The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) and Walmart announced today Susie De Ridder, a company driver for Armour Transportation Systems in New Brunswick, Canada as the winner of the first annual Female Driver of the Year award.
De Ridder was among the three finalists for the award. The other finalists include Carmen Anderson, a company driver at America’s Service Line, LLC and Sarah Fiske, a company driver at FedEx Freight.
De Ridder has been driving for 40 years and has approximately 4 million accident-free miles. A former board member for Women in Trucking Federation of Canada, she was named to WIT’s Image Team in 2018. Since then, she has appeared in trucking magazines in the USA and Canada, providing great exposure for the career opportunities open to women in the trucking industry. De Ridder attends trucking industry events, participates in media interviews, serves as a speaker and panelist at industry events and conducts ride-alongs for lawmakers. As a mentor, she regularly attends Girl Gala Events at high schools and community colleges. She participates in the Convoy for Hope Atlantic yearly, raising funds for cancer research and awareness. In 2019, she won first place for the best-dressed driver, best-decorated truck and raising the most funds in the Convoy’s 10-year history. In honor of her fundraising efforts, she proudly led the Convoy of 35 trucks, the first time ever for a female driver. De Ridder is on the cover of this month’s MyPort Magazine in honor of International Women’s Month.
“I am always inspiring and encouraging the next generation to join the trucking industry. I promote this in my daily travels with Clare, WIT’s trucking doll. She is proudly displayed on my dash and is a great conversation starter to tell others about my awesome trucking career,” said De Ridder.
“Susie De Ridder has been a visible advocate for women in the trucking industry and we are so proud to honor her with the first-ever ‘Female Driver of the Year award.’ Her safety standards and community involvement enhance a positive public image of the trucking industry,” said Ellen Voie, president, and CEO of WIT.
Sponsored by Walmart, the inaugural award was established to promote the achievements of female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively enhancing the public image of the trucking industry.
“Walmart is honored to partner with Women In Trucking to recognize an outstanding female driver making a positive impact in the transportation industry,” said Bryan Most, vice president of transportation for Walmart and WIT board member. “During times like these we really see how important truck drivers are and we congratulate Susie and each of the finalists of the Female Driver of the Year award for their examples of safety and service to our industry.”
Members of the judging panel were: Lori Furnell, director of talent acquisition, Walmart Supply Chain; Jeana Hysell, senior safety consultant, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.; Tim Ridley, talk radio host; Ellen Voie, WIT president, and CEO.
