The trucking industry touches nearly every part of daily life, yet many people rarely think about it as a career. Trucks move the goods that keep our economy running, but unless someone has a personal connection to the industry, trucking often remains invisible as a career option. In a recent episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent sat down with John Hausladen, President of the Minnesota Trucking Association, to discuss how associations and companies can work together to change that.
For more than 30 years, Hausladen has led the Minnesota Trucking Association, advocating for trucking companies and supporting the people who make the industry work. Over that time, he has seen the deep pride and commitment that trucking companies—many of them family-owned—bring to their work and their communities. When a company’s name is on the side of a truck, it represents more than a business; it reflects the people behind the wheel, the families who run the company, and the communities they serve.
Why Seeing the Truck Matters
One of the biggest challenges in workforce development is that many people simply don’t know what trucking is really like. The public generally views truck drivers positively and understands how essential trucking is, but they often lack a clear picture of what the career actually involves. That’s why exposure matters.
Hausladen shared that one of the most powerful things the industry can do is simply open the truck door and invite people in. When someone climbs into the cab, sees the technology, and understands how the job works, their perception changes instantly. The truck itself becomes a powerful recruiting tool.
Even simple moments can spark interest. Taking a photo of a student sitting behind the wheel or letting someone experience the cab firsthand can make trucking feel real and exciting. These small experiences help young people picture themselves in the role—and sometimes that’s all it takes to plant the seed of a future career.
Creating Experiences That Change Perceptions
The Minnesota Trucking Association has found creative ways to give people these experiences. One example is a program where legislators ride in a truck through their own districts. During the ride, drivers explain safety technology, fuel efficiency, and the day-to-day realities of operating a commercial vehicle.
These one-hour rides provide far more insight than a presentation ever could. Legislators see the road from a driver’s perspective, understand the challenges drivers face, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the profession. Experiences like this help build stronger relationships between the industry and policymakers while also highlighting the professionalism and skill involved in trucking.
Helping Companies Connect with Schools
Recognizing that companies often lack the time and resources to coordinate outreach themselves, the Minnesota Trucking Association developed a Youth Engagement Toolkit to make it easier for fleets and dealers to get involved with schools.
The toolkit provides templates and guidance for activities such as classroom presentations, career fairs, job shadow programs, and community events where companies can bring a truck for students to explore. By providing a clear framework, the toolkit helps companies participate in workforce outreach without having to start from scratch.
The goal is simple: make it easier for trucking professionals to show up, share their story, and let students see the truck up close. VIDEO
Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders
Beyond student outreach, the association is also investing in the industry’s future through its Next Leader program, a year-long leadership development initiative for emerging professionals in trucking. Participants engage in leadership training, communication assessments, financial education, and industry field experiences, all tailored specifically to trucking.
The program not only develops leadership skills but also builds a strong network among participants. Many graduates return to their companies with new confidence, stronger communication skills, and a clearer understanding of the industry’s broader challenges and opportunities.
The Power of One Experience
At the heart of the conversation was a simple but powerful idea: sometimes all it takes is one experience to inspire someone to pursue a career in trucking. A classroom visit, a truck at a career fair, or a short ride along can open someone’s eyes to opportunities they never considered before.
For associations, fleets, and industry leaders, the message is clear. If we want the next generation to see trucking as a career, we have to invite them in—literally. Open the door, let them climb in the cab, and show them what trucking is really about.
Because sometimes, one truck ride really can change everything. 🚛
