That sentiment, shared during the latest She Drives episode on Radio Nemo, perfectly captures the inspiring conversation with Ashley R. and Megan Z. of NFI. These two incredible women shared their unique perspectives on life on and off the road, highlighting the balance, challenges, and triumphs that come with their roles in the transportation industry.

Balancing Life on the Road

For Megan, a regional driver and mother of two boys, ages 13 and 11, work-life balance is a daily dance. Megan candidly shared how technology has become her lifeline, enabling her to parent from afar while fulfilling her responsibilities on the road.

With tools like video calls and security camera apps, Megan stays connected to her boys, reminding them to take their medicine or get on the school bus. While the guilt of being away is ever-present, she emphasized the importance of creating a system that works for her family, blending independence for her kids with her availability for important moments.

A Passion for Growth

Ashley R., a regional manager at NFI, shared her own journey within the company. Her story reflects the value of perseverance and the opportunities that come from taking risks. After stepping away from NFI for a promotion at another company, Ashley found herself drawn back to the supportive and family-like culture she initially loved.

“NFI made me feel like I was part of the family,” Ashley said. Now, as a regional manager, she splits her time between traveling for work and being remote, a setup that allows her to balance career growth with parenting her three children.

The Power of Technology

Both Ashley and Megan touched on the profound changes technology has brought to the trucking world. For Megan, tools like video calls bridge the gap between the cab of her truck and her family at home. Ashley reflected on how technology not only supports work-life balance but also plays a crucial role in recruiting and empowering a more diverse workforce in the industry.

An Honest Look at Challenges

Neither Ashley nor Megan sugarcoated the realities of their roles. From navigating the teenage years as a parent to finding fulfillment in a demanding career, they openly discussed the hurdles they’ve faced. But through it all, their passion for what they do and their commitment to their families shine through.

Their stories are a reminder that every mile driven and every decision made is part of a larger journey—one filled with growth, connection, and the pursuit of balance.

Hear Their Full Story

Don’t miss the chance to dive deeper into this heartfelt and insightful conversation. Tune in to this episode of She Drives on Radio Nemo to hear Ashley and Megan share their experiences in their own words.

Listen now and get inspired by their incredible journeys.

The post Megan Z. and Ashley R. Discuss Challenges and Triumphs in Trucking on She Drives appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In an insightful conversation on She Drives with Radio Nemo, Angela and Kirsy from NFI shared the passion and purpose behind their groundbreaking initiative, “She Drives.” Focused on fostering opportunities for women in trucking, the campaign is redefining perceptions and empowering women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

What is She Drives?

Launched in 2018, She Drives is NFI’s bold campaign to increase visibility for women in trucking. As Kirsy, NFI’s Driver Recruitment Manager, explained, the program’s mission is multi-faceted:

• Celebrating women drivers and their achievements.
• Providing a platform to share their unique stories.
• Redefining industry connections by addressing the needs and aspirations of women drivers.
• Promoting a female-friendly work environment that fosters growth and long-term success.

Challenging Stereotypes in Trucking

Angela highlighted how her initial exposure to trucking shattered preconceived notions. “People stereotype truck drivers as always being out on the road with no time for family or kids. That’s just not the case here,” she emphasized. NFI’s commitment to flexibility allows drivers to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.

Kirsy shared the campaign’s broader vision: “We’re not just focusing on women—our goal is to address the driver shortage by attracting people from all walks of life while fostering diversity.”

Progress and Goals

The She Drives campaign has already made significant strides. In 2022, women represented just over 4% of drivers at NFI. By the end of 2023, that number had more than doubled to 9%, with an ambitious target of reaching 12% in 2024.

This growth stems from NFI’s dedication to listening and adapting. “We meet with women drivers to understand their experiences—what they love, what they don’t—and use that feedback to make meaningful changes,” Kirsy explained.

Building Visibility and Community

Angela emphasized the importance of showcasing women’s stories. “We’re traveling to terminals, gathering testimonials, and sharing these stories on social media and our website. Visibility is key—every woman should see herself in this industry.”

One particularly inspiring moment occurred at the Transition Trucking event in Washington, D.C., where a female driver, whose mother had also been a trucker, won a new Kenworth truck. Witnessing her daughter’s excitement to follow in her footsteps was a powerful reminder of the generational impact She Drives hopes to create.

Upcoming Initiatives

NFI is planning events to celebrate and promote the trucking industry, including family-focused gatherings and Mother’s Day celebrations. These initiatives aim to highlight the diverse opportunities available in trucking and inspire the next generation of drivers.

A Vision for the Future

Angela and Kirsy’s unwavering dedication to She Drives reflects NFI’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive industry. “We’re 200% committed to making this happen,” Angela affirmed. “This isn’t just about asking for space—it’s about showing the industry that it needs us.”

To hear more from Angela and Kirsy, catch their full episode of She Drives here.

The post Empowering Women in Trucking: Angela and Kirsy Share Insights on NFI’s She Drives Initiative appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Sisters of the Road: A Woman Driver’s Life in Trucking

Podcast: SupplyChainBrain

In this engaging episode, Idella Hansen shares her story of becoming a truck driver at a young age, eventually building a 50-year career behind the wheel. At 75, she reflects on her experiences — from the highs and lows to her thoughts on what makes a great cup of coffee. Photographer Anne Marie Michel joins her, discussing her book Sisters of the Road, which celebrates women in trucking with powerful portraits and stories. Hosted by Bob Bowman of SupplyChainBrain, this episode offers listeners a unique glimpse into the lives of women on the road. Listen to their inspiring conversation here.

Empowering Female Truck Drivers: Evelyn Guajardo’s Mission at NFI on She Drives

Podcast: She Drives on Radio Nemo

Evelyn Guajardo, Recruiting Manager at NFI, brings her dedication to empowering women in trucking through the “She Drives” program, which addresses the unique challenges women face on the road. In her interview, Evelyn discusses the importance of safety training, such as self-defense, and building a supportive community for female drivers. Her journey in transportation has not only inspired but also equipped women with the tools to succeed in a male-dominated field. You can listen to Evelyn’s story and the impact of the She Drives initiative on Radio Nemo here.

She Trucking Podcast: Yessenia Sifuentes on Empowering Women in the Industry

Podcast: She Trucking Podcast

On the She Trucking Podcast, Yessenia Sifuentes from TAFS shares her inspiring story of working in trucking and the support TAFS provides to truckers in meeting their financial needs. Yessenia discusses her experiences as a woman in trucking, offering insight and encouragement for women breaking into the industry. Hosted by the She Trucking community, this episode highlights resilience and empowerment for women drivers. Listen to this impactful episode here.

These episodes highlight the resilience, solidarity, and success of women in trucking, offering inspiration and valuable insights for current and aspiring drivers alike.

The post Top Podcast Episodes Highlighting Inspiring Women in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Evelyn Guajardo, a Recruiting Manager at NFI, has spent the past 10 years in the transportation industry, playing pivotal roles in operations, safety, and recruiting. Her passion for empowering others has been instrumental not only in her career but also in the launch of the Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement (HOLA) within NFI, which promotes diversity and leadership development. At the heart of her work is her dedication to empowering women in trucking through the “She Drives” program, where she also serves as a self-defense instructor, teaching critical skills to ensure the safety of female drivers on the road.

Promoting Safety with Self-Defense Demonstrations

Evelyn’s journey into safety advocacy began with a conversation she had with NFI’s female drivers, many of whom expressed concerns about their safety at certain stops. “They said, ‘I feel the same way. I feel like it’s not safe in these particular locations, so I take my own safety precautions,’” she recalls. Recognizing the importance of addressing these concerns, Evelyn decided to hold a self-defense demonstration at one of the “She Drives” events, with her recruiter, Ryan, volunteering as the participant.

The demonstration was a resounding success, sparking interest from many drivers. It has since become a staple of every “She Drives” event, where Evelyn teaches self-defense techniques, empowering women to protect themselves on the road. “I really appreciated my brother showing me these self-defense techniques and bringing it to the female drivers of NFI,” she says, emphasizing how vital these skills are in enhancing safety for women in the trucking industry.

Expanding Horizons: The Allure of Travel and Exploration

Beyond safety, Evelyn also emphasizes the unique opportunities trucking offers for women seeking adventure and exploration. Many women come to trucking later in life, driven by the opportunity to see the world and experience new places. “A lot of women get into trucking because they never got a chance to see the world… they never had their turn,” Evelyn explained during the interview.

One such story involved a driver who had spent 20 years as a dental assistant. In the ’90s, she told her mother she wanted to become a truck driver to explore the United States, but her mother insisted that “females are not truck drivers.” Decades later, she followed her passion and joined NFI, where she’s been driving for six years and loves the freedom and adventure trucking offers. Stories like these are what Evelyn strives to share with other female drivers to encourage them to pursue their dreams.

Building a Community of Support for Female Drivers

A key feature of the “She Drives” program is the supportive community it creates among female drivers. Because many regional drivers don’t often meet face-to-face, the “She Drives” events provide a much-needed space for connection and collaboration. During a recent event in South Carolina, drivers recognized each other from truck stops and shipper locations, sharing tips and stories about their experiences.

This sense of community is critical for female drivers who may feel isolated in the male-dominated industry. Through these events, Evelyn helps foster connections that empower women to succeed and feel supported in their careers. “They gave each other some really great tips,” Evelyn noted, reflecting on how these interactions create a sense of solidarity and support among female drivers.

With a decade of experience in transportation and a passion for empowering others, Evelyn Guajardo is making a significant impact on the trucking industry through her leadership in NFI’s “She Drives” program. Whether it’s teaching self-defense to promote safety or sharing inspiring stories of women who have found adventure and freedom on the road, Evelyn is dedicated to ensuring that trucking becomes a rewarding, inclusive, and safe career for female drivers.

To explore Evelyn’s full story, listen to the complete She Drives episode here.

The post Empowering Female Truck Drivers: Evelyn Guajardo’s Mission at NFI Through “She Drives” appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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.

The post She Drives Chats with Andrea McFarland of NFI About Her Inspiring Journey and Breakthroughs in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.