CAMBRIDGE, Ont. – Challenger Motor Freight says it has become the first Canadian carrier to sponsor the new upstart association, Women in Trucking (WIT).

Jayne Gunn, Challenger’s recruiting supervisor, serves as one of the 12 executive members of WIT, which was formed to “help develop greater interest for women in pursuing a career in trucking” and also to help the industry become more “female-friendly.”

“The Women in Trucking Association’s mission is to attract more women into transportation. With Challenger joining, it shows our commitment to helping women become successful in the industry,” said Tanya Theroux, driver services manager for Challenger.

Challenger has also taken its first driver apprentice as part of a program with the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities.

Ms. Birgit Johnston has recently received her class AZ license and is looking forward to changing careers from engineering to Transportation, says the company. “Birgit is a fine example of the new breed of women in the Industry. We are thrilled to have her as the first driver of Challenger registered as an apprentice and member of WIT,” said Gunn.