By: Kristen Hernandez
Thanks to a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Broward College, Florida Panthers and FleetForce Truck Driving School, the fastest growing industry in America is now accessible to a new generation of aspiring CDL truck drivers. FleetForce’s first graduating class received their certificates and licenses during the first week of May, offering graduates of the program a ticket to an industry with a starting salary of $80,000 annually.
During the ceremoney, CEO of FleetForce Tra Williams, reminded students and family members why licensed truck drivers are the link in America’s supply chain. “At some point in March 2020, every person here stood in the toilet paper isle and realized how important [truck] drivers are to even the simplest things we can’t live without.”
The generational retirement of “OG” drivers, people who’ve been with just their rig and the road for decades, has severely impacted the ability of everyday goods to appear on grocery store shelves. The American Trucking Association, or ATA, reported that 1200 truck drivers each week retire. To meet Florida consumer demands, the state will need a 20% slice, approximately 220,000, of the 1.1 million drivers (about the population of Montana) needed across the country each year.
Williams provided the new CDL with a picture of their importance. “Now add in our food, education, buildings over our head, even the concrete around us. The trash beside your street gets picked up by CDL drivers. Kids are picked up by CDL licensed school bus drivers. This list starts to get scary when you realize that every aspect of our lives is impacted by this.”
To welcome the first graduating class into their new career, Rob Stevenson, Florida Panthers EVP of People and Facilities said, “The Panthers smartly recognized they’re in a massive export community. They had the ability to contribute to their constituents in a meaningful way and offered their empty 10-acre parking lot to FleetForce Truck Driving School. We rely on so many things truck drivers provide and take them for granted every day. While we’re sleeping, they’re driving. It’s an honor for the Panters to have a micro impact for Broward and a macro impact for Florida economy.”
Short-haul CDL truck driver, Jim Williams, quit his 22-year-long career after witnessing constant layoffs, switched gears and traded a suit for a rig. “I wouldn’t change what I do for anything. It’s freedom, being on the road.”
Williams had words of encouragement and advice for new CDL drivers. “The most dangerous part of the job is other cars cutting you off, and that’s what causes deadly traffic accidents. Always leave yourself an “out” – meaning if someone cuts in front, leave yourself room. Trucks slow down like a train.”
Broward College was able to secure Florida state legislative funding so students could have means to fully cover program tuition. In less than two months, aspiring drivers could be on the road to a financially lucrative and secure career.
“Lack of finances shouldn’t be a barrier for students,” Dr. Mildred Coyne, Senior Management at Broward College said. “And funding should never have to be a reason to not follow your dreams.”
Our access to everyday household items and goods would come to a complete stop without the women and men who drive commercial trucks. And graduates of FleetForce’s first training class contained more women than ever before. Newly CDL licensed, Gabreille Estime, proudly followed in her father’s footsteps as part of the newest generation of truck drivers. She was all smiles as she was handed her certificate.
“I hear trucking is supposed to be a brotherhood,” Estime said. “But me and the rest of these females are going to change it to a sista-hood.” Classes begin every Monday. www.fleetforcetruckdrivingschool.com 888-303-8754
