What's Happening?
Monica Brooks-Buck, a professional driver for Werner Enterprises, Inc., has been named the Women In Trucking Association's (WIT) November 2026 Member of the Month. Brooks-Buck transitioned to a career in trucking after serving 25 years in the United States
Army, where her background included logistics, leadership, and transportation. Her decision to become a truck driver was influenced by her husband, Johnny, who is also in the trucking industry, offering them an opportunity to work together as team drivers. Despite her extensive military experience, Brooks-Buck focused on developing new skills required for operating a tractor-trailer, particularly mastering challenging maneuvers like backing. Her first year in trucking has also seen her selected as an Elite 11 finalist in the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award program, an accomplishment she views as a testament to the value military veterans bring to the transportation sector.
Why It's Important?
This recognition highlights the increasing efforts to diversify the trucking industry and attract new talent, particularly women and military veterans. The transportation sector, crucial for the U.S. economy, faces ongoing driver shortages, making initiatives that encourage new entrants vital. Brooks-Buck's story demonstrates a successful career transition from military service to a civilian profession, showcasing the transferable skills and leadership qualities veterans possess. Her involvement with Werner Enterprises' Freedom Trucks program and driver ambassador initiatives further emphasizes the industry's commitment to supporting veterans. For women considering non-traditional careers, her success serves as an inspiring example, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity within a male-dominated field. This also underscores the role of organizations like the Women In Trucking Association in fostering a supportive community and recognizing the contributions of women in transportation.
What's Next?
Brooks-Buck plans to continue improving her driving skills, maintaining a strong focus on safety, and exploring opportunities to mentor others, particularly military veterans and women interested in trucking. Her ongoing involvement with the Women In Trucking Association will likely provide further platforms for her advocacy and leadership development. Werner Enterprises may leverage her story in recruitment efforts to attract more diverse candidates, including veterans and women, to address driver shortages. The industry as a whole is expected to continue initiatives aimed at making trucking more accessible and appealing to a broader demographic, potentially leading to more programs supporting career transitions and professional growth for underrepresented groups.
Beyond the Headlines
Brooks-Buck's journey reflects a broader societal trend of individuals seeking new career paths later in life and the value placed on transferable skills from diverse backgrounds, such as military service. Her emphasis on integrity, empathy, and continuous learning, principles honed during her Army career, illustrates how these values are critical for success in any profession, including the demanding field of trucking. The narrative also subtly addresses the evolving dynamics of family and work, as she and her husband navigate the challenges and rewards of working together as team drivers. This story contributes to a changing perception of the trucking profession, moving beyond traditional stereotypes to highlight it as a viable and rewarding career option for a diverse workforce, including those with extensive prior experience in other fields.
