By Lindsey Trent, Next Generation in Trucking – June 15, 2026
For years, the trucking industry has wrestled with the same challenge — finding qualified drivers.
While many companies continue searching for experienced CDL holders, a growing group of employers has taken a different approach: Instead of waiting for talent to arrive at their doorstep, they are actively creating it.
These companies are investing in CDL training, apprenticeship programs, mentorship, school partnerships and structured onboarding programs that help individuals enter trucking with little or no experience. They understand that the future workforce will not simply appear. It must be developed.
Several of these employers were recently recognized through the Next Generation in Trucking Association’s Career Catalyst Awards, which honor organizations helping build the next generation of transportation professionals. Their programs offer valuable examples of how carriers can strengthen their workforce while creating life-changing career opportunities for new entrants.