Over a decade ago, she couldn’t have predicted that a path she hadn’t taken would become her life’s calling. Switching careers at age 50—from nearly 30 years in retail grocery after her youngest joined the military—was a bold leap. Her husband Steve invited her to ride along; she agreed, and never looked back.

“Trucking found me at a time I needed it most, and I haven’t looked back since,” Jones reflects. “You’re never too old to try something new or to completely change the direction of your life.”

Defining Moments on the Road

Her trucking career extends far beyond driving miles—it includes meaningful milestones. One standout moment came when the American Trucking Associations selected her to stand next to the President during a CRA signing ceremony supporting the auto and fuel industry.

“Standing there, I felt like I was representing not just myself, but every driver out there, especially the women who are forging new paths in this field,” she adds.

Jones has held leadership roles such as Werner Road Team Captain and participated in Operation Freedom Fleet. Her honors include inclusion on ATA’s America’s Road Team, the 2024 TA/Petro Citizen Driver Award, and a finalist spot for WIT’s 2025 Female Driver of the Year. In 2023, she also helped transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and decorations to Washington, D.C.

Despite the accolades, it’s the feedback from fellow women drivers that keeps her motivated:

“Every time I meet a woman who says, ‘I didn’t think I could be a truck driver until I met you,’ it reminds me why I keep going,” she says. “Representation matters.”

Challenges and Goals

Like many women in a male-dominated industry, Jones faced skepticism at first.

“There were people who didn’t take me seriously at first,” she admits. “But I stayed focused. I let my actions speak louder than words.”

Her personal goals include reaching two million miles without incident—a target she credits with giving her purpose:

“That’s the kind of goal that gets me up in the morning,” she notes.

Mentorship has played a key role in her success:

“I’ve been blessed with several mentors who saw something in me even when I was still finding my footing,” she recalls. Now she aims to return the favor.

Her involvement with WIT is especially meaningful:

“Connecting with other veteran members of WIT has been so empowering. The leadership and encouragement I’ve received have pushed me to grow and keep raising the bar for myself,” she reflects.

Looking Ahead with Purpose

Jones plans to continue driving with an emphasis on safety and mentorship. She also seeks to uplift veterans integrating into the workforce, drawing on her role with Operation Freedom Fleet.

Outside her cab, she’s training for a 50-mile march with the 50-Mile March Foundation in support of veterans facing homelessness and mental health challenges:

“It’s physically demanding, but I’m honored to walk that distance for those who’ve given so much for our country,” she says.

At home, she celebrates life with holiday decorations, multiple Christmas trees, and storytelling to her grandchildren—often gifting them I Want to Be a Trucker by Wanda Nance Brooks. She also longs to see Namibia, and when relaxing, you’ll find her watching Animal Kingdom on Netflix.

Her advice to women considering trucking is clear:

“Do your homework on potential employers, find a place that respects and supports you, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it, because you can. Set goals, work hard, and most importantly, be yourself. There’s power in showing up authentically.”

And the wisest career advice she’s received?

“Nothing we do is worth hurting yourself or others. Safety has to come first, always.”

From a midlife career pivot to standing on the White House lawn, Gina Jones shows that passion, authenticity, and grit can chart new horizons. And for her, the drive is just beginning.

Image and Source: Women In Trucking

The post Gina Jones: A Trucking Journey Late-Start but Full of Purpose appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Source: Women In Trucking

The 2025 Driver of the Year Finalists

• Ericka Norfleet, Owner-Operator, R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc.

• Gina Jones, Company Driver, Werner

• Kathy Blaies, Professional Carhauler, United Road

• Sandy Winters, Company Driver, Leonard’s Express

The winner of this prestigious honor will be announced during WIT’s “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel” ceremony, which takes place on Friday, March 28, at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ericka Norfleet (R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc.)

Source: WIT (Erica Norfleet)

Ericka Norfleet is a proud owner operator associated with R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc., who has carved out an impressive career since earning her CDL in 2015. With more than one million safe miles logged on the road, she exemplifies professionalism, safety, and teamwork.

For Norfleet, trucking is more than just a job; it’s a family lifestyle. Together with her husband, she has spent nearly nine years as part of a driving team while raising their seven children. Her dedication to safety, coupled with her deep connection to the trucking community, makes her a standout in the industry.

Gina Jones (Werner)

Source: WIT (Gina Jones)

Gina Jones, a company driver for Werner, has seamlessly transitioned from a career in retail management to becoming a force in the trucking world. She earned her CDL at the age of 50 and has since accumulated an impressive 2.5 million accident-free miles.

Her accolades include the 2024 TA Citizen Driver Award, the Werner Safe Driver Award, and the President’s Safe Driver Club Award presented by the Nebraska Trucking Association. Jones’ leadership shines through her advocacy work as a former ATA America’s Road Team Captain and Werner Road Team member. Driving a specialty-wrapped truck that honors military service members, Jones is a part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet. Off duty, she mentors aspiring drivers, supports charitable causes, and takes joy in riding her Harley Davidson or spending time with her grandchildren.

Kathy Blaies (United Road)

Source: WIT (Kathy Blaise)

With over two decades in the driver’s seat, Kathy Blaies has redefined the standards of car-hauling excellence. Blaies has maintained a damage-free career while driving more than one million miles, earning the Gold Elite Driver Award four times and the Damage Free Elite Award twice.

Known affectionately by her peers as “Carhaul Kathy,” she is admired for her meticulous attention to safety, professionalism, and mentorship within the industry. Her dedication to efficiency and quality not only leads by example but also inspires the next generation of professional car haulers.

Sandy Winters (Leonard’s Express)

Source: WIT (Sandy Winters)

Sandy Winters has dedicated over three decades to driving excellence as a company driver for Leonard’s Express. After serving four years in the U.S. Army, she entered the trucking industry in 1993 with the encouragement of a friend who noticed her innate skill with large vehicles.

Throughout her career, Winters has operated a variety of vehicles, from ink tankers to flatbeds, and navigated routes across the U.S. and Canada. Her work ethic, passion for mentoring the next generation, and commitment to the industry have earned her widespread respect. According to Winters, trucking isn’t just what she does; it’s what she loves, and she strives for excellence every single day.

Join the Celebration

Don’t miss the reveal of the 2025 Driver of the Year award winner during WIT’s “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel” event at the Mid-America Trucking Show. This recognition marks yet another milestone for women paving the way in the transportation sector.

Congratulations to these remarkable women who continue to inspire and redefine excellence in trucking.

Source: Truckers News

The post Meet the Finalists for Women in Trucking’s 2025 Driver of the Year Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.