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.

An organization making significant strides in promoting female participation in this industry is Women In Trucking (WIT). Established in 2007, WIT has focused on boosting the presence of women in logistics by championing gender equality and providing education and mentorship opportunities. WIT offers a supportive community where women in trucking can exchange experiences, find encouragement, and build enduring careers.

Beyond the efforts of WIT, NFI’s She Drives initiative stands out as another powerful force for empowering women in logistics. This initiative prominently features figures like Evelyn Guajardo, who recently appeared on the She Drives by Radio NEMO podcast. In her conversation, Evelyn offered valuable insights into her path within the transportation industry. Her experiences and viewpoints enhance the broader dialogue about female representation and leadership in logistics, underscoring efforts to cultivate an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for women.

To gain more insights from Evelyn Guajardo on the She Drives initiative and her personal experiences, and to understand the significance of female representation in logistics, click the link to listen to the episode.

The post The Importance of Representation in Logistics and Transportation 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.

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.

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.