Wilmington, NC — The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has officially named April Crysel, a professional driver for Chestnut Enterprises, as its Member of the Month for December 2024. This recognition highlights Crysel’s contributions to the industry as a member of the WIT Class of 2024 Image Team, where she serves as an advocate for the profession.
Crysel’s path to the driver's seat was anything but linear. At age 45, following the outsourcing of her previous factory job, she pivoted to the transportation sector. Her initial training took place at Maverick Transportation, where she cut her teeth hauling glass with flatbeds across the lower 48 states and Canada. She eventually moved into roles with Ryder System Inc., gaining experience with refrigerated tankers, container work, and dump beds. Her resume also includes stints as a safety manager and dispatcher for Global Transportation Management, though the pull of the road eventually led her back to driving full-time.
Today, Crysel operates out of Wilmington, North Carolina, for Chestnut Enterprises. She cites the husband-and-wife leadership team and the tight-knit culture as the primary reasons she intends to stay with the carrier long-term. In an industry where turnover is often high, finding a small, family-operated company that prioritizes driver camaraderie remains a top priority for seasoned CDL-A drivers looking to settle down.
What This Means for Drivers
Crysel’s trajectory proves that the industry remains open to career changers who are willing to diversify their skill sets. By mastering everything from flatbeds to specialized tanker work, she made herself an asset to any fleet, eventually landing at a company that values driver retention. For those currently exploring truck driver jobs, her experience underscores the importance of seeking out smaller, family-oriented carriers that foster a supportive environment. Many owner-operator setups and smaller fleets are actively seeking drivers who have balanced road experience with a firm grasp of FMCSA regulations and safety protocols.
Industry Reaction
The Women in Trucking Association continues to highlight drivers like Crysel to demonstrate the viability of trucking as a second career. While larger fleets often dominate the headlines, the backbone of the industry remains the small, family-operated businesses that provide stability for veteran drivers. As more trucking companies are hiring to fill gaps in their rosters, the focus is shifting toward companies that can offer long-term job satisfaction rather than just a seat in a truck.
Key Points
- April Crysel serves on the WIT Class of 2024 Image Team.
- Her career began at age 45 after her previous factory position was outsourced.
- She possesses experience across multiple trailer types, including flatbeds, refrigerated tankers, and box trucks.
- Current work at Chestnut Enterprises provides the stable, supportive environment she sought after leaving dispatch and safety management.
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