The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Karen Noel as its January Member of the Month. She is an owner/operator with Forward Air.

After working for 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.”

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.