The collaboration brings FleetForce’s CDL training programs directly onto San Jacinto College campuses, allowing students to complete instruction and testing in one location while preparing for in-demand trucking careers.

Expanding on-campus CDL training

Under the partnership, San Jacinto College will host CDL training programs that include classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and on-site testing. The goal is to lower barriers for individuals interested in entering the trucking workforce by reducing travel, cost, and logistical challenges often associated with CDL training.

College officials said partnerships like this help ensure workforce programs remain sustainable and aligned with regional employment needs.

“Agreements like this ensure San Jacinto College can keep workforce education affordable, relevant, and sustainable for the communities we serve,” said Dr. Sallie Kay Janes, associate vice chancellor of continuing and professional development, San Jacinto College. “By partnering with a provider like FleetForce, we can offer high-quality CDL training while reducing costs for the college and reinvesting those savings into student success and regional workforce development.”

Meeting driver demand in a major logistics region

The partnership comes as trucking continues to face persistent driver shortages nationwide. According to industry reports cited in a joint press release, nearly 80,000 truck driving positions remained unfilled last summer.

FleetForce leaders said southeast Texas is a critical market for addressing that demand.

“The greater Houston region is one of the most important logistics hubs in the country, and the demand for skilled truck drivers continues to grow,” said Tra Williams, founder and CEO of FleetForce Truck Driver Training. “This partnership with San Jacinto College makes CDL training more accessible by providing on-campus instruction and testing, helping residents enter high-demand careers while supporting the businesses and industries that keep our economy moving.”

Training pathways and career outcomes

FleetForce’s programs are designed to prepare students for multiple CDL license types, including Class A, Class B, and Class C. According to the company, training focuses on teaching the mandatory skills required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License and begin work as a professional driver.

“FleetForce’s training programs are designed to teach all the mandatory skills aspiring drivers need to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License, offering training opportunities for Class A, B, and C licenses,” the release said. “In addition to competitive salaries, professional drivers typically receive healthcare and retirement benefits, paid vacation, and additional perks. Former FleetForce students have advanced their careers within the trucking industry, with many becoming owner-operators earning six-figure salaries.”

Part of a broader expansion strategy

FleetForce currently partners with twelve other colleges and municipalities across the country. The company said it plans to continue expanding its training footprint throughout Texas and into additional states.

San Jacinto College officials said the partnership reflects a shared focus on workforce development and regional economic growth.

Prospective students interested in enrolling in CDL training can enroll today by clicking here.

Source: The Trucker

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The program is built around Techni-Com’s Practical Air Brakes materials, enhanced with content from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). The result is a robust set of modules designed to help drivers, technicians, and fleets strengthen both knowledge and safety practices.

“Techni-Com’s content is second-to-none, and well established as the industry standard,” said Jane Jazrawy, CEO, CarriersEdge. “With the addition of the material from CVSA, there’s no other online course on the market with this depth of content. We’ve even created an interactive, virtual brake board that allows participants to see all the working parts of an air brake system and how they interact.”

A Deeper Look at Air Brakes Training

Developed over 18 months with industry experts, the new program takes learners step-by-step through how air brake systems function — from generating braking force at the wheels to conducting proper inspections. The modules cover both fundamentals and advanced skills, giving drivers clear takeaways they can use on the road immediately.

Participants will gain an understanding of each subsystem and its components, learn to spot warning signs during visual inspections, and practice operational testing and brake adjustment techniques. These lessons are critical for ensuring a truck’s braking system is safe and compliant before heading out on the highway.

“Air brake defects continue to plague the trucking industry,” said Rolf VanderZwaag, president, Techni-Com Inc. “It is a complicated subject that can challenge even experienced drivers. Driver education is the key to a clean safety record, and an approachable, engaging, learning experience ensures drivers learn effectively. CarriersEdge has created an exceptional series of courses that are detailed, thorough, clear, and easy for drivers to digest.”

Ideal for Drivers and Technicians

According to CarriersEdge, the new training series is particularly valuable for drivers preparing to obtain their air brake endorsement. It is equally beneficial for experienced drivers who want a refresher before renewal, or for technicians looking to deepen their technical expertise.

The eight interactive modules can be taken one at a time or as a complete 156-minute course:

• Air Brake Fundamentals
• The Supply Subsystem
• The Service Brake Subsystem
• The Spring Brake Subsystem
• The Trailer Brake Subsystem
• Visual Brake Inspections
• Conducting Functional Tests
• S-Cam Brake Adjustment

More Than Online Lessons

CarriersEdge has also added extra tools to help fleets reinforce what drivers learn. Each module includes a baseline knowledge test so drivers can gauge their understanding. The program also integrates Put it into Practice (PiiP) activities, which connect digital training with real-world applications. These range from social media engagement to hands-on exercises, all designed to improve retention and give trainers better insight into driver progress.

“This program is ideal for drivers who are working toward their air brake endorsement, or who have their endorsement and are looking to expand their knowledge or get a refresher before renewing,” said CarriersEdge. “Service technicians will also learn from the program.”

Available Now

The new air brakes training program is currently available in English to CarriersEdge subscribers, with French and Spanish versions planned for release soon. It joins a growing library of courses aimed at raising safety standards across the trucking industry.

Image Source: CarriersEdge
Source: The Trucker

The post CarriersEdge Expands Training Library with New Air Brakes Courses appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Scheduled for July 13-19, this week-long observance is packed with educational campaigns, outreach, and enforcement efforts spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It highlights the shared responsibility of drivers, fleet operators, and equipment manufacturers to foster safety and save lives.

Prioritizing the Human Element in Road Safety

Advancements in vehicle technology have transformed the transportation industry. However, as Nicole Oreskovic, vice president of sales and marketing at Bendix, emphasizes, some things remain unchanged.

“Having a well-trained, attentive driver in control of the vehicle is the most important factor in commercial vehicle safety,” Oreskovic states. She adds, “That’s why Bendix develops the technologies and educational tools that help drivers perform at their best – while reinforcing the fact that nothing replaces the responsibility and judgment of the person behind the wheel.”

This perspective reinforces Operation Safe Driver Week’s mission to inspire safe driving habits and raise awareness about behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and improper seat belt usage.

The Urgency of Safer Roads

The statistics paint a sobering reality. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in around 536,424 police-reported crashes in the U.S. during 2022. These incidents caused approximately 160,608 injuries and claimed 5,936 lives. These numbers drive home the critical importance of cultivating safer habits and leveraging technology to reduce risks.

“Driving a commercial vehicle today means navigating some unpredictable roads, shifting traffic conditions, and constant distractions,” says TJ Thomas, Bendix’s director of marketing and customer solutions.

While advanced safety systems can make a meaningful difference during critical moments, Thomas clarifies they are not a replacement for the human driver. As he explains, “Bendix safety technologies complement safe driving practices. No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.”

Empowering Drivers Through Knowledge and Tools

Sophisticated safety systems such as Bendix Fusion and Bendix ESP (Electronic Stability Program) integrate advanced sensors and automated responses to reduce accident risks. However, for these tools to be effective, drivers need to fully understand their capabilities and limitations.

“That’s why Bendix places so much emphasis on education and awareness,” the company notes. Through resources like the “Truck Talk with Bendix” podcast and its popular YouTube channel, Bendix ensures drivers have access to in-depth training materials. These channels include the exclusive “Driver Insight Series,” which deepens understanding of technologies, offering tips on how to use them effectively in real-world scenarios.

Thomas encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s operator’s manual. “Technologies like Fusion are tools to help drivers improve safety,” he states. “Drivers should always review the operator’s manual to understand what features are included, how they work, and their limitations. That understanding is essential to help build driver confidence as they better understand how ADAS complements safe driving practices.”

Additionally, Bendix supports fleet training programs with extensive resources, supplemental materials, and expert guidance. Their goal is to empower drivers with the skills and knowledge required to work in tandem with emerging technologies safely.

Supporting Vehicle Safety With Technician Training

Of course, ensuring vehicle safety isn’t solely about the driver’s behavior—it also involves maintaining commercial vehicles to the highest standards. Bendix offers robust technical support and training to help fleet maintenance teams stay ahead of evolving systems.

“With over two decades of expertise, Bendix Brake School remains one of the industry’s top hands-on training programs,” says Brian Screeton, manager of technical training and service at Bendix. “Whether through in-person classes, virtual modules, or interactive resources, we strive to educate technicians and assist fleets of all sizes.”

Accessible Resources for Maintenance Teams

Bendix’s efforts extend beyond the classroom, offering an expansive online platform for 24/7 learning. The Bendix On-Line Brake School now boasts over 200,000 registered users and includes more than 100 courses covering maintenance and safety system troubleshooting.

Additional resources are readily available through their centralized hub, B2Bendix.com. Here, technicians can access service manuals, installation guides, and custom training designed for fleet-specific needs. For on-demand technical clarification, the Bendix Tech Team hotline – 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) – ensures professionals always have access to expert advice.

“Our goal has always been clear,” shares Screeton. “Providing safe vehicles starts with knowledgeable people. Whether it’s a two-truck fleet or a national operation, we’re here with technical insight and support that helps keep drivers – and everyone else on the road – safer.”

Working Toward Safer Roads, Together

Through its support of Operation Safe Driver Week and ongoing commitment to educational outreach, Bendix exemplifies the teamwork needed to make roadways safer. By combining advanced technology, comprehensive driver training, and robust vehicle maintenance programs, Bendix contributes to a shared vision of reduced roadway risks.

This week, as enforcement efforts across North America remind us of the stakes, there’s no better time to commit to safer driving habits, develop driver skills, and ensure our vehicles are in optimal condition. Together, we can make every road a safer one.

Image Source: Bendix
Source: The Trucker

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