From Art to the Open Road

Jo Lynn “JJ” Kelley’s career path was anything but conventional. Starting out in art and accounting, Kelley decided to take a leap into the trucking world to combine her entrepreneurial spirit with her love for travel. Her ultimate goal? To spread kindness and joy wherever she goes. Reflecting on her spiritual outlook, Kelley shares, “I absolutely loved driving that big rig all over the United States. Throughout the miles, trials, and tribulations since entering this industry, my spirituality has deepened to a complete and unwavering reliance upon God and all His promises in the Bible. With God, all things are possible.”

400,000 Miles and Counting

Now in her sixth year as a professional driver, Kelley has logged over 400,000 safe miles—a milestone she attributes to her faith and dedication. “I may drive an 18-wheeler, but in my cab, God is truly in charge of that 19th wheel,” she expresses.

Finding Her Path in Trucking

Kelley kickstarted her trucking career with Schneider National, driving long-haul routes that spanned 47 states in the U.S. Her decision to join Schneider was based on the company’s federal safety rating, diverse freight options, and acceptance of new drivers fresh out of trucking school. Over time, she mastered skills in dry van hauling, tanker transport, flatbed operations, and even teaming.

Transforming Challenges Into Compassion

The early days of Kelley’s career weren’t without their difficulties. At one point, she felt overwhelmed and considered giving up. Yet, through prayer and reflection, she realized the power of stepping outside her own struggles to help others. Kelley began creating wallet-sized cards with uplifting messages, leaving them at truck stops and rest areas for anyone who might need a reminder of their worth. This act of kindness sparked a larger initiative, complete with $5 coffee gift cards and trivia games that encouraged recipients to “pay it forward.” Her employer was so impressed that they supported her efforts by contributing more gift cards to expand the campaign.

Blending Art and Trucking

With a knack for creativity that she honed during her artistic career, Kelley penned two interactive trucking books, Trucking with JJ: Volume 1 and Volume 2. These photo-based books include short stories and QR codes linking to video content, offering readers an inspiring glimpse into life on the road. Both volumes are available to download for free.

A New Chapter with Walmart

After years of long-haul driving, Kelley transitioned to Walmart’s private fleet, drawn to their emphasis on safety and work-life balance. Now a regional driver, she appreciates the home time and the supportive community of experienced professionals. “The walls in all of our distribution centers are packed with plaques of 500,000-mile, 1 million-mile, 3 million-mile, and higher driver careers,” Kelley noted. “I feel humbled and honored to be among such a stable and safety-driven family of truckers.”

Through her role at Walmart, Kelley also became an integral part of WIT’s outreach efforts. She drives the WITney Educational Trailer to various events, operating the truck-driving simulator inside and inspiring visitors to explore opportunities in the industry.

Championing Diversity in Trucking

Kelley is passionate about spreading the word on how trucking can offer a rewarding career path for people from all walks of life. The hiring age is simply 18+, and there are no gender, racial, educational, or spiritual boundaries. “Virtually every tangible item has been on a truck at one point in time, so the world will always need safe professional drivers.”

Faith as a Driving Force

Reflecting on her journey, Kelley acknowledges the challenges she’s faced but credits her faith for grounding her. “My trucking career path has seen me in tears, anger, doubts, and confusion,” she explained. “God always restores me to a peaceful inner joy with new insights on navigating a life of abundance that I never dreamed—or perhaps, never allowed myself to dream of.”

Life Beyond the Road

When she’s not behind the wheel, Kelley resides on an award-winning equestrian horse farm nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Though retired from her artistic endeavors—including painting, photography, and blogging—she continues to seek out new hobbies, experiences, and friendships. With a life brimming with adventure and gratitude, Kelley remains an extraordinary example of the warmth and resilience that Women in Trucking celebrates.

Jo Lynn “JJ” Kelley’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Through her efforts on and off the road, she’s leaving an indelible mark on the trucking industry.

Source: The Trucker

Image: WIT

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That sentiment, shared during the latest She Drives episode on Radio Nemo, perfectly captures the inspiring conversation with Ashley R. and Megan Z. of NFI. These two incredible women shared their unique perspectives on life on and off the road, highlighting the balance, challenges, and triumphs that come with their roles in the transportation industry.

Balancing Life on the Road

For Megan, a regional driver and mother of two boys, ages 13 and 11, work-life balance is a daily dance. Megan candidly shared how technology has become her lifeline, enabling her to parent from afar while fulfilling her responsibilities on the road.

With tools like video calls and security camera apps, Megan stays connected to her boys, reminding them to take their medicine or get on the school bus. While the guilt of being away is ever-present, she emphasized the importance of creating a system that works for her family, blending independence for her kids with her availability for important moments.

A Passion for Growth

Ashley R., a regional manager at NFI, shared her own journey within the company. Her story reflects the value of perseverance and the opportunities that come from taking risks. After stepping away from NFI for a promotion at another company, Ashley found herself drawn back to the supportive and family-like culture she initially loved.

“NFI made me feel like I was part of the family,” Ashley said. Now, as a regional manager, she splits her time between traveling for work and being remote, a setup that allows her to balance career growth with parenting her three children.

The Power of Technology

Both Ashley and Megan touched on the profound changes technology has brought to the trucking world. For Megan, tools like video calls bridge the gap between the cab of her truck and her family at home. Ashley reflected on how technology not only supports work-life balance but also plays a crucial role in recruiting and empowering a more diverse workforce in the industry.

An Honest Look at Challenges

Neither Ashley nor Megan sugarcoated the realities of their roles. From navigating the teenage years as a parent to finding fulfillment in a demanding career, they openly discussed the hurdles they’ve faced. But through it all, their passion for what they do and their commitment to their families shine through.

Their stories are a reminder that every mile driven and every decision made is part of a larger journey—one filled with growth, connection, and the pursuit of balance.

Hear Their Full Story

Don’t miss the chance to dive deeper into this heartfelt and insightful conversation. Tune in to this episode of She Drives on Radio Nemo to hear Ashley and Megan share their experiences in their own words.

Listen now and get inspired by their incredible journeys.

The post Megan Z. and Ashley R. Discuss Challenges and Triumphs in Trucking on She Drives appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In an insightful conversation on She Drives with Radio Nemo, Angela and Kirsy from NFI shared the passion and purpose behind their groundbreaking initiative, “She Drives.” Focused on fostering opportunities for women in trucking, the campaign is redefining perceptions and empowering women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

What is She Drives?

Launched in 2018, She Drives is NFI’s bold campaign to increase visibility for women in trucking. As Kirsy, NFI’s Driver Recruitment Manager, explained, the program’s mission is multi-faceted:

• Celebrating women drivers and their achievements.
• Providing a platform to share their unique stories.
• Redefining industry connections by addressing the needs and aspirations of women drivers.
• Promoting a female-friendly work environment that fosters growth and long-term success.

Challenging Stereotypes in Trucking

Angela highlighted how her initial exposure to trucking shattered preconceived notions. “People stereotype truck drivers as always being out on the road with no time for family or kids. That’s just not the case here,” she emphasized. NFI’s commitment to flexibility allows drivers to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.

Kirsy shared the campaign’s broader vision: “We’re not just focusing on women—our goal is to address the driver shortage by attracting people from all walks of life while fostering diversity.”

Progress and Goals

The She Drives campaign has already made significant strides. In 2022, women represented just over 4% of drivers at NFI. By the end of 2023, that number had more than doubled to 9%, with an ambitious target of reaching 12% in 2024.

This growth stems from NFI’s dedication to listening and adapting. “We meet with women drivers to understand their experiences—what they love, what they don’t—and use that feedback to make meaningful changes,” Kirsy explained.

Building Visibility and Community

Angela emphasized the importance of showcasing women’s stories. “We’re traveling to terminals, gathering testimonials, and sharing these stories on social media and our website. Visibility is key—every woman should see herself in this industry.”

One particularly inspiring moment occurred at the Transition Trucking event in Washington, D.C., where a female driver, whose mother had also been a trucker, won a new Kenworth truck. Witnessing her daughter’s excitement to follow in her footsteps was a powerful reminder of the generational impact She Drives hopes to create.

Upcoming Initiatives

NFI is planning events to celebrate and promote the trucking industry, including family-focused gatherings and Mother’s Day celebrations. These initiatives aim to highlight the diverse opportunities available in trucking and inspire the next generation of drivers.

A Vision for the Future

Angela and Kirsy’s unwavering dedication to She Drives reflects NFI’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive industry. “We’re 200% committed to making this happen,” Angela affirmed. “This isn’t just about asking for space—it’s about showing the industry that it needs us.”

To hear more from Angela and Kirsy, catch their full episode of She Drives here.

The post Empowering Women in Trucking: Angela and Kirsy Share Insights on NFI’s She Drives Initiative appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

On October 30, the Women in Trucking Association revealed its 2024 list of “Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation.” Based in Plover, Wisconsin, this organization annually acknowledges companies that prioritize inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

“Companies named to this prestigious list must demonstrate corporate attributes that are essential to any successful enterprise committed to gender diversity as part of their corporate strategy,” stated Brian Everett, publisher of Redefining the Road magazine.

Everett highlighted key attributes necessary for selection:

• A corporate culture that promotes gender diversity

• Flexible work hours and requirements

• Attractive compensation packages

• Quality benefits, such as paid maternity leave

• Opportunities for training, ongoing education, and professional growth

• Career advancement potential

• Access to well-maintained and secure equipment and facilities for drivers

Norita Taylor, director of public relations at OOIDA, emphasized the organization’s groundbreaking efforts in tackling challenges within the trucking industry.

“OOIDA has fought for the rights of all truckers for more than 50 years and looks forward to seeing more and more women join the industry as drivers and small-business owners,” Taylor shared with Land Line. “At the heart of our mission is to improve conditions for all small-business truckers, which makes it that much better for women to enter and remain in an industry traditionally dominated by men.”

Taylor further noted OOIDA’s unwavering dedication to fairness across the board, which is mirrored by its diverse workforce.

“OOIDA also exemplifies this dedication in its approach to building and maintaining a workplace that respects and acknowledges the unique contributions of its female staff,” Taylor remarked. “By integrating women fully into its ranks, OOIDA leads by example, showing that a more inclusive industry is possible and preferable.”

This year’s compilation by Women in Trucking features a “diverse range of company types” within the trucking realm, including “motor carriers, third-party logistics companies, and original equipment manufacturers.” The acknowledged companies will be celebrated later this month during the 2024 Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas.

Source: Land Line

The post OOIDA Honored as a Leading Employer for Women in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Companies named to this prestigious list must demonstrate corporate attributes that are essential to any successful enterprise committed to gender diversity as part of their corporate strategy,” said Brian Everett, publisher of Redefining the Road. He described the rigorous selection process involving nominations and a final industry vote, highlighting its prestige over the past seven years. Jennifer Hedrick, WIT’s President and CEO, emphasized that this award aligns with WIT’s mission to showcase companies prioritizing women’s careers in transportation.

Everett notes that these distinguished companies are recognized for key attributes like corporate cultures promoting gender diversity; competitive compensation and benefits; flexible work arrangements; and abundant professional development and advancement opportunities. These organizations also contribute to the WIT Index, which measures women’s representation in critical transportation roles.

Among the honorees are a diverse range of entities within the trucking industry, including motor carriers, logistics providers, and equipment manufacturers. They will be celebrated at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas, from November 10-13, with International Motors sponsoring the event.

The 2024 “Elite 30” includes:

• Air Products, ArcBest, Averitt, Cummins Inc., Daimler Truck North America, Epes Transport System, Estes Express Lines, FedEx, Great Dane, International Motors, J.B. Hunt Transport, Kenan Advantage Group, Landstar System, Old Dominion Freight Line, Penske Transportation Solutions, Peterbilt Motors Co., Premier Truck Group, Quality Carriers, Roehl Transport, RXO, Ryder System, Schneider, Sysco, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, TravelCenters of America, UPS, Volvo Group North America, Walmart, WM, and XPO.

Additionally, the extensive list of “Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation” features:

• 4Refuel, ADM Trucking, Aim Transportation Solutions, American Expediting Logistics, America’s Service Line, Ancora Training, Arrive Logistics, Arrow Truck Sales, Aurora Parts, Bay & Bay Transportation, Bennett Family of Companies, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Boyle Transportation, Brenny Transportation, Bridgestone Americas, Cargomatic, Carter Express, Centerline Drivers, Certified Express, CJ Logistics America, Clean Harbors, ContainerPort Group, Conversion Interactive Agency, Covenant Logistics Group, CrossCountry Freight Solutions, Crowley, Day & Ross, Dot Transportation, Dupré Logistics, Dynacraft (a PACCAR Company), Echo Global Logistics, Excargo Services, FStaff, Garner Trucking, Giltner Logistics, GLT Logistics, Great West Casualty Company, Halvor Lines, Highway Transport Logistics, Interstate Billing Service, ISAAC Instruments, J.J. Keller & Associates, JoyRide Logistics, JX Truck Center, Kenworth Truck Co., Koch Companies, Leonard’s Express, LGT Transport, Marathon Petroleum Co., May Trucking Co., McLeod Software, Michelin North America, MOTOR Information Systems, Musket Transport, National Carriers, National Shunt Service, New West Truck Centres, NFI Industries, OOIDA, Orica – USA, PACCAR Inc., PACCAR Leasing Co., PACCAR Parts, Palmer Trucks, Pennsy Supply, PepsiCo Foods North America, Polaris Transportation Group, Purolator, RE Garrison Trucking, Red Classic, Reliance Partners, Rihm Family Companies, Saia LTL Freight, Savage, Southeastern Freight Lines, Southwest International Trucks, Standard Logistics, Stericycle, Suburban Propane, Sun State International, Sunset Transportation, SWTO, TA Dedicated, The Erb Group, The Evans Network of Companies, The Pete Store, Thomas E. Keller Trucking, Total Transportation of MS, TRAC Intermodal, TRAFFIX, Trimac, Tri-National, Trinity Logistics, Triumph Financial, Truckstop, Tucker Freight Lines, Tyler Technologies, U.S. Xpress, Uber Freight, USAL, Venture Logistics, Werner Enterprises, Wilson Logistics, and Zonar Systems.

These companies are at the forefront of gender diversity, paving the way for an inclusive and empowering future in transportation, where women can thrive and advance.

Source: The Trucker

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Christie Tilton from Eaton initially aspired to be a high school band director after graduating from Northridge High School in 2007. “I played trombone and drums and had planned to go to school for music,” Tilton shared. “But instead, I ended up working for a parking company at the Dayton Airport and eventually went into management.”

Feeling unfulfilled, Tilton described her life at that time as “wandering aimlessly.” A turning point came when her grandmother asked her to drive a motor home across the country. Tilton loved the adventure. “I had a friend who went to truck driving school, so I applied for the company he worked for,” Tilton explained. “I set out to do it just as a backup plan because I knew if I had a CDL, I would always have a job.”

Tilton landed a position at Prime, Inc., where she attended their onsite driving school with no upfront costs in exchange for a one-year commitment. “I liked it so much, I stayed for three years,” she said.

Although the long-haul lifestyle suited her initially, Tilton eventually searched for a local driving job. She joined Dart Transit, which worked with Proctor and Gamble, until it transitioned to its own private fleet, absorbing her in the process.

Today, Tilton and her partner, Whitney Hartman, juggle their family life with raising a six-year-old and Tilton’s two teen siblings. The demands of cross-country trucking no longer align with her family needs. “We would stay out on the road for two or three months at a time,” Tilton recalled. “This burns you out pretty quick.”

During her early trucking days, Tilton was fortunate to share the experience with her high school friend Jennifer Rowley, who became her co-driver. “Most people don’t make it a year,” Tilton noted. “It’s just hard when you have a family, though there are some who drive for their whole careers — 30 or 40 years.”

Earlier this year, Tilton’s remarkable contributions were recognized when her operations manager nominated her for a national award. She was one of 27 drivers across the U.S. honored with the National Driver All Star Award by the National Private Truck Council. “My manager told me I won the award, and I was going to Florida to receive it,” Tilton said. “I’ve been driving now for ten years and was with a lot of longer-tenured veteran drivers.”

The NPTC award acknowledges private fleet drivers exhibiting exemplary customer service, safety, adherence to standards, regulatory compliance, and community involvement. Out of the 27 awardees, only two were women. “This career field is still mostly male,” Tilton observed. “I know that in the past ten years, more and more women are driving. It’s rare to find women who have been driving that long.”

Following her return from Florida, Tilton accepted a promotion in operations, stepping away from driving but remaining within the industry she loves. “I took the promotion so I could be home again,” she confided. “I miss driving some days, but not when it gets cold!”

In her new role, Tilton manages drivers, conducts interviews, handles hiring, and plans routes. Looking to the future, she remains open to the possibility of returning to the road. “With kids at home, I like where I am now,” she said. “But in the future, I would like to go back to driving. Once the kids are grown and out of the house, I may look at going on the road again. I was so honored to receive the award, especially as a woman. It’s a job I love that not many women ever get to do.”

Source: Dayton Daily News

Image: Dayton Daily News

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