The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) and Walmart announced that Susie De Ridder, a driver for Armour Transportation Systems in New Brunswick, Canada, has been named the winner of the first annual Female Driver of the Year Award.

De Ridder was among three finalists for the award, which included Carmen Anderson, a driver at America's Service Line, and Sarah Fiske, a driver at FedEx Freight.

"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.

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 USA and Canada, providing great exposure for the career opportunities open to women in the trucking industry.

De Ridder attends a number of trucking industry events, serving as a speaker and panelist. As a mentor, she regularly attends Girl Gala Events at high schools and community colleges.

"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."