CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Evelyn Guajardo, a recruiting manager at NFI with a decade of transportation experience spanning operations, safety, and recruitment, is tackling driver security head-on through the company's "She Drives" initiative. Recognizing the harsh realities faced by long-haul drivers on the highway, Guajardo now leads hands-on self-defense training sessions designed specifically to give female operators practical survival tools for vulnerable stops.
Guajardo developed the curriculum after listening to truck driver jobs concerns voiced by women across NFI's fleet who routinely navigate isolated shippers, poorly lit rest areas, and dangerous drop yards. Drivers shared that they already relied on personal threat-mitigation habits, prompting Guajardo to formalize physical defense workshops during company events. With the help of a recruiting colleague who volunteers for live physical demonstrations, these tactical sessions have evolved into a core component of NFI's outreach for women in the transport sector.
Beyond her work with the "She Drives" program, Guajardo has spent the past ten years building operational and safety frameworks within major logistics networks. Her leadership footprint also includes helping launch NFI's Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement, known as HOLA, which fosters diversity and upward mobility within the organization. By integrating personal protection education into corporate driver engagement, Guajardo addresses a critical gap in on-the-road security that few carriers tackle directly.
What This Means for Drivers
Personal safety remains a top operational hurdle for CDL-A drivers operating OTR routes across unfamiliar corridors. Fleet programs that offer tangible threat-awareness training provide an extra layer of confidence for solo operators who must routinely park in unlit areas due to federal hours-of-service limits. Owner-operators and company drivers alike benefit when major logistics employers invest directly in practical security rather than leaving personnel to handle high-risk situations entirely alone.
Industry Reaction
Major trucking companies hiring across the country face mounting pressure to improve driver retention by addressing quality-of-life and security concerns on long hauls. Initiatives like NFI's "She Drives" program set a high benchmark for how modern fleets support diverse demographics behind the wheel. Industry advocates point out that proactive safety measures help attract new talent to an essential occupation where personal security is too often neglected.
Key Points
- Evelyn Guajardo has worked in the transportation industry for 10 years across operations, safety, and recruiting.
- She serves as a self-defense instructor for NFI's "She Drives" program, teaching practical safety techniques to female drivers.
- The safety demonstrations started after female operators expressed security concerns regarding specific delivery stops and rest areas.
- Guajardo also helped launch the Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement to promote diversity and leadership at NFI.
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