The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has recognized April Crysel, a dedicated truck driver for Chestnut Enterprises, as their December 2024 Member of the Month.
Crysel, a proud member of WIT’s Class of 2024 Image Team, drives for Wilmington, North Carolina-based Chestnut Enterprises, a small family-operated company she’s come to cherish over the years.
Starting a New Journey at 45
Like many in the trucking industry, Crysel’s career took an unexpected turn later in life. After losing her position in a factory job that was outsourced when she was 45, she found herself at a crossroads, leading her to pursue a career in trucking.
Her first role was with Maverick Transportation, where she specialized in hauling glass with flatbed trailers across the lower 48 states and parts of Canada. From there, she continued to grow her expertise, becoming part of Ryder System Inc. as a driver trainer and support team member. This experience allowed her to diversify her skills, driving a range of vehicles—from box trucks to refrigerated tankers, containers, and even dump beds.
Her trucking résumé continued to evolve as she took on a role hauling containers with an owner-operator and later stepped into positions off the road as a safety manager and dispatcher for Global Transportation Management (GTM). While she took pride in helping new drivers start their careers during her two years with GTM, Crysel ultimately missed the freedom and excitement of life on the road.
Finding a Home at Chestnut Enterprises
Today, Crysel is thriving as a driver at Chestnut Enterprises, a small, family-driven company led by a husband-and-wife team. Crysel describes her work environment as one filled with camaraderie and support—a dynamic that she deeply values.
“Everyone gets along, and everybody helps everybody,” she shares. “You don’t see that as much nowadays, and that’s why I don’t want to leave.”
A Strong Connection to Women in Trucking
Crysel first encountered WIT through their Facebook page in 2015. She quickly became actively involved, finding a mentor in Sandy Long and forming bonds on WIT’s mentoring Facebook group, which further fueled her passion for supporting other women in the industry.
“Being able to help and connect with other women so they know they have a support system here for them is so fulfilling,” Crysel says.
As part of WIT, Crysel eagerly participates in events like the Accelerate! Conference & Expo, where she not only strengthens her connections with other women but also helps create a sense of empowerment within the trucking community. She values the lifelong friendships she has built and continues to find joy in witnessing women come together to lift one another up.
Beyond the Road
When she’s not behind the wheel or mentoring others, Crysel takes pride in her family. She’s a mom to grown boy and girl twins and adores her three grandchildren, lovingly referred to as her “grandsugars.”
April Crysel’s inspiring story highlights her resilience, passion, and dedication, both to the trucking industry and to empowering women in this space. Congratulations to her on being named WIT’s Member of the Month for December 2024!
Source: The Trucker
