Ariel Denu, a 34-year-old professional truck driver from Bristow, Indiana, has been selected to compete in the 2025 Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA) Truck Driving and Technician Championships, set for June 6 in Indianapolis. The annual event recognizes top drivers and technicians across the state, celebrating professionalism, safety, and skill in the transportation industry.
Denu has held her Commercial Driver’s License for nine years and has spent nearly two of those driving for A/T Transportation, located just outside of Ferdinand. Her nomination for the championship reflects her commitment to being a safe, reliable, and skilled driver—qualities she brings both to the road and to her role as a trainer within the company.
In a field still largely dominated by men, Denu stands out not only for her performance but also for her advocacy. She encourages others, especially women, to consider careers in trucking, stressing that success in the industry is built on determination, effort, and a willingness to learn. She believes that women can do the job just as well as men—and often with more style.
As a trainer, Denu supports new drivers through the often-intimidating early stages of their CDL journey. She emphasizes the importance of patience, repetition, and daily learning, noting that complacency is never an option in such a demanding field.
Outside of work, Denu lives in Bristow with her husband, Zach, and her three young sons: Kole (8), Malachi (5), and Abel (4). She’s also a bonus Mom to her husband’s kids from a prior marriage, Andrew and Sophia. She’s an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves hunting, fishing, and crafting. In her spare time, she runs a business out of her home called Backwoods Bakery.
Balancing family life and a career in trucking, she continues to inspire others with her example, proving that dedication can take you far, whether on the road or in life.
The IMTA Championships will challenge drivers through written exams, vehicle inspections, and driving skills tests. For Denu, it’s not just a competition—it’s a chance to show how far hard work and passion can go.
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