Decades ago, women were a rare sight in trucking, particularly behind the wheel of a semi-truck. Today, it’s a different story. Women driving 18-wheelers, fueling up at truck stops, or securing loads at docks are now regular occurrences.
Despite these strides, women remain underrepresented in the trucking industry, comprising only 9.5% of U.S. truck drivers, according to the 2024-2025 Women in Trucking Index by the Women in Trucking Association (WIT).
Source: NFI Industries
Supporting Women in Trucking
To bridge this gap, organizations and trucking companies have introduced resources tailored specifically for women truckers. Among them is SheDrives NFI, an initiative created by NFI Industries. Founded in 2018 as a recruitment campaign, SheDrives quickly grew into a vibrant community showcasing that trucking can be a rewarding career for everyone, regardless of gender.
Marie J., Regional Transport Manager at NFI, recalls its beginnings in South Jersey.
“The women drivers wanted a community where they could talk to one another, offer advice, and just, in general, have a community among themselves,” Marie shared. “It began with a video aimed at encouraging women to drive trucks.”
That video sparked something larger. After attending a WIT event, Marie and a group of female drivers envisioned a stronger, nationwide support network.
“On the way back, they were so excited about having a community of women drivers,” she said. “We started talking about what women wanted to see and share.”
Today, SheDrives NFI has expanded significantly, offering a variety of resources to empower women in trucking.
Prioritizing Safety
One key focus of SheDrives NFI is addressing safety concerns unique to women drivers. Having a platform to exchange vital information has become indispensable.
“Women wanted to be able to tell each other, ‘Hey, that truck stop in that location is a very bad place to go. Don’t go there,’ or ‘This customer will not allow you to use the bathroom, so be careful if you have to go there.’ Basically, talking about things from a woman’s point of view,” she explained. “It’s a fantastic program.”
SheDrives supports women through initiatives such as workshops, a private Facebook group, and an engaging video series on NFI’s YouTube channel. The platform fosters discussions about topics like self-defense, managing family life while on the road, and even navigating personal challenges like breast cancer or domestic violence.
Beyond challenges, the SheDrives community also celebrates life on the road.
“Beyond those topics, women also like to share the fun side of being in the community,” Marie said. “They will share pictures of their new haircut, or their nails they just got done. Largely, it’s just supporting each other.”
Building an Inclusive Culture
Kirsy O., Regional Recruitment Manager at NFI and one of SheDrives’ founding members, highlights the origins of the initiative. After returning from the WIT event, Marie collaborated with Kirsy to create an inclusive space for women drivers at NFI.
“From that initial conversation we decided to form a cross-functional network to communicate, support each other and share ideas. From there, we dove headfirst into brainstorming sessions with female drivers across the Northeast, eager to understand their challenges, concerns, and aspirations,” Kirsy said. “What emerged wasn’t just an initiative — it was an opportunity to establish a community.”
Throughout 2018, SheDrives launched its first video ad, highlighting the stories of female drivers every month. Engagement levels soared, and by the end of the year, women accounted for 4% of NFI’s drivers. By 2024, that number had more than doubled.
Beyond the Numbers
While those numbers are significant, SheDrives’ impact reaches far beyond statistics. The initiative has helped create a diverse workplace culture while challenging traditional gender roles in trucking.
Kirsy emphasizes that trucking is more than just a job; it’s a vital part of keeping the country moving.
“Without transportation and logistics, the world as we know it wouldn’t function,” she said.
Join the Movement
SheDrives NFI is paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered trucking industry. To learn more about the program, click here. Be sure to connect with NFI on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates and insights!
Source: The Trucker
