Richmond, VA— Estes Director of Sales Training and Enablement Jessica Bareford was recently recognized as a 2026 Top Woman to Watch in Trucking by Redefining the Road, the official magazine of the Women In Trucking Association (WIT). Jessica earned recognition for her innovative leadership, dedication to workforce development, and significant contributions to the industry over her 23-year career at Estes.
"It’s a humbling honor to join this list of inspiring leaders across the trucking industry," Jessica said. "This award reflects not just my work, but the success of our entire sales team at Estes. I’m proud to help advance initiatives that empower my colleagues to better support customers and create opportunities for women to thrive in the trucking industry."
The award recognizes the industry’s top performers for their exceptional leadership, measurable results, and commitment to workforce inclusion. Jessica’s ability to strengthen Estes’ sales organization, simplify complex systems, connect strategy to execution, and lead collaboratively makes her a driving force across the company.
"Jessica has been instrumental in transforming our sales training and enablement programs," said Carrie Johnstone, vice president of customer experience and innovation at Estes. "Her leadership in implementing Salesforce, advancing a new training model, and seamlessly integrating new teams has strengthened our sales organization from top to bottom. Paired with a commitment to continuous refinement, she exemplifies the innovation, dedication, and inclusive vision that help set Estes apart in the industry."
Learn more about the 2026 Top Women to Watch in Trucking award here.
About Estes
Estes is North America’s largest privately owned freight carrier. As an asset-based transportation provider with a global footprint, Estes combines nearly a century of regional freight shipping expertise with the resources, reach, and reliability of a national carrier. Backed by its more than 300 North American terminals and nearly 7,000 next-day lanes, as well as its fleet of more than 10,500 tractors, Estes is committed to getting America's freight where it needs to go, when it needs to get there. And with its continued investment in leading-edge technology, as well as the support of its more than 24,000 employees, Estes always goes the extra mile to deliver exceptional experiences that keep its customers coming back. The carrier’s comprehensive freight shipping solutions include Less Than Truckload (LTL), Volume LTL and Truckload, Time Critical Guaranteed, Custom Shipping and Logistics, and Final Mile. From short-haul to global freight forwarding—Estes does it all.
About Women in Trucking Association, Inc.
Women In Trucking Association, Inc. is a nonprofit association established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 17 percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generosity of Gold Level Partners: Arrow Truck Sales, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Daimler Trucks North America, BMO Transportation Finance, Expediter Services, Great Dane, J.B. Hunt Transport, Ryder System, Inc., and Walmart. For more information, visit womenintrucking.org.
