FleetForce Truck Driver Training is rolling out a strategic partnership program that delivers Entry-Level Driver Training directly at employer locations. Instead of sending recruits offsite, fleets can now host instructors, training materials, and compliance systems at their own facilities.

For carriers and private fleets, this approach reduces travel time for trainees while helping companies develop drivers within their own operations.

Training Where the Drivers Already Work

Tra Williams, president and CEO of FleetForce Truck Driver Training, says the idea came from the growing gap between drivers leaving the workforce and those entering it.

“Unfortunately, drivers are leaving the industry faster than we are replacing them,” Williams said during TCA Truckload 2026 in Orlando.

Industry data highlights the scale of the challenge. According to the American Trucking Associations, around 1,200 truck drivers retire each week, while more than 200,000 CDL positions remain open nationwide.

Instead of competing for experienced drivers already working for other fleets, Williams argues companies should focus on developing new drivers from within their existing workforce.

“When companies choose to cannibalize drivers by recruiting from their competitors, they are fishing in a pond that is drying up. This is what I like to call workforce hot potato, and there is a better way,” he said.

Turning Warehouse Workers into CDL Drivers

One strategy gaining attention is promoting employees from within. Workers already employed in warehouses, yards, or logistics operations can transition into driving roles with proper training.

Williams pointed to a partnership FleetForce began with Publix several years ago that focused on developing drivers internally. Over time, the retailer shifted to filling driver positions using employees already working within the company.

The approach can also lower hiring costs for fleets. According to Williams, replacing a warehouse associate or forklift operator is often far less expensive than recruiting a CDL driver with experience.

“There are some additional compounding advantages to this as well,” Williams said. “Internal promotion doesn’t just reduce driver recruiting pressure; it also increases retention and strengthens your culture.”

Training Entry-Level Drivers for the Industry

While internal promotion can help fill some positions, Williams says the industry still needs more people entering trucking for the first time.

He noted that many carriers are already hiring entry-level drivers due to the ongoing shortage.

“If we are serious about solving a 250,000 driver shortfall, while 171 drivers retire every single day, we must stop cannibalizing each other,” Williams said. “The only way we will ever solve this problem is by creating the next generation of drivers together.”

Carriers that recruit new drivers can also support their training through agreements that encourage drivers to remain with the company after earning their CDL.

Addressing Another Driver Concern: Truck Parking

Beyond training, Williams is also working on another issue frequently raised by truck drivers: parking availability.

His company, ParkPro, is partnering with the Amerant Bank Arena, home of the Florida Panthers NHL team, to provide space for up to 200 trucks this summer. The program connects fleets and drivers with underused parking areas at large venues.

The ParkPro platform already includes more than 1,100 partner locations, according to Williams. Drivers can suggest and vote on locations where parking is needed most, which helps determine future expansion.

“Many have onsite security, most have lighting and are surrounded by hotels and restaurants, and all ParkPro hosts sit near interstate access and have massive capacity,” he said.

For drivers and fleet operators alike, programs that expand training opportunities and improve parking access could help address two of the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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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 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

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