Q&A

Improving the perception of trucking

Find out what this CDL coordinator says sets new drivers apart

(Courtesy Andre The)

There’s a perception among younger generations that truck driving isn’t a desirable career path. But Andre The, CDL program coordinator at Pensacola State College, is working to change that, one student at a time.

Here, The shares the ways CDL instruction has modernized with technology, and how small fleets can compete against big carriers for the same pool of drivers. Plus, find out what is the biggest sign that a student will go on to become a successful truck driver.

— Interview by Shefali Kapadia, edited by Bianca Prieto

Do you see younger generations expressing interest in truck driving careers? If not, what are the key reasons or barriers?

If the younger generation were more exposed to the opportunities and long-term career growth in truck driving, we’d see a much stronger interest in the field. We do have students under 21 in our program, most of them influenced by family members who work in trucking. They quickly realize the potential this career offers. They’re excited about the income, the sense of responsibility and the idea of eventually turning 21 so they can go OTR. Many of them start out driving local routes, dump trucks, sanitation or delivery, and they’re genuinely grateful to be earning four times more than their peers at that age.

The biggest barrier today is insurance. Smaller companies often can’t afford to hire younger drivers because of high premiums. There’s also still a perception issue—some people don’t view truck driving as a true career path. We’re working hard to change that, one student at a time.

Is technology leading to any changes in CDL instruction and the ways you train and teach drivers?

Technology has become a major part of how we train, especially for younger students who are limited to intrastate driving until they turn 21. At Pensacola State College, we use the Virage Simulator VS600M, which allows us to create realistic driving experiences for manual transmission training. These simulators allow us to float around the student, where we could not do that in the real world.

Being based in Florida, we don’t have mountains or icy conditions, but the simulator lets students practice safely in those environments. We can adjust terrain, weather and visibility so they’re prepared for snow, ice and steep grades while hauling up to 80,000 pounds. It’s an incredible training tool that builds confidence before students ever get behind the wheel of a real truck.

What’s a misconception you think trucking executives have when it comes to hiring young or new truck drivers?

We’re a publicly funded truck driving school, and most of the companies we work with already know the value of our graduates. These are companies with structured training programs and self-insured operations that allow them to bring in new drivers safely and effectively.

Some legacy carriers, however, still require two or more years of experience before hiring. That’s often an insurance-driven policy rather than a reflection of a driver’s actual readiness. The companies that have developed mentoring and onboarding programs tend to see the best long-term results, and we work hard to prepare our students to fit into those programs successfully.

What should motor carriers, especially small fleets, pay attention to as they hire and recruit drivers?

Smaller fleets face a real challenge in attracting and retaining drivers with at least a year of safe driving experience. The pay gap between them and the large carriers can be significant, and many smaller fleets don’t have the resources to offer full benefit packages or signing bonuses.

That’s why it’s critical for small fleets to emphasize culture, communication and consistency. Drivers want to feel valued and respected. When smaller companies create a supportive environment and offer steady work, they can compete effectively even without the biggest paychecks. It’s about building trust and treating drivers like professionals, not just employees.

What are the telltale signs that someone will go on to be a successful truck driver?

Preparation. The students who come in ready, who complete all their pre-work and approach training seriously are the ones who tend to succeed. Trucking, like any profession, rewards preparation and discipline. Those traits translate directly to safety, reliability and long-term success on the road.