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

The post SheDrives NFI: Empowering Women to Thrive in the Trucking Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Freedom to Shape Your Lifestyle

One of the biggest perks in trucking is the level of freedom it offers. Drivers often have the flexibility to choose routes that fit their schedules and personal needs. Want to be home every evening? There are regional routes tailored precisely for that. Prefer longer hauls that allow for exploring new places? That’s an option, too. Trucking isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about crafting a career that lets you balance your work and life on your own terms.

Stability in an Uncertain Job Market

Another major advantage of the trucking industry is its job security. With the demand for skilled drivers continually rising, trucking provides a level of stability that’s becoming increasingly rare in many other professions. No matter where you are in your career, this field offers numerous opportunities to advance, diversify, or specialize. It’s a career path where growth isn’t just an option—it’s the norm.

The Unique Camaraderie of the Open Road

Perhaps the most unique aspect of trucking is the community it fosters. Drivers share a bond that’s built on shared experiences, challenges, and mutual respect. Whether it’s swapping stories at a rest stop or engaging in online forums, the friendships in this industry are uniquely supportive. It’s more than just a job; it’s being part of an extended family that truly understands what life on the road is all about.

Joann Y.’s Inspiring Transition

Take Joann Y.’s story, for example. A former flight attendant, Joann made the life-changing decision to join the trucking world after the pandemic reshaped her career. Speaking on an episode of She Drives with Radio Nemo, Joann revealed how trucking with NFI Industries gave her the professional and personal balance she had been searching for.

She shared how trucking provided her with newfound freedom, unmatched job stability, and an empowering sense of purpose. “It was one of the best things I ever did,” Joann explained. Her remarkable story highlights why more people should take a deeper look into trucking as a viable, rewarding career.

Discover What the Road Offers

If you’ve been considering a career that offers more than just a paycheck, Joann’s experience might inspire you. Trucking is about opportunity, growth, and creating a life that works for you. Curious to hear Joann’s full story? Check out her episode on She Drives with Radio Nemo. click here to listen

The post Trucking: A Career That’s Much More Than a Job appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Kirsy O., a dedicated driver recruitment manager at NFI Industries, brings over a decade of experience in trucking to the She Drives initiative. She’s a passionate advocate for creating opportunities for women in logistics and transportation, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, communication, and community. Her hands-on approach is helping transform the industry into a more supportive space for women drivers.

Kirsy believes that fostering diversity is about more than buzzwords—it’s about meaningful action. As she explained during a recent podcast appearance, NFI is building a culture where women can thrive both professionally and personally. “You need to make sure that you have a seat at the table and that you’re talking about what is important to you,” Kirsy shared. Through She Drives, this vision is becoming a reality by offering a platform for open conversations and actionable change.

One of the standout efforts Kirsy highlighted was NFI’s recent health and wellness event, where a mobile mammogram unit was brought to one of their terminals. This initiative provided a vital service not only for women drivers but also for other employees in transportation. “It’s way bigger than what we think,” Kirsy said, emphasizing that addressing the needs of drivers means going beyond the basics to support their overall well-being.

When it comes to recruitment, Kirsy knows the questions women are asking: Can I do this job and still care for my family? Her answer is an enthusiastic yes. NFI prioritizes family-friendly scheduling, with about 90% of their fleet offering roles that allow drivers to be home every day. Kirsy and her team actively ensure transparency, letting drivers know what to expect and addressing their concerns directly. “You owe it to them to let them know exactly where they’re going and what challenges they might face,” she said.

At the core of She Drives is a commitment to building a supportive network where women drivers can share resources and advice. Kirsy shared how this community is vital in helping drivers navigate their day-to-day lives. From discussing safe rest stops to balancing work and home life, She Drives fosters connections that empower drivers to succeed on their own terms.

As Kirsy puts it, “Not everything is one-size-fits-all. We need to find out what’s important to you and take it from there.”

To hear more from Kirsy O. and learn about her inspiring work with the She Drives initiative, tune in to her full interview here.

To learn more about the She Drives initiative and opportunities at NFI Industries, visit nfiindustries.com.

The post How Kirsy O. and She Drives Empower Women in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Finding a Home at NFI

Amy M.’s experience at NFI, especially in the finance department, has been profoundly enriched by the company’s respect and tribute to U.S. armed forces veterans.

“I was born in Arizona, but I would say I’m from New Jersey,” she shared with The Trucker. “I’ve lived all over everywhere from Arizona to Florida to Tennessee to Indiana. I was a military brat, since my dad was in the Army.”

Amy’s connection to the military runs deep, with relatives serving in the Navy and her grandfather and husband in the Air Force.

“There was a lot of moving. Our first seven years of marriage, we moved 13 times,” she mentioned. “Once he received his honorable discharge from the military, we settled down.”

Despite being unable to serve due to health reasons, Amy charted a different course that began with a childhood fascination for mechanics.

“I worked as a mechanic as a kid, and I worked for a fleet management company for years,” she explained.

Her path led her to NFI five years ago, where she shifted from mechanics to compliance, and then into finance.

Supporting Veterans through Engagement

“At NFI, my passion for helping veterans led me to help create the Veteran Advisory Council, which evolved into the Veteran Engagement Team, or VET,” Amy said.

This team serves as a dedicated resource for veterans, featuring a portal with transportation apprenticeships and special observance days for veterans.

The initiative organizes events year-round and offers a veteran resource page with valuable information on mental health, relationships, financial management, and more.

“We’ve also developed cards with inscribed messages and QR codes linking directly to our resource page,” Amy noted. “Veterans can have instant access to these resources anytime.”

Ongoing Veteran Support Initiatives

NFI also conducts an annual donation drive, a part of their comprehensive support for veterans dealing with various challenges, including PTSD and financial management.

“We’re there for them, regardless of when they served,” Amy commented.

NFI colleague and Marine Corps veteran Dustin S. shares Amy’s gratitude. “NFI’s veterans initiatives hit especially close to home for me,” he said.

“My stepson is currently active-duty Navy in Groton, Connecticut, and my other stepson is stationed in Jordan with the Air Force,” Dustin disclosed.

The 2023 donation drive saw nearly 100 gifts purchased via Amazon. Already in 2024, contributions have soared to 140 since launch. For participation details, click here.

Recognizing Sacrifice and Service

The emphasis NFI places on valuing both its employees and military service reflects a genuine walk, not just talk, regarding commitments.

“When I decided to make a career change, valuing employee and community support was crucial,” Amy mentioned. Partnering with Hiring Our Heroes and the Department of Defense Skillbridge program, NFI continues to explore opportunities benefiting veterans.

“It’s the least we can do for the sacrifices they’ve made,” Amy asserted.

“Veterans are why we can sleep soundly,” Dustin stated. “It’s vital to show our appreciation for their decision to defend our nation.”

Source: The Trucker

Image: NFI

The post Supporting Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life with NFI Industries appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In this episode of She Drives on Radio Nemo, Kaitlyn Cambria, Recruitment Marketing Manager at NFI Industries, shared insights into her work fostering an inclusive environment for women in trucking. As a proud dog owner of a two-year-old German Shepherd named Basil, Kaitlyn’s personal stories add a unique touch to her professional mission at NFI. But her focus on creating a safe, supportive community for drivers is what truly sets NFI apart.

Building a Culture of Safety for Women Drivers at NFI

Kaitlyn emphasized NFI’s dedication to safety, explaining how the company works diligently to ensure that women drivers feel secure on the road. The approach goes beyond standard measures, offering 24/7 dispatch support for drivers and ensuring they have the tools to navigate each route with peace of mind.

For example, Kaitlyn shared a story about an NFI driver on a route who needed to stop and use the restroom. She was able to stay on the phone with her dispatcher until she was safely inside. It’s these small but impactful gestures that help women drivers feel protected and supported, knowing they are part of a team that truly cares.

Listening and Adapting: NFI’s Recruitment Strategy

As part of their commitment to supporting women, NFI also has an initiative with a focus group of women drivers from the East Coast, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. This group meets regularly to discuss issues specific to women in trucking and provides valuable feedback on how to improve the driving experience at NFI. Kaitlyn explained that this focus group is “a wide variety of women between, you know, being with the company for a short period of time or a long period of time… they are feeling that their ideas are coming into play, and their company is listening.”

This feedback loop is crucial for fostering a community where women drivers feel heard and valued, and their ideas are actively contributing to company policies.

Kaitlyn also explained that NFI relies heavily on feedback from current drivers to guide its recruitment efforts and policies. According to her, listening to the experiences of existing drivers is a key part of attracting new talent. She stated, “The one thing that I do and what my team does is listen to current drivers that we have… that’s what we can put in the forefront between our marketing, making sure we have the correct stories that will resonate with other females.”

A Commitment to Women in Trucking

Through its commitment to listening to female drivers and creating a supportive environment, NFI is setting a new standard for women in the trucking industry. By prioritizing both recruitment and retention, NFI aims to continue fostering a sense of community and safety for women drivers.

For more information about career opportunities with NFI, visit drivennfi.com and be sure to tune into Kaitlyn’s episode here.

The post Creating a Community for Women in Trucking: Kaitlyn Cambria Shares NFI’s Vision on She Drives appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Joann’s story began with an unexpected shift: after over 30 years as a flight attendant, the impact of COVID-19 brought her career to a halt. Instead of slowing down, Joann chose to pivot and take on a fresh challenge by earning her Class A CDL. Reflecting on this decision, she’s found a new passion on the road that’s both fulfilling and adventurous.

Working with NFI Industries has offered Joann the balance she hoped for, allowing her to be home more often after years of non-stop travel. “95% of our drivers go home every night,” Joann notes, highlighting how she values her time with family and her pets after her time on the road. She also appreciates the flexibility and support that NFI provides, making her feel truly at home in the trucking community.

For anyone considering a career switch, Joann’s advice is simple: “Go for it. It’s exciting.” She believes life skills like time management and setting goals transfer well to trucking, and that the industry has a place for anyone eager to make a fresh start. Joann’s journey shines a light on how adaptable, determined individuals can thrive in trucking, inspiring other women to explore the open road.

To hear Joann’s story in her own words, check out the full interview on She Drives with Radio Nemo here.

The post Joann’s Journey from the Sky to the Road: Inspiring Women to Join Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.