“Women can do anything.” – Andrea McFarland
Andrea McFarland’s remarkable career in the trucking and logistics sector exemplifies that women can achieve anything they set their sights on. In a recent episode of the She Drives on Radio Nemo, Andrea, a prominent figure at NFI, opens up about her personal and professional path in an industry increasingly seeing women rise to prominence. With a deep-rooted family history in trucking, Andrea’s narrative is filled with passion, tradition, and barrier-breaking achievements.
A Legacy of Trucking
Andrea’s introduction to the trucking world was almost inevitable. The host comments:
“When you were a kid and you would get to visit work. So this is quite almost literally in your blood and kind of all you know.”
From a young age, Andrea was immersed in the industry, accompanying her father, who has spent over 30 years working, including 27 years with NFI. She fondly remembers after-school hours spent at the Lawnside and Vineland shops with her father.
“He would take me into the shop, and I would just sit there and watch him talking to the drivers and working on the trucks. The relationship he had with them felt so welcoming.”
This early exposure to both the technical and community aspects of trucking ignited Andrea’s interest. Her memories include joining her father on nighttime road calls to assist drivers with mechanical issues.
“He’d be like, ‘Hey, 9 o’clock on a Wednesday night, you want to come on this road call with me?’ And I’d hop in the truck with him, and we’d play games on the way.”
These experiences instilled in Andrea a lasting respect for the profession. Her father’s dedication went beyond repairing trucks—it was about forging relationships and fostering a sense of community.
Crafting Her Own Career Path
Inspired by the influence of her father and uncle, each with extensive careers at NFI, Andrea awaited her chance to join the company. She began her career at a Pennsylvania truck stop, familiarizing herself with the drivers and biding her time for the right moment. That opportunity arose four years ago when she stepped into NFI’s safety department.
“I started as a safety person, worked in that department for two years, and then a dispatcher position opened up. I knew I wanted it.”
Two years into her role as a dispatcher, Andrea’s enthusiasm for her job and colleagues is evident:
“I love my job. I love the drivers I work with, I love everything about it. They make my job so much easier,” she says, giving a shoutout to her team.
Andrea attributes her achievements to NFI’s supportive environment, where management and even the CEO prioritize employee welfare.
“They’re always there to make sure all your needs are filled,” she shares.
Women Paving the Way in Trucking
The trucking industry is evolving as more women step into leadership roles and Andrea is proud to contribute to this shift. What was once a male-dominated field is now welcoming more female leaders and proving their essential role.
“It’s very empowering…it’s becoming less and less of a ‘Wow, a woman in trucking,’ and more of the standard,” Andrea says.
Andrea participates in the Women in Trucking convention annually, celebrating and empowering women in every facet of the industry. She is determined to show other women that success in logistics is well within reach.
“A lot of women probably don’t think they can do this, but we’re proving that we can, every day.”
Personal Triumphs and Professional Growth
On the episode, Andrea also announced a personal triumph—purchasing her first home. As she nears her 30th birthday, she balances a thriving career with significant personal developments.
“I’ll be 30 in June…and I’m about to move into my own house,” she reveals, excited yet busy with this new chapter.
Her hosts celebrated her achievement, emphasizing that buying a house is indeed a milestone worth honoring. Andrea’s commitment to her career, family, and personal aspirations highlights her relentless drive to advance, both in life and within the industry.
Andrea’s evolution from a young girl observing her father in the truck shop to a dispatcher at NFI is a powerful narrative of perseverance, passion, and breaking down barriers. Her story serves as a testament that women can do anything and are thriving in fields like logistics every day.
To explore Andrea’s full story, listen to the complete She Drives episode here.
