Mechanics, Drivers, Women — Moderated by Katrina Cribbs, Senior Manager of Corporate Account Support at Old Dominion Freight Line, this panel tackled one of the industry's most pressing challenges head-on. Panelists Britta Miano, Director of Business Development at Red Classic Transportation; Melissa Nishan, Sr. Director of Driver Recruiting at EPES Transport System; and Nicole Deal, Corporate Recruiter at Old Dominion Freight Line, brought a mix of perspectives and practical insight.
The conversation pushed back on common misconceptions about transportation. This is a fast-paced, technology-forward industry, and women bring distinct value because they think and show up differently. Panelists emphasized the importance of honest career pathing, showing candidates the full range of roles available, and making sure recruiting teams can speak to the technology that keeps drivers safe. On retention, the group was candid: people want more from their employers and want to feel heard, know how far they can go, and experience a culture that values them beyond the first day. The panel's bottom line: dare to be different, build resilience, network, and create the kind of culture where people want to stay.
The day wrapped with a group photo, a tour of Old Dominion's CPT office highlighting how the company supports its female employees, and a slice of key lime pie, a nod to a piece of Old Dominion history. Founders Earl and Lillian Congdon fell in love over key lime pie at a church luncheon in the summer of 1927, making it a fitting and memorable close to the day.
A sincere thank you to Greg Plemmons, Dee Dee Cox, and the full Old Dominion team for their generosity as hosts and their commitment to this community. A special recognition to Dana Murdock for serving as MC and keeping the day running smoothly. And thank you to the speakers and attendee who made the conversations in Thomasville so worthwhile.
Watch your inbox for the next WIT on the Road event, and if your organization is interested in hosting, reach out at Alyssa@womenintrucking.org.
As a member of the Women In Trucking Association, stay on top of emerging trends and business issues impacting transportation and logistics; learn the importance of gender diversity in the workplace and the need for more women drivers; and see best practices in encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry. Join today! Learn More