Luella Bates was born October 17th 1897 who was believed to be the first licensed truck driver. Luella was one of the first six female employees chosen to test FWD trucks in 1918-1922. During world war 1 she became a test driver traveling through the state of Wisconsin. The aftermath of World War I resulted in a majority of the women working at Four wheel drive to be released from their positions. As for Luella she remained in her position as a demonstrator and driver. 

In January 1920, Luella Bates drove a model B truck to New York city. While in New York city she attended an auto show. During her time in New York she met Secretary of State of New York Francis Hugo. Where she became the first female truck driver to receive their license in New York. Bates has been included in several books for the four wheel drive company and also in the history of trucking. She played an important role in the history of women in trucking.