This year’s Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) wasn’t just about chrome, coffee, and cabover nostalgia. It became the stage for a moment worth a million miles—literally. Kathy Blaies, a seasoned carhauler with United Road, took home the 2025 Driver of the Year Award, presented by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) and sponsored by Walmart.
This wasn’t your average “nice job” ribbon. This is one of the highest honors a professional driver can earn—and Kathy didn’t just win it… she earned every single mile of it.
Beyond the Wheel: What This Win Really Means
The award was announced at WIT’s Salute to Women Behind the Wheel, held annually at MATS. The event celebrates women in trucking, recognizing the hard-earned achievements of female commercial drivers who aren’t just moving freight—they’re moving the entire industry forward.
Kathy stood out in a finalist lineup packed with heavy hitters, including:
Ericka Norfleet – Owner-Operator, R.E. Garrison Gina Jones – Company Driver, Werner Sandy Winters – Company Driver, Leonard’s Express
While each finalist brought her own brand of excellence, Kathy rolled in with the perfect combo of safety, skill, and mentorship that tipped the scales in her favor.
According to WIT President & CEO Jennifer Hedrick, “Kathy was selected for her remarkable contributions to the trucking industry, her unwavering commitment to safety, and her dedication to mentorship.”
In other words? She’s not just clocking in—she’s changing the game.
The Road Wasn’t Easy—And That’s What Makes It Matter
Kathy’s trucking story didn’t begin with applause. Actually, it started with people telling her she wouldn’t make it. Car hauling? Too difficult. Too physical. Too intense. Some even implied it wasn’t a job for a woman.
But instead of shrinking back, Kathy strapped in.
She chose one of the most demanding areas in the industry—hauling cars, where tight turns, fragile freight, and high stakes are standard. It’s a job that doesn’t just test your driving—it tests your patience, planning, and precision every day.
And she nailed it. Again. And again.
Today, Kathy is the kind of driver who doesn’t just handle her load—she helps others carry theirs, too.
A Legacy Measured in Miles and Mentorship
It’s one thing to rack up safe driving miles. It’s another thing entirely to mentor others while you’re doing it.
Kathy has driven over 1 million miles without a preventable accident, but what makes her legendary isn’t just what she’s done on the road—it’s what she’s done for the people traveling alongside her. She regularly coaches new drivers, helping them understand the ins and outs of car hauling, route strategy, time management, and how to stay calm when things get chaotic (because we all know they will).
While some folks collect awards and keep to themselves, Kathy shares what she’s learned. That makes her more than a safe driver—it makes her a trusted leader.
It’s no surprise that among her peers, she’s earned the nickname “Carhaul Kathy.” In this case, the nickname isn’t just catchy—it’s a badge of honor.
The Stats Tell the Story
Need proof? Here’s what excellence looks like in numbers:
1+ Million Safe Driving Miles 4-Time United Road Gold Elite Award Winner 2-Time Damage-Free Elite Award Recipient
These aren’t just internal kudos either. These awards represent consistency, professionalism, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in a job where one wrong move can cost thousands.
Her awards are a testament not just to her skill—but to her mindset. Kathy shows up, day in and day out, ready to get it done and get it done right.
What Her Leaders Say
When someone is this good, leadership takes notice—and they make it known.
Mark Anderson, President and CEO of United Road, said:
“Kathy’s outstanding performance reflects her personal drive to achieve excellence and the positive impact she has on our operations. She is a standout driver whose dedication, skill and leadership make her truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.”
Meanwhile, Ryan McDaniel, Senior Vice President of Transportation at Walmart, added:
“Kathy Blaies is more than a driver – she is a leader, mentor, and role model. We’re extremely proud to recognize her as this year’s Driver of the Year.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come easy. It’s earned by results—and Kathy delivers.
The Award with a Bigger Purpose
Sponsored by Walmart, the WIT Driver of the Year Award isn’t just about rewarding safety or time in the seat. It’s about recognizing women who are shaping the future of the industry. These are drivers who elevate the profession by leading with integrity, empowering others, and maintaining a level of safety that sets the bar higher for everyone else.
The judging panel for 2025 included top names like:
Lisa Dilibero, General Transportation Manager, Walmart Lori Taylor, Director of Financial Operations, C.H. Robinson Ellen Voie, Founder of Women In Trucking
With judges like that, you can be sure this wasn’t a popularity contest. Kathy earned this honor through grit, grace, and a body of work that simply speaks for itself.
Why This Story Matters (Especially to the Next Generation)
Let’s be real: the industry needs more Kathys.
With driver shortages continuing and the push to diversify the workforce growing, stories like Kathy’s send a clear message to the next wave of drivers—especially women:
Yes, you can do this.
Yes, you do belong here.
Yes, you will be recognized for your work.
Kathy’s story also challenges some of the outdated mindsets that still linger in the trucking world. She didn’t wait for permission to succeed. She just did it. And now she’s showing others how.
Final Mile: Kathy Blaies, the Mentor on a Mission
Kathy didn’t get here by accident. Every safe mile, every mentoring moment, every tight parking job in a sketchy lot at 3 a.m.—they all added up to this.
She’s not just a great driver. She’s a mentor, a motivator, and a master of her craft.
In a world that’s often quick to point out flaws, Kathy is proof that consistency, humility, and drive can still take you straight to the top.
And here at Eclipse DOT, we couldn’t be prouder to spotlight her success.
So here’s to you, Kathy Blaies—the million-mile mentor, the queen of car hauling, and the example we all needed.
Keep the shiny side up, and keep inspiring us all to do the same.
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Sources:
Women In Trucking Association – Official Press Release WIT Announces Finalists for 2025 Driver of the Year WIT’s Female Driver of the Year Award Info