CPC Logistics has become a member of the Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT). Dedicated to engaging and training the next generation of trucking professionals, the nonprofit trade partners with high schools, community and technical colleges, and private schools to launch training programs around the United States.
“CPC Logistics shares NGT’s mission of promoting truck driving as a positive career field, creating and partnering with programs at educational institutions, and connecting young people to training and employment opportunities,” said CPC President Butch Wallis.
According to the American Trucking Association, an aging workforce of drivers is a major contributor to the ongoing truck driver shortage. Lindsey Trent, NGT president and co-founder, hopes that by partnering with companies like CPC, NGT can help provide a pathway for young people to pursue a well-paying and rewarding career in trucking.
“CPC knows how to attract and retain drivers for their customers, and we are excited to work together on making trucking jobs better for future generations,” Trent said. “CPC is the first driver staffing company to join NGT, and we are proud of our partnership with them. CPC cares about being successful and helping its customers with one of their most important assets: their talent.”
According to Trent, high schools and middle schools need more trucking programs to attract future generations to the industry. She said there are about 3,000 construction programs, 1,200 woodworking programs and 1,400 automotive programs at high schools across the country; however, there are only 185 diesel technician programs and 12 commercial trucking programs.
“CPC’s membership with NGT helps fund resources, programs and relationships with teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, students and organizations like SkillsUSA, Future Farmers of America, American School Counselor Association and the Association for Career and Technical Education,” Trent said. “Without members like CPC, NGT would not be able to represent the trucking industry to these influential groups. Other industries are represented, and we must make sure trucking is, too. Without partnerships like CPC’s, we would not be able to focus on our mission.”
As an NGT member, CPC will benefit in a variety of ways, including:
- Partnerships with career technical education (CTE) programs at secondary and postsecondary schools
- A pipeline of trained truck drivers
- An expanded professional network of peers, experts and providers
- Industry representation across skilled workforce groups, student organizations and career preparatory associations
- Improved understanding of young people in the trucking industry
“We look forward to working with NGT to help create a skilled, diverse and equitable trucking workforce,” Wallis said.