The future of trucking depends on the next generation discovering the opportunities available within the industry. In this episode of NGT Talks, we sit down with Hannah Dannecker, an author, public speaker, and transportation advocate who is helping introduce young students to trucking careers through creativity, storytelling, and education. Through her children’s book series, Hannah is showing kids that trucking is more than just trucks on the highway — it is an essential industry filled with skilled professionals who keep our communities moving.
Hannah’s connection to transportation began at an early age. Growing up around her family’s transportation business, she experienced the industry from the inside — attending trade shows, climbing into trucks, and seeing firsthand the people who make the supply chain work. Those experiences shaped her passion for drivers and helped her recognize the importance of sharing the value of transportation careers with future generations.
Her journey into writing began from a desire to solve a larger workforce challenge. Through her work as a speaker discussing Gen Z and career development, Hannah repeatedly heard the same question: How do we introduce young people to opportunities they may never know exist? She realized that career awareness needed to begin much earlier, before students had already narrowed their focus and made decisions about their future paths.
That realization led to the creation of her book series, beginning with Dad the Driver. The book was designed to help children understand the important role drivers play in everyday life. Hannah wanted young readers to recognize that the food they eat, the products they use, and the things they enjoy all depend on professional drivers and transportation workers. By making trucking relatable and exciting, she hopes to change the way children view the industry.
Hannah expanded the series with additional transportation-related careers, including Mom the Plant Manager, while also creating her Dream Job series to help children explore a wide range of career possibilities. Her goal is not just to teach children about individual jobs, but to help them discover their own interests, strengths, and work preferences. She believes that when students understand themselves, they are better equipped to find careers where they can thrive.
During the conversation, Hannah also shared her perspective on attracting Generation Z into trucking and other skilled careers. She explained that today’s young workforce is looking for more than just a paycheck. They want mentorship, connection, growth opportunities, and a clear understanding of why their work matters. For the trucking industry to attract and retain the next generation, employers must focus on building relationships and showing students the impact they can make.
A major theme throughout the discussion was the importance of reaching students before they make career decisions. Hannah emphasized that by the time many students reach high school, they have already been influenced by the careers they see represented around them. If trucking is not part of that conversation early, students may never consider the many opportunities available in transportation.
Through her books and resources, Hannah is helping schools, families, and industry professionals start those conversations. Her books are available through Amazon, and she also provides free resources through her website to help educators and families introduce children to career exploration. By bringing awareness to transportation careers at a young age, Hannah is helping the industry build a stronger, more informed workforce for the future.
The message is clear: if students do not know about trucking careers, they cannot choose them. The transportation industry must continue showing up in classrooms, communities, and conversations with young people. By inspiring curiosity early, we can help create the next generation of skilled professionals who will keep America’s supply chain moving.