Perks for Training at Approved Schools

LAS VEGAS — Graduates of training courses certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute could get a few extra benefits as they start their jobs.

The perks would come as part of a plan to support the education of qualified drivers at a time when the industry faces a shortage of them.

Under a program outlined by Michael Holahan of Travel Ports of America, trucking suppliers would provide “graduation packets” to students who complete certified training programs. The packets would contain free merchandise and coupons for fuel discounts and other products.

It is important for industry suppliers to support drivers, Holahan said. “Without truck drivers, there would be no industry suppliers,” he said.

PTDI sets standards for certification of entry-level commercial truck driver training courses. The nonprofit organization currently has more than 70 sponsors.

PTDI-certified schools will graduate 12,000 people this year, and the number of graduates is expected to grow annually to between 20,000 and 30,000 in two or three years.

“We only hire PTDI-certified school graduates,” said Duane W. Acklie of Crete Carrier Corp. in Lincoln, Neb. “If there is an accident, you want to prove that you did everything possible to train the driver properly.”

Even the federal government is getting involved in the effort to boost the number of drivers. The Labor Department has provided a $1.2 million grant for pilot programs to train dislocated workers to be truck drivers in Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

If the program is successful, Acklie said it could be expanded to PTDI-certified schools throughout the country.

“Where else can the government invest $2,000 to $3,000 for training and the individual begins working a $25,000-a-year job?” Acklie asked.

PTDI-certified courses are now offered at 41 schools in 19 states and Canada.