In a world where headlines often focus on trucking’s challenges—driver shortages, regulatory shifts, and evolving technologies—some companies are rewriting the narrative with innovation, vision, and heart. Garner Trucking, led by President and CEO Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, is one of them.
On a recent episode of Beyond the Cab, Sherri sat down with Lindsey Trent, Co-Founder and President of the Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT), to talk about workforce development, youth engagement, and the future of the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP). Garner Trucking was honored with NGT’s inaugural Career Catalyst Award, presented to just 16 fleets nationwide for their outstanding efforts in building pathways for young professionals in trucking.
Grassroots to Game-Changer: The Vision Behind NGT
Since its founding in 2020, the Next Generation in Trucking Association has been laser-focused on solving a critical problem: how to attract, train, and retain young talent in the trucking industry. What began as a volunteer-led grassroots movement quickly evolved into a national nonprofit working with schools to start CDL, diesel technician, and supply chain programs.
“Our mission isn’t just about awareness,” Lindsey shared. “It’s about creating real career pathways—and celebrating companies that are making an impact.”
That’s where the Career Catalyst Award comes in: recognizing companies that go beyond hiring and actively invest in the next generation through apprenticeships, mentorships, and community engagement.
Garner’s Apprenticeship Model: Where Passion Meets Opportunity
Garner Trucking has long been committed to hiring and training new drivers straight out of school, but their involvement in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program has taken that commitment to the next level.
With six graduates of the SDAP program—out of only about 30 nationally—Garner’s program stands out. These young drivers, many just 19 or 20 years old, aren’t just getting jobs—they’re building lives. “They’re buying cars and homes. They’re supporting themselves. Their parents are proud,” Sherri said. “And our team loves working with them.”
It’s a testament to the power of hands-on training, strong mentorship, and belief in the potential of young adults. As Sherri noted, “These aren’t ‘kids.’ They’re young professionals with drive, determination, and a hunger to learn.”
A Call to Action for the Industry
Despite the SDAP program’s success stories, Sherri and Lindsey both expressed frustration with its underutilization—only 59 carriers are currently approved, far short of the 1,000 originally targeted. With tens of thousands of drivers retiring each year, the urgency is real.
“This is our chance to do something about the driver shortage,” Sherri said. “If we don’t support programs like SDAP, we’re missing a huge opportunity.”
She emphasized that the pilot is not about putting every 18-year-old behind the wheel—it’s about identifying the right young people, training them well, and giving them the tools to succeed safely.
The Role of Innovation: Simulators, Gamification & Tech
Both Lindsey and Sherri stressed the importance of meeting Gen Z where they are—with hands-on, gamified, and tech-driven learning experiences. From using simulators at career fairs to pushing for driver’s ed in schools, the goal is to spark interest early and make training accessible.
“Young people today are amazing with technology,” Lindsey said. “If we give them tools to learn and succeed, they will rise to the challenge.”
What’s Next for the Career Catalyst Award?
NGT plans to expand its recognition program, including a new award this fall for top talent under 30 in driving and technician roles. Companies will be able to nominate standout young professionals to highlight the faces shaping the future of trucking.
Final Thoughts
The message is clear: trucking’s future depends on what we do now. Companies like Garner Trucking, and leaders like Sherri and Lindsey, are showing what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
As Sherri put it, “We shouldn’t be competing on this—we should be working together to build up our entire industry.”
And that’s exactly what they’re doing—one apprentice, one program, and one award at a time.
