“This expansion represents a natural evolution for FTA as we continue to strengthen our advocacy reach and impact,” said Alix Miller, president and CEO of FTA. “The moving industry shares our commitment to highway safety, professional standards, and advocacy before regulatory agencies and lawmakers. We’ve already stood shoulder-to-shoulder with professional movers on critical issues like advocating for quality moving services for military families and addressing concerns with the Department of Defense’s Global Household Goods Contract Program.”

With this integration, FTA has launched a new Moving and Storage Council, designed to represent the unique needs of moving companies while leveraging FTA’s existing relationships with state and federal policymakers. According to FTA, the council positions the organization as the unified voice for Florida’s broader transportation and logistics industries.

The Moving and Storage Council

The council will concentrate on advocacy and professional development tailored specifically to moving and storage companies. Members can access FTA’s experience in regulatory reform, safety initiatives, and legislative achievements, as well as its extensive professional network.

“We are confident that this transition will help strengthen and elevate Florida’s moving and storage industry for years to come,” said Gloria Pugh, former president of the Professional Movers Association of Florida and current president of AMWAT Moving, Warehousing, Storage. “FTA’s comprehensive approach to advocacy, from fighting lawsuit abuse, workforce development initiatives, and successfully advocating for federal and state issues, directly addresses challenges our industry faces daily.”

Former members of the Professional Movers Association of Florida bring established standards, educational tools, consumer protection efforts, and expertise in running successful moving operations while maintaining strong community engagement. According to FTA, this experience enriches the association’s membership and broadens its perspective.

“I am confident this new chapter will provide the advocacy, resources, and community our industry needs to adapt, grow, and continue delivering the high-quality, professional moving services Florida families and businesses deserve,” said Guy Maman of Forward Van Lines.

Supporting Florida’s Transportation Sector

“This expansion strengthens our ability to serve all sectors of Florida’s transportation industry,” Miller said. “Whether you’re hauling agricultural products, operating a fleet of moving trucks, or providing logistics services, FTA offers comprehensive resources in the state with advocacy, safety, and professional and workforce development.”

The Moving and Storage Council will be incorporated into FTA’s committee structure alongside the Safety Management Council, Technology and Maintenance Council, and other initiatives that have historically helped members improve safety and professionalism on Florida’s roads.

Source: The Trucker

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According to the FTA, “More than 370 of the top professional commercial motor vehicle drivers in the state will compete, showcasing their safe driving skills and knowledge of the industry.” These skilled professionals collectively boast over 535 million miles of accident-free driving, underscoring their dedication to roadway safety.

The event is family-friendly, free, and open to the public, making it a must-see for anyone curious about the trucking industry or those simply looking for unique entertainment this weekend.

Featuring Florida’s Top Drivers

The annual Florida Truck Driving Championships (TDC) draws elite drivers selected from leading companies across the state, including UPS, FedEx, Amazon, Publix Super Markets, Walmart, Trans-Phos, Oakley, and Florida Rock & Tank Lines.

The FTA adds, “Qualified drivers have remained accident-free and represent the top drivers statewide for their companies. With a combined total of more than 535,000,000 miles of safe, accident-free driving, these dedicated professionals have a proven commitment to roadway safety. As a comparison, a driver would have to drive 65 mph non-stop for 940 years without any violations or accidents.”

Event Details

• Dates: June 13-14, 2025
• Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, Fla.
• Admission: Free and open to the public

For competition times and event activities, visit FTA’s website. To arrange interviews or on-site tours, contact Alix Miller, FTA President and CEO, at 850-868-1050 or alix@floridatrucking.org. Don’t miss this celebration of professionalism, skill, and safety in the trucking industry!

Image Source: FTA
Source: The Trucker

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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

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This family-oriented event will bring together over 300 of Florida’s top commercial motor vehicle drivers, who will demonstrate their exceptional driving skills and industry knowledge as they battle it out for the prestigious title of Grand Champion. Driving a truck is not just about navigating roads; it involves a deep understanding of vehicle mechanics, safety regulations, and situational awareness.

“The Florida Truck Driving Championships offer a platform to recognize and honor the best professional truck drivers in our state. Their dedication to professionalism and, most importantly, safety, make them ambassadors of our industry,” said Alix Miller, president and CEO of FTA. “These drivers are the backbone of our nation’s economy, and this annual event showcases their impressive abilities and unwavering dedication to performing their duties with safety and efficiency.”

This year’s participants come from reputable firms such as UPS, FedEx, Amazon, Publix, Walmart, Sysco, Oakley, and Florida Rock and Tank Lines.

Competitors will participate in various categories, including straight truck, tank, sleeper, twins, 3-to-5-axle, auto transport, flatbed, and step van. All scores will contribute to the final Grand Champion rankings.

The competition kicks off with a written regulatory exam, which tests the drivers’ knowledge of the laws and safety practices essential for driving a truck. This is followed by a pre-trip inspection, and then the driving skills course.

Winners of the Florida TDC will qualify for the National Truck Driving Championships hosted by the American Trucking Associations, scheduled for August 21-24 in Indianapolis. This offers a national stage to celebrate the highest levels of proficiency in driving a truck.

The event is free and open to the public, who are encouraged to attend to learn more about the trucking industry and witness some of the best professional truck drivers in action.

Source: The Trucker

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“Our ‘Share the Road’ initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to safety and underscores the vital role that collaboration plays in enhancing road safety for all users,” said Alix Miller, Florida Trucking Association president and CEO. “As leaders in the trucking industry, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every motorist can feel safe and secure on the road. A large part of that is understanding how to safely share the road with large trucks and buses.”

The messages, disseminated across various media platforms, tackle crucial aspects such as maintaining safe following distances, being mindful of blind spots, and adhering to general guidelines for responsible road sharing.

At the forefront of this initiative is the Florida Road Team, a division within the Florida Trucking Association. The campaign’s reach extends beyond traditional channels, with information being distributed to driver’s education classes, trucking companies, and professional groups. Additionally, the initiative utilizes avenues like press conferences, touch-a-truck events, and other gatherings to amplify its impact.

“The Florida Road Team is proud to raise awareness about the importance of safe interactions between trucks and other vehicles on Florida’s roads,” said Anthony Tirone, a member of the team. “Together, we can all keep America’s roadways safe for all drivers and their families.”

Since the campaign’s inception, the Florida Trucking Association estimates that the Florida Road Team has reached approximately 150,000 students statewide, providing education on safe driving techniques, specifically emphasizing how to safely share the road with trucks. This year’s messaging expands to include “NoText + Drive” awareness and information on the state’s move-over law, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing road safety through informed and responsible driving practices.

“By raising awareness and promoting education, we can create a culture of mutual respect and understanding on our roads,” Miller said. “Our Florida Road Team and the ‘Share the Road’ campaign is a crucial step toward achieving this goal, and we are proud to share it with the motoring public.”

Source: Land Line

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