States Boost CDL Training to Tackle Local Driver Shortages
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A handful of states are taking varied approaches to bolster the ranks of commercial truck drivers in the nation.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) announced recently that four community colleges in his state received a total of $509,775 in U.S. Department of Transportation grants to expand their CDL training programs.
“Improving pathways for eligible individuals to secure commercial driver’s licenses is a simple way we can boost the economy,” Grassley said. “These resources will unlock good-paying jobs, address labor shortages in the trucking industry and streamline supply chain operations. I’ve seen firsthand the efficacy of commercial driver’s license programs in Iowa and am confident our community colleges will use this federal investment to build on their proven successes.”
The largest grant ($132,375) will go to Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo. Other recipients include Western Iowa Tech Community College ($131,000) in Sioux City, Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny ($127,400) and Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge ($119,000).
In northern Des Moines, DMACC is constructing an 8,600-square-foot transportation institute, which will nearly double its CDL enrollment capacity. The facility, set to open in 2025, will include classrooms, a three-story inspection bay and study area. DMACC President Rob Denson, a CDL holder who drove trucks to pay for his college education, said the institute will significantly increase its pool of new drivers once the facility is complete next year.
“Trained truck drivers are in extremely high demand and our DMACC Transportation Institute graduates are finding themselves more valued than ever in today’s job market,” Denson said. “Recruiters from both local and over-the-road companies visit us weekly and many students obtain jobs even before they graduate.”
In Texas, the South Dallas Driving Academy is offering two training programs aimed at providing opportunities to individuals in underserved communities; a Class A license training program with CDL Connection Dallas, and an accelerated Class C license program in cooperation with Dallas College. SDDA President Von Minor told Transport Topics, “[Our] mission is to break through the critical systemic barrier of driver’s license access in underserved communities.”
Danny George, a participant in SDDA's pilot cohort gets into the driver's seat of a commercial tractor for the first time. (SDDA)
The Trucking Cares Foundation, ATA’s charitable arm, donated $20,000 to SDDA in November 2023, following a $15,000 seed grant in 2021. SDDA provides free CDL training to low-income teens and young adults.
Minor emphasized that SDDA aims to expand its network of trucking industry partners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to help address a driver shortage in the region. The organization seeks companies offering opportunities for dispatchers, service writers, technicians and drivers to help create career pathways for program graduates.
Since May, SDDA has trained 103 Class C students and aims for 15 Class A participants this year. In 2025, the program plans to train 40 Class A and 100 Class C drivers.
In Nevada, five-week CDL classes are also being expanded at Western Nevada College in Carson City. The public community college is now offering CDL training five days per week instead of the previous three days. The school has also partnered with a local healthcare laboratory to help get CDL students behind the wheel faster by providing pre-admission DOT physicals and drug screenings.
In Kentucky, Gateway Community & Technical College’s Workforce Solutions program has launched its first evening CDL instruction for Class A licenses.
“This is a really exciting opportunity for individuals who are looking to break into the transportation industry,” said Ressie Hall, Gateway’s Workforce Solutions operations director. “Our new evening CDL class will allow students to pursue their dreams without disrupting their current daytime obligations. We look forward to helping our students succeed and thrive in their future careers.”
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