The organization is offering free cervical cancer screening kits to female over-the-road drivers nationwide, allowing them to complete the process privately and on their own schedule.

“Access to preventative care can be incredibly challenging for women who spend weeks at a time on the road,” said Lindsey Bryan, health & wellness manager at SCF. “By offering free, discreet, at-home cervical cancer screening kits, we’re removing barriers and meeting female drivers where they are. Early detection saves lives, and we want every woman in trucking to have access to that peace of mind.”

How the Screening Program Works

The cervical cancer kits expand SCF’s existing lineup of preventative screenings for professional drivers. The nonprofit already provides at-home and on-the-road prostate and colon or colorectal cancer screening kits.

Female OTR drivers can request a cervical cancer kit directly through SCF’s website by selecting the Cervical Cancer Screening option. Once submitted, the information goes straight to a St. Christopher Health and Wellness Case Manager. That case manager completes the registration and arranges shipment of the kit to the driver’s preferred location, whether that is a home address, carrier terminal, or P.O. Box.

Drivers complete the screening in private and return it using a pre-addressed, stamped envelope. Results are delivered within seven to ten days. If a test returns positive, the driver is offered a free Telehealth appointment for follow-up consultation.

SCF emphasized the importance of early action, stating, “Cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable when detected early.”

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 14,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. When caught early, the five-year survival rate is approximately 91 percent. That rate drops significantly if the disease spreads, making regular screening a critical safeguard.

A Growing Population on the Road

Health access matters even more as the number of women in long-haul trucking continues to grow. The Women In Trucking Association has reported that women now represent approximately 9.5 percent of professional OTR drivers. With more than 2.2 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver jobs reported in 2024 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, that percentage translates to more than 200,000 female OTR drivers currently operating nationwide.

“Women in trucking play a vital role in keeping our supply chain moving,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of Women In Trucking Association. “Programs like this demonstrate a true commitment to supporting women drivers beyond the cab. Providing free cervical cancer screenings helps ensure women have access to preventative care no matter where the road takes them.”

Beyond Emergency Relief

SCF remains the only nationwide nonprofit providing short-term financial assistance to Class A OTR drivers who have experienced an illness or injury within the last 365 days that forced them out of work. Alongside financial relief, the organization also offers multiple free health and wellness programs aimed at keeping drivers healthy and on the job.

Those programs include nicotine cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers.

Female OTR drivers who want to request a cervical cancer screening kit or learn more about other available screenings can do so through the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund website.

For an industry that depends on long hours and long miles, initiatives like this bring preventative care closer to the people who keep freight moving every day.

Source: The Trucker

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Recognition from WIT

The president and CEO of WIT, Jennifer Hedrick, expressed her admiration, stating, “Women In Trucking is honored each year to name a leader in our industry who demonstrates remarkable grit, talent and passion to advance opportunities for women in trucking. We’re thrilled to give this honor to Tracy Rushing this year. Tracy’s commitment to this profession and desire to mentor future leaders is an example for all of us.”

Award Sponsored by Daimler Truck North America

Sponsored by Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), the award highlights the contributions of female pioneers in the trucking sector.

Rushing shared her appreciation, “I’m incredibly grateful to be named 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking but this honor isn’t mine alone. It belongs to all the women who have paved the way and continue to push our industry forward. I’m just proud to be a part of this community of strong, dedicated women who work tirelessly to keep America moving. We’re all in this together, and I’m thankful every day that I get to be a trucker.”

Panel Discussion and Announcement

The announcement followed a panel discussion titled “Becoming an Influential Woman in Trucking,” featuring finalists Lisa Gonnerman, VP of Enterprise Services at TA Dedicated, and Sheri Aaberg, COO at Transport Enterprise Leasing. Facilitators included Kelley Martin and Heather Callahan of DTNA, recognized as 2024 WIT Top Women to Watch in Transportation. Rushing later captivated nearly 2,000 attendees with her personal experiences and insights.

Rushing’s Journey and Contributions

Beginning her career three decades ago in a scale house, Rushing progressed into leadership roles, driven by perseverance and mentorship. She offered insights into her early days in trucking, underscoring the significance of building relationships within the industry. Her inspirational message encouraged others to discover their “why” in trucking and to create a legacy of support and opportunity.

Rushing’s active involvement includes memberships in SHRM, TCA, and the Alabama Trucking Association’s SMMC. She serves on various committees, including ATA Comp Fund’s RMAC and as chair of TCA’s Safety, Recruiting, and Retention Committee.

A Vision of Community

Reflecting on the conference, Kelley Martin noted, “This year, Daimler Truck North America attended the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo with the theme ‘one of many.’ It’s about being part of a larger community, not just the only one or the best one, but one of many. The finalists for the Influential Woman in Trucking Award embody this vision. Through their dedication and hard work, they are paving the way for women to excel and thrive in our industry. Additionally, I’d like to congratulate Tracy Rushing for being named the 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking. Her outstanding career and unwavering passion have made a lasting impact on the trucking industry and beyond and she is truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”

Tracy Rushing’s achievements are paving the way for the next generation of leaders in trucking, leaving a legacy of empowerment and progress.

Source: The Trucker and WIT

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