The Florida Trucking Association (FTA) has officially launched “Jobs Beyond the Wheel,” an ambitious workforce development campaign designed to tackle the urgent shortage of skilled professionals in the trucking industry. This initiative, part of a larger multi-year effort to bolster workforce numbers and elevate the industry’s public image, introduces an innovative interactive website to connect job seekers with promising careers in trucking.
The launch comes at a crucial moment as the trucking industry grapples with unprecedented challenges in maintaining a steady workforce while continuing to underpin the state and national economy. By spotlighting a diverse array of lucrative career paths, FTA aims to attract new talent and create clear entry points for aspiring professionals to join the industry.
“Every truck on Florida’s roadways represents a team of skilled professionals making it all possible,” said Alix Miller, President and CEO of the Florida Trucking Association. “The trucking industry offers exciting, high-earning careers, many of which we want to highlight. The campaign includes first-hand accounts from employees about the skills and paths they’ve developed. We want to showcase the dynamic opportunities for Floridians to discover how their talents fit in this essential industry where innovation meets opportunity.”
Career Opportunities Beyond the Driver’s Seat
The focal point of this initiative is an informative, user-friendly website at www.floridatrucking.org/jobs. The platform provides a comprehensive resource for job seekers, featuring career insights, training opportunities, job postings, and direct connections to employers statewide. It also highlights various roles within the industry that extend far beyond driving, such as:
- Diesel Technicians ensuring trucks and trailers operate smoothly
- Manufacturing Experts responsible for creating and repairing truck components
- Brokers and Customer Operations managing vital client relationships
- Dispatch and Load Tracking Specialists serving as lifelines for drivers on the road
- Transportation Attorneys providing expert legal support on safety and regulatory compliance
- HR, Accounting, and Recruitment Professionals keeping trucking companies fully staffed
- Safety Trainers and Experts committed to keeping the roads safe for everyone
- Public Relations and Digital Communications Specialists sharing the trucking industry’s narrative
Multifaceted Campaign Promotion
The “Jobs Beyond the Wheel” campaign leverages an extensive multichannel marketing strategy to amplify its reach and impact. Efforts include placements in career-focused publications, presentations at public events like the Truck Driving Championships, collaborations with workforce development organizations, and targeted outreach to schools to inspire the next generation of trucking professionals. A robust presence across social media platforms ensures the campaign reaches audiences at every corner of the digital landscape.
According to Elizabeth Emmanuel, Vice President of Public Affairs at FTA and creative lead for the project, the campaign is designed to resonate with job seekers across all life stages. “‘Jobs Beyond the Wheel’ showcases different roles and people driving the trucking industry—for those looking for a job today, to students looking at opportunities after graduation,” Emmanuel explained. “Whatever stage of life, or level of education, we want people to think of the transportation sector as a compelling career choice.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Industry Professionals
This forward-thinking initiative is partly funded by FloridaCommerce and reflects FTA’s commitment to fostering a thriving workforce. By bridging the gap between skilled professionals and the trucking industry, the “Jobs Beyond the Wheel” campaign plays a vital role in ensuring the continued success of this essential sector.
To learn more about career opportunities or get started on your professional trucking path, visit www.floridatrucking.org/jobs.
Source: AJOT
