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

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“Our strength as a company comes from the diversity within our team,” said Paula Frey, Chief Human Resources Officer at Echo. “We’re lucky to work alongside some of the most skilled, dedicated women in the logistics industry, and this recognition is a reflection of their hard work and contributions.”

Why Echo Stands Out Among Employers in Transportation

Echo’s recognition stems from its consistent efforts to foster a workplace rooted in gender diversity, equitable opportunities, and strong work-life balance. With competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, and a focus on professional development, Echo has cultivated an environment where women can not only succeed but thrive.

“Our people and our culture are what make Echo such a great place to work,” said Doug Waggoner, CEO of Echo Global Logistics. “We have a team that’s committed to pushing each other forward, advancing in their careers, and driving our shared success.”

Championing Inclusivity Through Action

Echo secured its place on the prestigious 2024 list through its proactive and impactful initiatives aimed at inclusivity. A standout feature of its approach is the company’s Business Resource Groups (BRGs)—employee-led programs designed to nurture support and empowerment within the workplace. Notably, the Women at Echo group focuses on driving gender equity, creating leadership opportunities, and cultivating professional growth for women across the organization.

A Commitment to Diversity and Growth

At the heart of Echo’s success lies its culture of inclusivity and a steadfast focus on employee development. By investing in its workforce and prioritizing diversity as a business imperative, Echo continues to strengthen its position as a top employer in the transportation industry.

Echo Global Logistics proves that inclusivity is more than just a buzzword—it’s a principle that drives innovation, collaboration, and success at every level of the company. This recognition further solidifies Echo’s dedication to creating a workplace that champions women, celebrates diversity, and promotes growth for all its employees.

Source: The Trucker

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Honoring Excellence in Transportation

The inaugural honorees of the Women in Motion Recognizes Award are inspiring leaders from diverse areas of the trucking sector. These women have exemplified excellence, innovation, and dedication in their respective fields. The 2024 award recipients are:

• Alexandra Frye – ContainerPort Group

• Jennie Malafarina – Virago Marketing

• Bonnie Supan – Brenny Transportation

• Vanessa Villegas – Hippoz Express Inc.

• Tomika Willis – TDS Trucking, Training & Technology

• Laura Wilson – Lawrence Companies

“Women in Motion remains committed to building a supportive community for women in transportation. The WIM Recognizes Award embodies this mission, empowering women from all areas of the industry to foster inclusivity, pursue career goals, and break barriers,” stated Nikki Thomas, ATA Vice President of Industry Affairs. “Through this award, we’re creating new opportunities and celebrating the innovation these women bring to the industry, and I want to congratulate these first six winners on exemplifying what this Council is all about.”

Driving Innovation and Inclusion

The Women in Motion Recognizes Award highlights the strength and impact of women in trucking by spotlighting their contributions to innovation, leadership, and inclusivity. Honorees are selected by the Women in Motion (WIM) Board of Directors and are acknowledged for embodying the values of mentorship, progress, and diversity within the industry. Each recipient received a $500 award to support their professional development and career growth.

“These women proudly represent the future of trucking. By creating mentorship opportunities, advocating for women, and driving success in transportation, they are inspiring future generations and setting the standard across the industry,” shared ATA COO Sarah Rajtik. “Over the past year, we’ve been inspired by the innovative ideas we’ve seen, and we look forward to even more applications in 2025.”

Industry Support and Recognition

The Women in Motion initiative thrives with the support of ATA members and corporate sponsorships. “This award, and the other good work WIM is doing, would not be possible without the backing of ATA members. I want to express heartfelt gratitude to our corporate members for funding this initiative through their annual dues, and to our Founding Sponsor, FedEx, for their invaluable support,” added Rajtik.

This award signifies an ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive and empowered transportation industry, celebrating the women who continue to drive progress and innovation.

Source: Truckers News

Image: American Trucking Associations

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In an insightful conversation on She Drives with Radio Nemo, Angela and Kirsy from NFI shared the passion and purpose behind their groundbreaking initiative, “She Drives.” Focused on fostering opportunities for women in trucking, the campaign is redefining perceptions and empowering women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

What is She Drives?

Launched in 2018, She Drives is NFI’s bold campaign to increase visibility for women in trucking. As Kirsy, NFI’s Driver Recruitment Manager, explained, the program’s mission is multi-faceted:

• Celebrating women drivers and their achievements.
• Providing a platform to share their unique stories.
• Redefining industry connections by addressing the needs and aspirations of women drivers.
• Promoting a female-friendly work environment that fosters growth and long-term success.

Challenging Stereotypes in Trucking

Angela highlighted how her initial exposure to trucking shattered preconceived notions. “People stereotype truck drivers as always being out on the road with no time for family or kids. That’s just not the case here,” she emphasized. NFI’s commitment to flexibility allows drivers to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.

Kirsy shared the campaign’s broader vision: “We’re not just focusing on women—our goal is to address the driver shortage by attracting people from all walks of life while fostering diversity.”

Progress and Goals

The She Drives campaign has already made significant strides. In 2022, women represented just over 4% of drivers at NFI. By the end of 2023, that number had more than doubled to 9%, with an ambitious target of reaching 12% in 2024.

This growth stems from NFI’s dedication to listening and adapting. “We meet with women drivers to understand their experiences—what they love, what they don’t—and use that feedback to make meaningful changes,” Kirsy explained.

Building Visibility and Community

Angela emphasized the importance of showcasing women’s stories. “We’re traveling to terminals, gathering testimonials, and sharing these stories on social media and our website. Visibility is key—every woman should see herself in this industry.”

One particularly inspiring moment occurred at the Transition Trucking event in Washington, D.C., where a female driver, whose mother had also been a trucker, won a new Kenworth truck. Witnessing her daughter’s excitement to follow in her footsteps was a powerful reminder of the generational impact She Drives hopes to create.

Upcoming Initiatives

NFI is planning events to celebrate and promote the trucking industry, including family-focused gatherings and Mother’s Day celebrations. These initiatives aim to highlight the diverse opportunities available in trucking and inspire the next generation of drivers.

A Vision for the Future

Angela and Kirsy’s unwavering dedication to She Drives reflects NFI’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive industry. “We’re 200% committed to making this happen,” Angela affirmed. “This isn’t just about asking for space—it’s about showing the industry that it needs us.”

To hear more from Angela and Kirsy, catch their full episode of She Drives here.

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Dana Tarver, a fuel hauler with Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), has been recognized by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) as their November 2024 Member of the Month. This acknowledgment comes in light of her remarkable career and her commitment to empowering women within the trucking industry.

A Legacy of Dedication and Excellence

Located in Arlington, VA, the Women In Trucking Association announced Tarver’s recognition, highlighting her impressive career trajectory. “In 1995, driven by tenacity and a willingness to embrace challenges head-on, Tarver began her career in the trucking industry at the age of 25,” WIT shared in a press release. Tarver’s career is marked by her meticulous adherence to company policies and her personal ethos of doing things right the first time. Her exemplary dedication serves as a testament to the impactful role a dedicated driver can play within the industry.

A Passion for Safety and Mentorship

Tarver’s unwavering commitment to safety is evident in the meticulous maintenance of her equipment and her proactive approach to risk management. She values sharing her knowledge with others and is proud to be a trusted resource for fellow drivers seeking advice and guidance on their journeys.

Encouragement and Empowerment for Women in Trucking

In her own words, Tarver inspires other women to pursue opportunities within the trucking sector, saying, “Never be intimidated to do this job. What’s for you will be for you if you always put safety first. When in doubt, stop and ask somebody.” Her message emphasizes the importance of safety and underscores the vast potential for growth and success, even in a male-dominated field.

Dana Tarver’s story is not just about her individual success but also about her role as a champion for women pursuing careers in trucking. Through her efforts, she has built a rewarding career that offers job security and work-life balance, all while encouraging others to take similar strides in an industry ripe with opportunity.

Source: The Trucker

Image: WIT

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