Cherry Hill, N.J. — NFI Industries has seen the number of women in its fleet more than double since 2018, thanks to its SheDrives NFI initiative, a program designed to foster community and address the specific challenges faced by female professional drivers. While women represent only 9.5% of the total U.S. driving population according to the 2024-2025 Women in Trucking Index, the success of this program demonstrates how targeted recruitment and support systems can shift long-standing industry demographics.

The trucking industry historically struggled to retain female talent, but SheDrives NFI has changed the conversation by moving beyond standard hiring practices. The program began as a localized effort in South Jersey when female drivers expressed a need for a dedicated network to share advice and experiences. After leadership at NFI attended a Women in Trucking event, they recognized that creating a formal support structure was essential for long-term retention and recruitment success.

By 2018, the company launched its first video campaign featuring the stories of its female drivers, a move that sparked significant interest across the industry. This outreach effort was paired with a cross-functional network that allowed drivers to share ideas and concerns directly with management. The results speak for themselves, as the percentage of women driving for NFI rose from 4% at the end of 2018 to more than double that figure by 2024.

What This Means for Drivers

For any CDL-A driver, especially those navigating the challenges of long-haul lanes, having a reliable peer network is a major asset. SheDrives NFI provides a private platform where drivers can exchange real-time intelligence on truck stops, bathroom access at shipping docks, and personal safety protocols. This type of operational knowledge sharing helps drivers avoid hostile environments and improves the overall quality of life on the road. Whether you are an OTR truck driver or transitioning into regional work, having access to a community that understands these specific hurdles is a significant advantage in today’s market.

Industry Reaction

Advocates across the trucking industry are increasingly pushing for similar initiatives as trucking companies hiring today realize that an inclusive culture is a competitive edge. By addressing barriers such as personal safety and work-life balance, carriers are finding that they can open up the profession to a much larger pool of candidates. The focus on mentorship and open communication channels has proven to be a vital component in helping women thrive in an environment that has traditionally been male-dominated.

Key Points

• NFI’s female driver population grew from 4% in 2018 to over 8% by 2024.
• The program offers a private Facebook group and video series covering topics ranging from self-defense to managing family life.
• SheDrives NFI was born out of a need for women to share real-world data about truck stop safety and facility access.
• The initiative emphasizes that trucking is a viable, rewarding career path for all genders, supported by proactive recruitment and internal networking.

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