LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is naming Ingrid Brown, professional driver and operations manager, Blackjack Express LLC, as the recipient of the 2026 Driver of the Year Award, sponsored by Walmart.
The announcement was made during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event, hosted by WIT at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Ky. The event is a tribute to trailblazing female truck drivers whose dedication and accomplishments are elevating the standard of professionalism in the industry.
“We are proud to recognize Ingrid, whose tireless commitment to excellence, safety, and empowering women in this industry sets a standard that inspires us all,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO.
Ingrid Brown
“Brown has built a 46-year career in trucking defined by determination, safety advocacy and leadership,” WIT said. “Starting out as an independent owner-operator of Rollin’ B LLC, she currently serves as operations manager for specialized refrigerated fleet and continues to drive for Blackjack Express LLC, hauling heavy, oversize and refrigerated freight.”
Brown has built an extraordinary legacy, earning honors including the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) Woman Driver of the Year Award, the TA Petro Citizen Driver Award, and Inaugural Inductee at the Mid-America Trucking Show Wall of Fame.
A charter member of the Women In Trucking Association since 2007, Brown is currently serving her second term on the board of director and as liaison to the Women In Trucking Foundation board of directors. A tireless public advocate, a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety collaborator and a three-time melanoma cancer survivor, she has dedicated her life to uplifting her industry, mentoring fellow drivers and serving her community — embodying everything the Driver of the Year honor represents.
Commitment to Safety and Advocacy
Brown’s commitment to safety and advocacy in trucking is celebrated by her peers and leaders.
“Ingrid consistently operates with the highest standards of safety, reliability and integrity, understanding that her actions reflect not only on her company, but on the trucking industry as a whole,” said Kristy Knichel, president of Knichel Logistics. “Through her actions, attitude and dedication, she elevates the profession and inspires those around her.”
WIT Driver of the Year Award
Presented with the support of Walmart, this annual award was established to highlight the outstanding female drivers who champion safety at the highest level while positively shaping the public’s understanding and appreciation of the trucking industry.
“Walmart is proud to sponsor the Driver of the Year award because it reflects our commitment to safety, excellence and a culture of belonging across transportation,” said Ryan McDaniel, Walmart senior vice president, transportation. “Ingrid Brown embodies what this recognition stands for, a seasoned professional whose leadership, safety advocacy and dedication to the industry have made a meaningful impact. Congrats to Ingrid for being named Driver of the Year.”
Brown was among four finalists for the award. The other finalists include:
- Fabiola Campos-Buenavista, professional driver and driver development instructor, FedEx Freight.
- Gina Jones, company driver, Werner.
- KellyLynn McLaughlin, national transportation driver dump and roll off, Clean Harbors Environmental Services.
To read more about these women, click here.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
