Wearing Two Hats: Army Reserve and NFI Trucker

Kacy’s journey into transportation began soon after high school when she made the bold decision to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2019. The discipline she learned during Basic Combat Training shaped her approach to every challenge, whether she’s in uniform or behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler.

“I joined right out of high school,” Kacy remembers. Her schedule is a balancing act between drill weekends and long drives, but Kacy says she’s adapted well: “Sometimes it’s hard to balance, but I feel like I’m so used to it because I joined (the Army) at such an early age. It’s just part of me now.”

Her dual life as an Army Reservist and a professional truck driver with NFI shows how the skills from military service translate seamlessly to civilian life, especially within the logistics industry.

Discovering Life on the Road

It was a friend in the trucking industry who first introduced Kacy to the idea of driving big rigs. “He would bring me to work with him, and I was always fascinated with how it works,” she says. Watching the ins and outs of trucking sparked her interest in pursuing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

The transition wasn’t without nerves. “I was a little bit scared at first, because I’m a small female,” Kacy shares. “But I went through basic training and made it through — and I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I was like, ‘Well, I’m going to try.’ And now, here I am!”

That determination powered her through CDL training. She started as a yard jockey, spent time with another trucking company, and then, thanks to a recommendation from a friend, officially joined NFI—as well as the SheDrives NFI community, a dedicated space for women in trucking.

Empowerment Through SheDrives NFI

Now, with over two years as a full-time professional truck driver, Kacy has found a supportive workplace culture through SheDrives. “In my previous trucking job, there were only three women, including me,” she points out. NFI’s commitment to female drivers has made a big difference, creating more opportunities for women in trucking and mentorship within the industry.

“They’re friendly. I can talk to anybody in the office,” she says, highlighting the approachable and supportive team environment at NFI.

Kacy beams with pride when she talks about life on the road: “It feels great to be a truck driver,” she says. “I show up to the stores (in my rig) and a lot of people look at me like, ‘Are YOU a truck driver? Oh my gosh, you’re doing this!” Her presence in the field serves as a visual reminder that women belong in every part of the logistics industry.

Overcoming Roadblocks

Like many professional drivers, Kacy deals with challenges that go beyond the basics of driving. Navigating heavy vehicles requires a unique skill set and a great deal of patience, not just for the truck but also for other motorists. “They don’t understand (a truck’s) stopping distance and how (much space we need) to make turns,” she explains, pointing to frequent misunderstandings from drivers of smaller vehicles.

Kacy’s experiences behind the wheel underscore the importance of good training and a level-headed approach—qualities she now brings to new female truck drivers through mentorship and example.

Guidance for Women Entering Trucking

What advice does Kacy have for other women interested in joining the world of trucking? Her answer is clear: be patient and open-minded. “Listen to all the advice other truck drivers have to give. Don’t rush. Don’t let fear take over,” she says. She also cautions new drivers not to compare themselves to others. “Also, don’t compare yourself to other truck drivers; do what works for you.”

Kacy’s journey is proof that with the right attitude, determination, and community, women can excel in careers traditionally dominated by men.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Kacy H. sets a shining example for both her fellow Reservists and for the next generation of women eager to become truck drivers. She’s made it clear that support networks like SheDrives NFI, strong mentors, and a belief in your goals are crucial for success in the world of logistics.

Want to know more about the SheDrives NFI program and how it supports female truck drivers? Visit NFI online or connect with them on social platforms to join the conversation.

Image Source: NFI
Source: The Trucker

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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

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