The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Karen Noel as its January 2021 Member of the Month. She is an owner operator with Forward Air. After working over 30 years in the banking industry, Noel found herself laid off. In 2015, her husband was changing careers and asked her if she wanted to go into trucking with him. It was an industry he was familiar with, but she had no experience. Noel decided to join him on the road as a passenger. “Once I was out on the road with him, I saw other women truck drivers,” said Noel. “It never registered with me that women could be truck drivers too.” She started asking every female truck driver she saw how they felt about the career. All the responses she received were positive. Six months into being a passenger with her husband, Noel decided to go to school to earn her CDL. Without a background in trucking, she really worked hard to overcome challenges, such as backing. She credits her husband for encouraging her throughout the process and being her “rock” during this time of learning. Once she earned her CDL, Noel and her husband worked for Knight Transportation as a team for three years. Now, they are owner operators with Forward Air. “Trucking has made me a better person. I’ve learned patience while out on the road,” said Noel. “I’m excited to be a member of Women In Trucking and support its mission. I would like to see more women working in the trucking industry.” Noel wants to be an example to her grandchildren that they can be anything they want to be. Women In Trucking, Inc. is a nonprofit association established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 17% of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generosity of its Gold Level Partners including Amazon, Arrow Truck Sales, BMO Transportation Finance, Daimler Trucks North America, Expediter Services, FedEx Freight, Great Dane, J.B. Hunt Transport, Michelin North America, Penske Transportation Solutions, PACCAR, Ryder System, Walmart, and Waste Management. Follow WIT on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. For more information, visit them online at www.womenintrucking.org or call toll free (888) 464-9482.
