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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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.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Bridgestone is celebrated by WIT’s official magazine, Redefining the Road, for its commitment to supporting women in the transportation sector.

“Bridgestone is proud to be recognized for the third straight year as a workplace where women in transportation can thrive,” stated Emily Poladian, President of Mobility Solutions, Americas Sales & Customer Success. “It’s a privilege to work for an organization that champions representation and shows young women just starting their careers that this is an industry where they belong, something that I hope will be the norm for more and more companies.”

The accolade is backed by the votes of over 31,000 transportation professionals, who assessed companies based on criteria established by WIT. Bridgestone scored highly in several categories, including:

• A corporate culture that promotes gender diversity

• Opportunities for professional development

• Pathways for career advancement

• Competitive pay and benefits

• Adaptable working hours and requirements

Additionally, Redefining the Road has recognized three Bridgestone employees for their notable contributions to the industry. These “Top Women to Watch in Transportation” include:

• Debra Hamlin, Director of Operations, Bridgestone Commercial Dealer Network

• Megan Miller, Senior Manager of Commercial Sales Channel Development

• Samantha McCracken, Strategic Operations Manager

Emily Poladian’s leadership extends beyond her role at Bridgestone. She has been appointed to the WIT Board of Directors, where she will further advocate for diversity and support the cultivation of upcoming talent in trucking.

“Bridgestone’s partnership and recognition from WIT aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which consists of 8 Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter ‘E,’” stated the company release. “This recognition aligns with the ‘Emotion’ and ‘Empowerment’ values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment.”

For more details, visit our website or connect with us on social media.

Source: The Trucker

The post Bridgestone Secures Top Spot as Best Workplace for Women in Transportation for Third Consecutive Year 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.