Ace Doran Driver, Violet Helferich, Invites TA Petro’s Debbie Shelton on a Weeklong Journey to Better Understand Women in Trucking

MCDONOUGH, GEORGIA (May 10, 2024) – Ace Doran Hauling and Rigging Co., a division of the Bennett Family of Companies, embarks on a weeklong ride-along initiative featuring female driver, Violet Helferich, and TA Petro’s Operations Support Vice President, Debbie Shelton. This collaborative journey aims to enhance safety protocols, raise awareness and refine operational processes for women in the trucking industry.

The ride along begins on Monday, May 13^th in Tulsa, OK where Violet and Debbie will load up and head to Seymour, TX for delivery. Violet’s rig will then travel to Abilene to load up once again and empty in Hillsboro, TX, allowing Debbie to understand Violet’s role and experiences as a female driver. Violet and Debbie will be accompanied by an all-female escort crew.

Violet has been with Ace Doran since the inception of the Wind Division in early 2016. She started driving a feed truck on her family’s farm at the age of 14 and was hauling cattle by 16. Violet remains safety conscious and works to advocate for women in trucking. She is a Driver Trainer in the Wind Division and a Wind Energy representative on the Bennett Motor Express / Ace Doran Driver Advisory Board. Since starting with Bennett, Violet has received numerous awards including the SC&RA Driver of the Year Award in 2017 and Woman Driver of Excellence in 2019 and 2023. There is no better female driver than Violet for Debbie to learn from and experience life on the road.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to step into the shoes of a female professional driver and witness firsthand the intricacies of their roles and the challenges they navigate daily. This journey aligns perfectly with TA’s commitment to diversity and safety within the transportation industry.”

Debbie Shelton, Vice President of Operations Support, TA Petro

“I am most excited about showing others my love and passion for driving. Being on the road.. That’s my happy place. I keep in touch with my trainer from when I was 21 who always said I had the drive in me to be a success story. I always try to encourage other drivers, male and female, and share my confidence and tell them to never give up on themselves. Being with ACE and Bennett is like being with family. We always come together as one.”

Violet Helferich, ACE Doran Driver, Wind Division

About Bennett Family of Companies
The Bennett Family of Companies, based in McDonough, GA, is a woman-owned enterprise and holds Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certification. Renowned for its diversified transportation and logistics solutions, the Bennett Family of Companies operates through its 14 affiliated operating entities, delivering integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. With a vast network comprising 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees, and 600 agents spread across the United States, Bennett is a cornerstone of the transportation industry.

About TravelCenters of America
TravelCenters of America Inc., part of the bp portfolio, is a full-service travel center network operating under the TA®, Petro Stopping Centers® and TA Express® brands. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, its nearly 19,000 team members serve guests in over 300 locations in 44 states, with a mission of returning every traveler to the road better than they came. Offerings include diesel and gasoline, truck maintenance and repair, full-service and quick-service restaurants, stores with food, beverages and merchandise, car and truck parking and other services dedicated to providing great experiences for guests. TA is also committed to meeting the evolving needs of professional drivers and motorists as the nation shifts toward the increased adoption of alternative fuels and electric vehicles. For more information, visit www.ta-petro.com.