The Women In Trucking Association’s (WIT) Salute to the Women Behind the wheel drew 204 professional female drivers to Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, April 2. Although it might not have been a new record, the event was a huge success in the eyes of those women who were honored for their achievements in a male dominated career.
“The women who were recognized absolutely are pioneers in this industry and make me proud to not only be a driver, but a female driver!” said Susan Durstine, driver for Southern Cal Trucking and member of WIT’s Driver Advisory Committee.
National Transportation Safety Board Chairman, Deborah A. P. Hersman, addressed the audience and thanked them for their professionalism and passion for safety. The Chairman experienced a taste of life on the road by traveling to the show with five different drivers who took her from Washington DC to Louisville.
Hersman presented more than 100 of the women with certificates to redeem for plaques engraved with their names and years of safe driving from the association. Sixty-eight women had one million miles, 26 had more than two million, and eleven had driven over three million miles. For the first time, two women were recognized for their four million miles of safe driving, Heather Hogeland, a driver for UPS Freight, and Alice Adams, who drives for Walmart’s Private Fleet.
“Our goal in hosting the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel it to recognize these women for their years of service to this industry,” said Ellen Voie, WIT’s President/CEO. “More importantly, these drivers are role models for those who will follow in their footsteps as more women become aware of the opportunities waiting for them in the trucking industry,” Voie added.
The nearly 500 attendees enjoyed WIT’s signature chocolate fountain as they listened to Lindsay Lawler who performed prior to the event. Sponsors were on hand to meet with the drivers and their families. “The ladies that I spoke to at the event were thrilled that the effort was put out by WIT to recognize them and their accomplishments and the sponsors were so encouraging and showed obvious support to women drivers,” Durstine said.
The Salute to Women Behind the Wheel was hosted by Gold Level Sponsors, Freightliner, Frito-Lay and Walmart. Silver Level sponsors were U. S. Xpress and Con-Way. Bronze level sponsors: American Defense Lawyers, Minute Clinic by CVS/Pharmacy and Owner-Operator Direct. Copper level: Apex Capitol, Peterbilt Motor Company, Rand McNally, Pitt Ohio Express, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. and UPS Freight. Nickel Level: J. B. Hunt, CigRX and Transplace.
The association is already making plans for next year’s event to be held the last day of the 2012 Mid-America Trucking Show. Women In Trucking Association was established in 2007 to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. For more information visit www.womenintrucking.org.
Photo by Paul Hartley, Add Media. Hi-Res photo available by request (contact Char@womenintrucking.org)
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