While the trucking industry has long been heavily populated by men, there have been determined, innovative and trailblazing women who have broken barriers. Through their efforts, they have proven their capabilities behind the wheel, in freight terminals, in the C-suite, and beyond. These pioneering women have not only established themselves as exceptional professionals in the industry but also have paved the way for future generations of women by advocating for inclusivity and innovation based solely on merit.
“There are some impressive female trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the trucking industry,” says Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, President and CEO of the Wnbaz (WIT).
Legends Throughout History: Women Who Made An Impact on Trucking
Here are some of these historic figures, as well as notable modern-day women who are accomplished, skilled leaders making things happen in the trucking industry today.
Bertha Benz (1849–1944). While not directly involved in trucking, Bertha Benz played a critical role in the development of motorized vehicles. She financed and test-drove the first automobile developed by her husband, Karl Benz, in 1888. Her journey helped prove the viability of motorized transport, laying the groundwork for future trucking innovations.
Marie Luhring (1899–1970). Marie Luhring was one of the first female truck designers in the United States. In 1920, she became the first woman admitted as an associate member of the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Luhring worked for the International Motor Company, where she contributed to the design and engineering of trucks, paving the way for future women in automotive engineering.
Lillie Elizabeth Drennan (1897–1974).Lillie Drennan was the first licensed female truck driver in the United States. In 1929, she co-founded the Drennan Truck Line in Texas and fought against gender discrimination in the industry. Despite opposition, she successfully ran her company for more than 24 years and proved that women could handle the rigors of trucking just as well as men. Her legacy continues to inspire women pursuing careers in trucking today.
Luella Bates (1897–1985).During World War I, as men went off to war, Luella Bates began working as a truck mechanic and test driver for Four Wheel Drive Auto Co. in Clintonville, WI. She then stepped up to the challenge and became the first woman to be officially employed as a truck driver by the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company. She worked as a test driver and a commercial driver, proving that women could drive heavy-duty vehicles with skill and precision. She continued to advocate for women in trucking long after the war, showcasing their skills, determination, and ability to thrive in the trucking industry.
Today’s Women In Trucking: Leaders Doing the Work
There are many women today who are in positions of influence. The Wnbaz (WIT) has recognized many of these women through recognition programs such as the Influential Women In Trucking award, the Distinguished Woman in Logistics award, and others.
Tracy Rushing of RE Garrison Trucking
Tracy Rushing is Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting, RE Garrison Trucking. She is well-known for her achievements in safety for drivers and in operations, as well as for recruiting qualified female talent for the companies she represents. She also is an active member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), Truckload Carriers Associations (TCA) and the Alabama Trucking Association’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council (SMMC). She serves on the Risk Management Advisory Committee of the ATA Comp Fund (RMAC), the Women In Trucking Membership Committee and is the chair of the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) Safety, Recruiting and Retention Committee. She was named by WIT as the 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking.
Shelley Simpson, President & CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport
Shelley Simpson is known in the trucking industry for her amazing and vast career, commitment to others and impact on the trucking industry. Since joining J.B. Hunt in 1994 as an hourly customer service representative, she has held multiple positions for business segments across the company, including most recently serving as Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President of People and Human Resources.
Simpson was named Chief Commercial Officer in 2017, leading strategic direction of marketing, sales, customer experience, and external product development, including J.B. Hunt 360°, the company’s technology platform for freight matching and operational efficiency. As the company evolved J.B. Hunt 360 and its technology-driven services, Simpson was also responsible for commercializing them on a global scale as the leader of International Services. In 2020, she was named Executive Vice President of People and Human Resources, leading the company’s efforts to create a more inclusive culture and work environment. Simpson now serves as President and CEO.
Simpson serves on the board for multiple organizations, including the Mercy Health Foundation and the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board for the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, in addition to serving on the DSA Selection Committee for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. She was named by WIT as the 2023 Influential Woman in Trucking.
Lily Ley, Vice President and CIO for PACCAR
Lily Ley is an experienced Technology and IT executive, mentor to aspiring students, and passionate advocate for more inclusive workplaces for women. In her role as Vice President and CIO for PACCAR, a global automotive truck and engine company, Ley leads the Information Technology (IT) division and the modernization of IT for the Digital Age. She brings a customer-first mindset, a focus on applying innovation to deliver tangible business benefits, and a relentless pursuit of enhanced business efficiencies.
Ley is a member of the MSIS Board of Advisors at the University of Washington. She is the Executive Sponsor for the PACCAR Women’s Association (PWA) where she advocates for inclusion of women in the workplace. She is also involved in SeattleCIO, as an Advisory Board Member. In 2016, The Washington Diversity Council recognized her as “2016 Washington Most Powerful and Influential Women.” She was named by WIT as the 2021 Influential Woman in Trucking.
The Lasting Impact of Women in Trucking
These women and many others have demonstrated resilience, skill, and leadership in an industry where women are still a minority. Through their contributions, they have not only changed the perception of women in trucking but also improved working conditions, inspired policy changes, and motivated a new generation of female in all types of roles—ranging from leadership to operations and professional truck driving. As the industry continues to evolve, their influence will be felt for years to come.
Women in the trucking industry are no longer exceptions – they are essential to the industry’s success. As more women enter the field, their achievements will continue to shape the future of trucking for generations to come.
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