Truck drivers considering a career start or upgrade in Southwest Florida will soon have another local training option. FleetForce Truck Driver Training has announced a new partnership with Lee County Schools aimed at building a stronger CDL pipeline in the region.
The collaboration creates a direct path for residents interested in commercial driving careers while helping address Florida’s growing demand for qualified drivers.
Based in Fort Myers, the program combines classroom instruction with hands-on skills training and is designed to support both new drivers entering the industry and employers seeking a reliable workforce.
Local Training With Regional Impact
Under the partnership, CDL students will complete skills training at Lee County’s LeeTran headquarters, while coursework begins at Fort Myers Technical College. FleetForce and Lee County Schools have also confirmed plans to expand the program into additional municipalities beginning in 2026.
Florida continues to experience rapid population and freight growth, placing increasing pressure on transportation networks across the state.
“The demand for skilled drivers continues to grow in Florida,” said Tra Williams, president of FleetForce. “With competitive wages, this is an incredible opportunity for Southwest Florida residents who are eager to work and find a meaningful career. Our partnership with Lee County Schools makes this pathway possible for those interested in CDL careers, and employers seeking drivers.”
CDL Options Designed for Today’s Workforce
FleetForce’s training programs are structured to cover all federally required skills needed to earn a Commercial Driver’s License. Through this partnership, students can pursue Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL training.
The program launch comes as Florida, now the third most populous state in the country, is projected to require nearly 25 percent of the nation’s total commercial trucking workforce over the next decade.
For local education leaders, the partnership connects classroom learning directly to real job opportunities.
“We are proud to partner with FleetForce to expand career opportunities for our students and community,” said Ed Mathews, associate superintendent for Adult, Career, Technical, and Alternative Education. “This CDL training program aligns with our mission to prepare learners for success in both college and the workforce. By connecting education directly to Florida’s growing transportation industry, we are opening doors to high-demand, high-wage careers that strengthen Southwest Florida’s economy and empower our graduates to thrive.”
Career Outcomes Drivers Care About
FleetForce says graduates frequently move directly into driving positions, often with benefits that include healthcare coverage, retirement options, and paid time off.
“In addition to competitive salaries, graduates from FleetForce often receive healthcare and retirement benefits, paid vacation, and more,” FleetForce said. “Pre-hire opportunities matching students with businesses before program completion are often available thanks to support from the Florida Trucking Association (FTA). Most graduates of FleetForce have advanced their careers in the trucking industry, with several becoming owner-operators earning six-figure salaries.”
Looking Ahead
Lee County Schools becomes the latest addition to FleetForce’s growing network, which already includes partnerships with eleven other colleges and municipalities nationwide. The company has announced plans to expand into six additional markets, including Cape Coral.
Drivers or students interested in enrolling can learn more by contacting FleetForce directly at 239-899-4235.
As freight demand continues to rise across Florida, partnerships like this aim to keep training local, accessible, and aligned with the realities of today’s trucking industry.
Source: The Trucker
