Eva Knelsen: A Trailblazing Truck Driver

Eva Knelsen has built a life around breaking barriers. The 36-year-old truck driver from Canada has faced numerous challenges pursuing her passion for trucking, often going against her family’s expectations to do so.

“My parents taught me not to let anyone push me around,” she reflects, attributing her strong work ethic to their teachings. Starting work at the age of 12, she emphasizes the importance of dedication and accountability in her life.

Growing up in a Mennonite family of 15, trucking was both a source of inspiration and resistance for Knelsen. Her parents, originally from Mexico, would often drive the family back to visit relatives, sparking her love for trucks. “Seeing those trucks on the road absolutely captivated me,” she recalls. However, her desire to become a truck driver was initially met with disapproval from her family.

“They thought it was just a phase, but I pursued my CDL despite their objections,” Knelsen explains. The family dynamics shifted for four years as they struggled to accept her choice, especially as it was deemed inappropriate for women in their community. “The more they resisted, the more determined I became to succeed as a driver,” she asserts.

Initially, the trucking industry mirrored her family’s resistance, with many male truckers disapproving of her presence on the road. Yet, Knelsen adapted and began to see a gradual shift in the trucking landscape with more women entering the field. She found a home at West Coast Transportation, where she was finally given the opportunity to drive a pink truck—an idea her boss initially shot down.

Encouraged by a personal connection to breast cancer awareness, her boss eventually ordered her a pink truck, christened “Ken Worth Senior.” Launched in March 2017, it was later succeeded by “Ken Worth Junior.” Knelsen has become a prominent advocate for breast cancer awareness, participating in various charity events and raising funds for research through truck shows.

Despite early family conflicts about her driving career, the pink truck has helped mend relationships, particularly with her late mother, who cherished the vehicle. Knelsen reflects, “Driving this pink truck makes me feel like I’m making a difference,” especially after her family’s experiences with cancer, underscoring the meaningful impact of her advocacy.