Special Edition: Women Who Paved the Road: Ingrid Brown — A Moment Worth Celebrating

Mar 28

There are moments in this industry that feel bigger than an announcement.

This is one of them.

Recently, Ingrid Brown was named Women In Trucking Association’s 2026 Driver of the Year — and I couldn’t let this moment pass without saying something from the heart.

Because this one… hits close to home.

More Than a Title

I’ve known Ingrid for years.

Not just by name. Not just through social media.
But through conversations, through involvement, through the kind of industry work that doesn’t always get seen.

She’s been one of those steady voices — the kind that encourages you to step up, get involved, and be part of something bigger than your own truck.

And I’ll tell you the truth…

That matters more than people realize.

The Kind of Leadership That Moves the Industry

Ingrid didn’t build her name by being loud.

She built it by being consistent.

Through her work with Blackjack Express, LLC, through her presence in industry conversations, and through her support of women coming into trucking, she’s helped shape real change — the kind that happens one conversation at a time.

Not flashy.
Not forced.
Just steady.

And in trucking… steady wins.

Why This Award Matters

Awards come and go.

But every now and then, one lands exactly where it should.

This recognition from Women In Trucking isn’t just about miles or years — it’s about influence, integrity, and the way someone shows up for others in this industry.

And Ingrid has been showing up for a long time.

A Personal Note

I’m proud of her.

Plain and simple.

I’m grateful for the encouragement she’s given me over the years — especially when it came to getting involved and using my own voice in this industry.

We don’t always stop and say those things out loud.

But moments like this are a good reminder that we should.

Looking Ahead

Ingrid Brown has already made her mark.

This award just puts a spotlight on what many of us have seen all along.

And if there’s one thing I know for sure…

She’s not done yet.

Closing

Congratulations, Ingrid.

Well deserved.
Well earned.
And a moment worth celebrating.

And moments like this remind us — there’s still room to grow, lead, and make a difference in this industry.

—Deb

Part of the Women Who Paved the Road series — honoring the women who continue to shape trucking, one mile at a time.

Deb LaBree

Deb LaBree is a professional truck driver, owner-operator, and trucking coach with two decades of experience in the trucking industry. She has been team driving with her husband since 2006 and became an owner-operator in 2014.

Deb has logged over 2M+ million accident-free miles and has received numerous safety and industry recognitions, including being named NASTC Driver of the Year and Women in Trucking Driver of the Year (2024). She previously served two terms on the board of the Women in Trucking Association and is a retired Legacy Image Team member, having volunteered and represented the organization for many years.

Throughout her career, Deb has been featured across national and industry media, including SiriusXM Road Dog Trucking Radio, NBC Today, The Wall Street Journal, and various transportation publications. She has also participated as a research subject in multiple college and university studies focused on trucking and transportation.

Today, Deb is the founder of A Woman Trucker, where she mentors and supports women entering and advancing in trucking through coaching, education, and lived-experience leadership. Her work is grounded in safety, integrity, and peer-to-peer understanding — always putting the profession and the people who do the work first.

https://www.awomantrucker.com