According to the foundation, the latest contribution builds on several years of financial support for the program. The Trucking Cares Foundation provided $15,000 in seed funding to help launch the academy in 2021, followed by a $20,000 donation in 2023 and another $25,000 contribution in 2024.

The South Dallas Driving Academy was inspired by the story of Germany Williams, who grew up in an impoverished neighborhood before earning his commercial driver’s license and changing the course of his life. His journey was later featured in a documentary produced by Nothing Without Trucking.

As the program has expanded, supporters say it has helped remove barriers for people pursuing careers in transportation.

“The South Dallas Driving Academy has been instrumental in removing barriers to rewarding careers in our industry,” said Greg Owen, chairman of the Trucking Cares Foundation and head coach of Ability Tri Modal. “By equipping individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with the skills and credentials they need to succeed, SDDA is helping to create opportunity, strengthen communities, and build the next generation of trucking professionals. The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to continue supporting this life-changing program.”

Leaders at the academy say continued support from the trucking industry has allowed the organization to grow while reaching more people throughout the community.

“Our vision has always been to create an on-ramp to opportunity for underserved members of our community,” said Chris Petersen, president of Rally Fleet Services and chairman of SDDA. “Thanks to the support of the Trucking Cares Foundation, not only have we been able to serve hundreds of individuals in South Dallas, but we are currently working with community leaders to expand into new markets across Texas and beyond. We are deeply grateful to Greg Owens, the entire TCF Board, Chris Spear, and the American Trucking Associations for their continued support of this important initiative.”

The academy also reports continued progress within its commercial driver training program.

“The support of the Trucking Cares Foundation has been catalytic in advancing the mission and impact of the South Dallas Driving Academy,” said Von Minor, president and executive director, SDDA. “Over the past year, we have seen 20 men and women graduate from our commercial driver’s license program and launch into living wage career opportunities as professional drivers. The Trucking Cares Foundation’s support is helping to dismantle generational poverty one driver at a time, allowing our programs to truly drive lives forward.”

According to the Trucking Cares Foundation, nearly 40% of low-income individuals living in urban areas across the United States do not have a valid driver’s license. In South Dallas, that figure approaches one half of the population, largely because affordable driver education is often difficult to access.

The South Dallas Driving Academy was created to address that challenge through a dual-track training program that helps participants earn a driver’s license while preparing for careers in transportation. The program is offered at no cost to residents of Bonton and South Dallas, and the organization reports a student course completion and program graduation rate of 90%.

Additional information about the South Dallas Driving Academy, its training programs, and the Trucking Cares Foundation is available through the organizations’ official websites.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 1, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: SDDA

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If implemented, the change would create what the department calls Workforce Pell Grants. These grants would apply to programs lasting between eight and fourteen weeks, opening the door for financial aid in training programs that currently fall outside the traditional Pell Grant structure.

For many drivers entering the industry, the cost of training can be one of the biggest barriers to getting started. CDL schools often run between six and eight weeks, which means they have historically been too short to qualify for federal Pell Grant funding.

The new proposal would change that by making high-quality short-term training eligible for assistance.

“By expanding Pell Grant flexibility to make short-term educational programs eligible, this rulemaking will open the door of opportunity to more young people seeking rewarding, good-paying careers in trucking,” said American Trucking Associations Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom.

Industry groups have pushed for this change for years, arguing that shorter programs can still deliver the skills needed for strong careers behind the wheel or in the shop.

What the Workforce Pell Grant Would Cover

Under the proposed rule, eligible programs would need to run between eight and fourteen weeks and include between 150 and 599 total instructional hours. The goal is to support focused training programs that quickly prepare workers for jobs in industries where demand for skilled employees remains high.

That structure lines up with many existing CDL programs. While some schools run longer courses, many Class A programs fall within the six-to-eight-week range, which means they could soon become eligible for federal aid if the rule takes effect.

Diesel technician programs are often longer than a year, but certain specialized certifications can be completed in a shorter timeframe. Some manufacturer-specific programs offered through Universal Technical Institute, including training supported by Cummins, Peterbilt, and Daimler Truck North America, run about twelve weeks.

These types of programs could potentially qualify for Workforce Pell support if they meet the required standards.

Accountability Standards for Training Programs

The Department of Education is pairing the new funding opportunity with strict performance requirements for training providers.

To remain eligible for Workforce Pell funding, programs must demonstrate strong results for students. That includes a completion rate of at least 70 percent as well as a job placement rate of at least 70 percent within 180 days after graduation.

Schools must also pass what regulators describe as a value-added earnings test. This measure compares the median earnings of program graduates with a threshold based on 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Program tuition and fees cannot exceed the additional earnings students are expected to gain after completing the training.

State governments would also play a role in approving programs. Each eligible course would need authorization from a state governor after consultation with the state workforce board.

Part of a Broader Focus on Training Quality

The Workforce Pell proposal arrives as federal agencies continue tightening oversight of CDL training programs.

In recent months, the Department of Transportation removed thousands of CDL training providers from its official registry while placing thousands more on notice for potential removal as part of a broader effort targeting so-called CDL mills.

The goal of both efforts is to improve the quality and reliability of driver training while making legitimate programs more accessible to new entrants.

If finalized, the Workforce Pell Grant program is expected to take effect in July 2026. Supporters say the change could help more students afford the training needed to begin careers in trucking and diesel technology while maintaining strong accountability standards for schools.

For an industry that continues to depend on skilled drivers and technicians, expanded access to training could play a role in strengthening the workforce pipeline in the years ahead.

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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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The first six participants have completed SCC’s new commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program, which uses an on-site driving simulator to provide hands-on experience before hitting the road.

Funded by a $1.9 million Department of Labor Strengthening Community Colleges Training grant, the simulator and related equipment aim to remove barriers for students from local opportunity zones, providing practical training close to home.

Graduates earned their CDL Theory and Behind-the-Wheel Simulation certificates—the first essential steps toward full licensure. Once released, they will continue their training on the road with practical driving experience.

For the program’s leaders, the graduation represented more than just certificates.

“Listening to their goals, excitement, and determination for the future made it clear that credentials are more than certificates,” said Brenda Rubey, director of CBIZ. “They are catalysts for hope, opportunity, and lasting change.”

The program is part of SCC’s broader efforts to provide career-focused education. The college recently expanded its offerings with an Integrated Education and Training CDL program for adult learners and has partnered with the 8th Judicial District Department of Corrections to combine high school equivalency courses with CDL training.

Additionally, SCC’s CDL program has earned approval as a SkillBridge provider through the Department of Defense. This allows active-duty service members to gain CDL training and prepare for transportation careers while still serving.

This partnership highlights how innovative training programs can help underserved populations gain access to professional trucking careers, providing skills, certifications, and a pathway to long-term employment in the industry.

Source: Truckers News

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For experienced drivers, it is no secret that today’s industry runs on more than horsepower. Route planning, parking availability, safe truck stops, shifting regulations, and constant time pressure shape every trip. Now, this partnership aims to make sure students learn those realities early.

Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path, explained the goal clearly. “Every driver entering the industry should understand the tools and technology shaping modern trucking. By partnering with NAPFTDS, we’re helping CDL schools prepare students for real-world conditions. Everything from trip planning to truck stop selection to compliance with changing safety standards. It’s about giving new drivers a head start in operating efficiently and safely.”

Through this collaboration, publicly funded CDL programs across the country will be able to bring Trucker Path’s well-known tools directly into their training. Instructors can show students how to map out routes, check parking availability, study safe rest locations, and get familiar with the same information that more than a million working drivers use every day.

Many schools have already rolled out the platform. At Milwaukee Area Technical College, the response has been strong. “At MATC, we’ve integrated Trucker Path into our curriculum as a trip planning tool, and the response from students has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Dan Zdrojewski, lead faculty, truck driving. “It’s intuitive, industry-relevant, and gives our future drivers real-world resources they’ll rely on from day one. This kind of collaboration strengthens training programs nationwide.”

The partnership also includes joint educational sessions, instructor and student access to the app, and regular webinars to help schools adopt more driver-focused technology in their classrooms and on their training routes.

According to Martin Garsee, executive director of NAPFTDS, the value is clear. “Trucker Path brings invaluable expertise and technology that perfectly aligns with NAPFTDS’s mission to advance public truck driver training, resulting in enhanced curriculum effectiveness and better-prepared graduates,” he said. “Their cutting-edge digital tools bring real-world relevance to the classroom, helping our students graduate with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s transportation industry.”

For veteran drivers on the road now, efforts like this mean the next generation will enter trucking with better tools, stronger preparation, and a more realistic view of the job. And for students just starting, it is a chance to learn the ropes from day one using systems they will rely on throughout their careers.

Source: The Trucker

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Why OOIDA Launched the Program

Many drivers dream about becoming their own boss, but statistics show the odds are tough in the early years. According to the association, “The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has noticed that many small trucking businesses tend to fail within the first year of operating for a variety of reasons. The OOIDA Foundation, which is the educational and research affiliate of OOIDA, wants to help navigate those going through the change from a company driver to an owner-operator, or help with the desire to have a more successful trucking business.”

This new program guides industry experts who understand the challenges of starting and sustaining a trucking business.

Course Format and Schedule

Drivers can enroll in Truck to Success either virtually or in person. The three-day in-person seminar will be held October 21–23 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs, Missouri, while the live-streamed version will be available through Zoom.

For anyone planning to attend in person, the registration cutoff is October 1. Online registration remains open until October 20.

OOIDA emphasized that “Participants will hear from trucking experts dedicated to helping drivers become successful business owners. The training is designed to follow a logical path along the transition from a company driver to an independent contractor to an owner-operator with their own authority.”

What Drivers Will Learn

The program is structured to address the biggest pitfalls new owner-operators face. OOIDA explained, “The seminar covers some of the most important points you need to deal with to avoid failing as an owner-operator.”

Topics include:

• Building a business plan and understanding how it impacts long-term success
• Choosing the right truck and financing options
• Deciding whether to lease to a carrier or run under your own authority
• Managing taxes to keep more of your earnings
• How to work effectively with brokers

Additional areas of focus are just as critical for independent drivers:

• Insurance essentials
• The New Entrant Safety Audit and compliance reviews
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements
• UCR, IRP, and IFTA regulations
• Factoring and business structure choices (sole proprietor vs. incorporation)
• Current issues facing trucking today

Open to All Drivers

The Truck to Success course is not limited to OOIDA members. Any driver who wants to build a stronger foundation for their business is welcome to register.

For full course details or to sign up, visit OOIDA’s registration page.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Timur Shakerzianov (Unsplash)

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On June 24, about 50 children participated in the event, including local Girl Scout troops and the children of AIM employees. Attendees explored multiple aspects of trucking careers through WIT’s WITney Educational Trailer, which provided an interactive experience and a driving simulator to test basic truck operation skills.

“This event was truly a framework for success,” said Jenny Fall, WIT’s director of driver engagement. “Since planning began, the coordinators were full of energy and excitement about sharing careers in trucking with the young people in their community. By opening the program to not only the Girl Scouts but also the children of employees of AIM Transportation, so many others got to experience the activities and try out the driving simulator, testing their skills on the road. I always enjoy seeing the reaction from the kids as they start thinking that trucking might be a pretty cool thing to be a part of.”

Fall emphasized that AIM Transportation Solutions played a key role in making the event possible by hosting it at their headquarters. AIM, a full-service truck leasing company with operations across 16 states in the U.S., provided support and resources to help make the program engaging and educational.

“Aim is constantly seeking new ways to educate the next generation about the exciting opportunities within the trucking industry and the trades overall,” said Trisha Mosser, AIM Transportation’s business development manager and event coordinator. “My primary goal was to present information to my Girl Scout Troop to help them see trucking as a real, rewarding career path. What started as a small initiative quickly grew with the involvement of Aim employees and their children. Now, we have an entire group of young people inspired by how fun and empowering it can be to get behind the wheel of a truck. Mission accomplished!”

WIT has a long-standing relationship with the Girl Scouts of America. According to Fall, the association regularly partners with local councils to host educational events where girls can learn about the trucking industry and earn a WIT patch. These Girl Scout Patch Program events typically feature hands-on activities, interactive learning in the WITney Trailer, and opportunities to hear from women leaders in trucking.

Jenny Fall, WIT’s director of driver engagement, guides a young girl through the driving simulation inside the WITney trailer during the June 24 event. (Source: Women In Trucking)

The program emphasizes not only the career opportunities available in the industry but also the importance of safety around large vehicles. Since the first event in October 2014, more than 1,500 girls across the U.S. and Canada have participated and earned their WIT patches, gaining firsthand insight into the possibilities within the trucking field.

Image Source: Women In Trucking
Source: The Trucker, Women In Trucking

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This three-day event, set for October 21-23 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs, Missouri, offers the latest insights from OOIDA and trucking industry experts. It’s designed to guide drivers through what it takes to succeed as an owner-operator and help determine if this path fits your business goals.

Reserve your place today for Truck to Success.

“There’s a lot of failure in this industry,” explained Andrew King, director of the OOIDA Foundation. “We not only want to show them how to do it, but also whether you should or can do it. Success looks different to different people. It’s an initial investment up front that in the end could save you lots.”

If you miss the early registration deadline, you can still sign up until October 1 at the full price of $600. Please note that the free one-year membership will no longer be included.

For those unable to attend in person, an online version is available for $275 per login via Zoom, with registration closing October 20.

Whether you’re a company driver or an owner-operator, OOIDA’s Truck To Success seminar provides essential knowledge to help build a thriving trucking operation.

“People get into trucking to have a career, and we want to make sure they are able to do that,” King said. “There are things they might not have any idea about. If you’re a company driver or even leased-on, there’s certain things your motor carrier does that you’ll have to do (as an owner-operator). Those that want to expand or have a small fleet you definitely need to know this stuff.”

What sets Truck To Success apart is OOIDA’s extensive experience and insider business expertise.

“It’s just different. We have been doing this for 50 years, and there’s aspects of the business we know very well,” King noted. “We’re doing it day in and day out. You are talking to the experts. We’re also bringing in outside people who specialize in things like taxes.”

The seminar covers vital topics including business planning, lease-purchase risks, and regulatory compliance.

Find out more about Truck To Success and register online today.
Source: LandLine. Media

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“There’s nothing better than sitting over in that passenger seat and watching the driver over here and seeing that big old smile because they just did something,” Hallada said. “They accomplished a maneuver they never thought they could do.”

Addressing the Truck Driver Shortage

The trucking industry is facing a pressing need for skilled drivers, with hundreds of thousands of job openings expected yearly. Veriha Trucking’s academy offers a comprehensive training program designed to prepare individuals for careers on the road. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on driving experience to give students the skills they need for the job.

“We not only teach you the fundamentals of driving a truck, but we teach you how to drive a truck,” Hallada emphasized. “How to survive out on the road, how to pick up loads. The day-to-day operation of the truck.”

Financial Support Makes Training Accessible

Tim Kordula, the safety, training, and development director at Veriha, shared how the academy is making training more affordable for students.

“We just received a grant from the state of Wisconsin that will reimburse Wisconsin-resident students half of their tuition,” Kordula explained. “They can come here, get their CDL, and we’re going to reimburse them half their tuition. If they decide to stay on with Veriha, we will reimburse them the other half after a year.”

While the academy’s training program spans six weeks, students also receive four weeks of paid training once they join the Veriha team, which has helped boost retention rates.

A Personalized Approach to Training

Veriha’s academy isn’t just for over-the-road drivers. For Joe Krueger, co-owner of Chipper Guys Tree Service in Wausaukee, the academy was a way to enhance his family business by earning his CDL.

“It’s not like a big tech school where you’re getting grouped in with a bunch of people,” Krueger shared. “It’s a little more personalized.”

Preparing Drivers for Success

The ultimate goal at Veriha Driving Academy is to provide students with the skills and confidence to succeed as truck drivers.

“I believe we take it a step further and we actually turn these folks into living, breathing truck drivers,” Hallada said. “They’re going to be safe; they’re going to be productive and be able to do the job by the time we’re done with them.”

A Path to a Stable Career

Training programs like Veriha Driving Academy play a vital role in preparing the next generation of skilled drivers as the trucking industry continues to grow. With comprehensive training and real-world experience, individuals are equipped with the tools they need to pursue a long-term and successful career in trucking. For more information visit Veriha’s Website.

Source: Spectrum News 1
Image Source: Spectrum News 1/ Nathan Phelps

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During a recent congressional subcommittee hearing, Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), stressed the need for more stringent training requirements for new truck drivers.

“In trucking, it’s just a matter of passing a test and getting a CDL, and then you can go anywhere in this country,” Pugh explained to lawmakers. “You take a kid who’s 21 years old. He’s never been out of Florida, and, all of a sudden, he’s heading to the Rocky Mountains in January. We’re probably setting ourselves up for disaster.”

Current Training Standards Lack Depth

Before 2022, entry-level truck drivers weren’t required to meet any formal training standards. Although the introduction of a new rule that year was a step forward, it still falls short. Drivers are not mandated to complete a minimum number of behind-the-wheel training hours.

OOIDA believes that a competent, well-trained driver is the key to improved highway safety. The association has called on Congress to strengthen these training requirements in the upcoming highway bill by introducing a minimum of 30 hours of practical, behind-the-wheel training for new truck drivers.

“We need to make the entry-level driver training program much more aggressive with real hours and real time behind the wheel so that these people are trained and trained correctly to be professional,” Pugh stated. “Until we take the time to invest in our drivers and do all of these things, we are going to continue to lose people from this industry.”

Congressional Support for Safer Roads

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., voiced her agreement with the need for intense training standards. She emphasized how the upcoming highway bill presents an opportunity for Congress to enhance safety across the trucking industry.

“I have long supported strong entry-level truck driver training standards to ensure that truckers are fully prepared to safely operate their vehicles and deliver their freight,” she said. “Providing robust training empowers drivers to be safe and confident on the road.”

Fostering Truck Driving as a Long-Term Career

Cole Scandaglia, transportation policy advisor at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, noted how more substantial training standards could elevate truck driving from just a job to a respected career.

Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the industry provides adequate preparation for newcomers, said Scandaglia.

“[Congress must ensure] that when drivers enter the industry, they’re entering the industry in a way that is going to ensure that this is a career for them,” he explained. “Unfortunately, there are people who go to fly-by-night CDL schools, and they get their CDL in six weeks. They show up to work, and it turns out they can’t back into a dock. That’s a problem, and that person is not likely to stay in the industry.

“So, from Congress’s perspective, I think there are things that can be done in the training sense. Unfortunately, a piece of what we need here is a private-sector response. We need trucking companies to not look at employees as folks you just churn through the meat grinder and then replace them again when they quit.”

Investing in Training for a Safer Future

A consistent theme emerged throughout the hearing: adequate training for truck drivers isn’t just about meeting minimum standards; it’s about prioritizing safety, professionalism, and career sustainability. By addressing the gaps in current training programs and introducing more robust requirements, Congress and the trucking industry can make meaningful progress toward safer roads and a stronger workforce.

With stakeholder advocacy from organizations like OOIDA and the Teamsters, the push for improved driver training standards could transform trucking into a safer, more sustainable, and more respected profession.

Source: Land Line

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