NGT Blog

NGT-Blog-driver-simulation

How Driving Simulators Are Transforming CDL Training and Preparing the Next Generation of Drivers

The Future of CDL Training Is Technology Driven The trucking industry is evolving rapidly, and driver training programs are adapting to meet the needs of a modern workforce. In a

NGT-student-of-the-month

🌟 March Student of the Month: Abigail Simpson

Toledo Public Schools | Truck Driver Training Program Abigail’s passion for trucking started long before she entered the classroom. Growing up in a family connected to transportation, she learned early

key-oil-safety

Key Oil: Building a Safety Culture That Attracts the Next Generation

At the Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT), we believe safety, leadership, and opportunity go hand in hand. In a recent episode of NGT Talks, I had the pleasure of

Will-2026-Be-a-Continuation-of-the-Freight-Groundhog-Day-or-is-a-Tomorrow-on-the-Horizon

Will 2026 Be a Continuation of the ā€œFreight Groundhog Dayā€ or is a ā€˜Tomorrow’ on the Horizon?

By: Thom Albrecht – Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners For small and mid-sized motor carriers, especially those with a fair amount of dependenceupon freight brokers and the overall spot

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🌟 February Student of the Month: Brenden Siebert

Bridging Communities Regional Career & Technical Center in New Kent, VA | Instructor: Charlie Robertson | Diesel Technician šŸ”§ A Passion for Power and Performance From a young age, Brenden

train-the-trainer-cdl

How to Avoid the Trials and Tribulations of a First-Year Teacher in Career & Technical Education

Were there misconceptions on my part about what it meant to be an educator in my first year? Undeniably. Unequivocally. Yes. Unknowingly, I based everything I thought I knew about

Fastenal-building-the-workforce-next-generation

Building the Workforce from the Inside Out: How Fastenal Invests in People, Schools, and the Next Generation

Workforce development doesn’t always start with a perfect plan—it often starts with opportunity, strong culture, and a company willing to invest in people. On a recent episode of NGT Talks,

NGT-Ancora-CDL-training-blog

Training the Next Generation: How Ancora Education Is Building Career-Ready Talent

On this episode of NextGen Talks, I sat down with Natalie Williams of Ancora Education to discuss how workforce training partnerships are shaping the future of trucking and skilled trades.

NGT-student-of-the-month-highschool-cdl

🌟   January Student of the Month: Marcus David Almodovar

Patterson High School | Truck Driver Training Program The Next Generation in Trucking Association is proud to recognize Marcus David Almodovar, a senior at Patterson High School, as our January

Nextgen-Blog-Diesel-queen

Meet the Diesel Queen: Why More Young Women Should Consider a Career as a Diesel Technician

When you think of a diesel technician, what image comes to mind? For many people — especially parents and students exploring career pathways — the mental picture is still a

NGT-student-of-the-month-highschool-cdl

Celebrating December Student of the Month: Brooklyn Tucker

Toledo Public Schools – CDL A ProgramInstructor: Jeffrey Cole The Next Generation in Trucking Association is proud to recognize Brooklyn Tucker as our December Student of the Month! Brooklyn is an exceptional

Next-Generation-of-Diesel-Technicians-A-Conversation-with-Lincoln-Tech

Preparing the Next Generation of Diesel Technicians: A Conversation with Lincoln Tech CEO Scott Shaw

On this episode of NextGen Talks, I sat down with Scott Shaw, President & CEO of Lincoln Technical Institute, to discuss the future of skilled trades, diesel technology education, and

future-farmers-of-america-blog

Update from the National FFA Convention

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share a brief update from the National FFA Convention, and what a remarkable week it was. We had a very successful year

Nextgen-trucking-student-of-the-month

🌟 November Student of the Month Spotlight: Isaac Pickel

Parke Heritage High School – Rockville, Indiana Parke Heritage High School is shaping the future of transportation one student at a time. Their CDL program, launched in January 2023 through

Vocational-Branding-blog

AUDIENCE-CENTERED APPROACH CAN GROW DRIVER RANKS

Subhead: Vocational Branding by David Zelnio SHRM-CP As pressure mounts on companies to recruit people for essential jobs like trucking, a few organizations have emerged to champion these professions. Health

NGT-student-of-the-month

šŸŽ‰ October Student of the Month: Victor Calderon

Patterson High School – Patterson, CaliforniaInstructor: Dave Dein Victor Calderon has been named the Next Generation in Trucking Student of the Month for October! Victor is part of the innovative

Investing-in-the-Next-Generation-How-Employers-Schools-Can-Build-Real-Early-Talent-Pipeline

Investing in the Next Generation: How Employers and Schools Can Build a Real Early-Talent Pipeline

Quick take We’re in a long-term workforce predicament, not a short-term problem: fewer young people are entering the labor force while experienced workers retire. If industries keep competing for the

Young-Drivers-Rich-Insights-into-Important-Issues

Young Drivers: Rich Insights into Important Issues

Bradley R Fulton, PhD Director, Research and Analytics If a carrier wants to understand their drivers’ feelings about work-related issues, they need to ask. The most efficient and effective method

Garner Trucking apprentice driver Jacob Szabo and his mother meet with legislators during TCA’s Call on Washington to discuss opportunities for young drivers.

šŸš›Ā CREATING CAREER PATHWAYS: Opening the Road for 18-Year-Old Drivers

Garner Trucking apprentice driver Jacob Szabo and his mother meet with legislators during TCA’s Call on Washington to discuss opportunities for young drivers.
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Building the Next Generation of Diesel Technicians with J&M Tank Lines

The trucking industry doesn’t move without diesel technicians. Yet across the country, shops are facing a growing shortage of skilled mechanics, with an aging workforce and not enough young people

NGT-student-of-the-month-highschool-cdl

🌟 Student of the Month – September 2025

Congratulations to Trentyn Baker, Nelson County Area Technology CenterTeacher: Scott Thompson, Heavy Equipment Sciences & ELDT Instructor The Next Generation in Trucking is proud to recognize Trentyn Baker as our

Annoucing-the-Grand-Champions-NEXT-Top-Talent-Award.pdf

Next Generation in Trucking announces Grand Champions and 56 finalists of NEXT Top Talent Award recognizing and celebrating professional drivers and diesel techs under the age of 30

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 — The Next Generation in Trucking Association proudly announces the winners and finalists of the inaugural 2025 NEXT Top Talent Award, a national recognition

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Growing the Next Generation of Supply Chain Leaders: A Conversation with Dr. Gina Smith

At NextGen Talks, we shine a light on the people, schools, and companies shaping the future of trucking and logistics. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement to inspire, connect,

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Gen Z in Trucking: Addison’s Journey from ā€œNo Experienceā€ to Industry Leader

At the Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT), we’re passionate about showcasing how young professionals are shaping the future of our industry. On a recent episode of NGT Talks, we

Bill-Rohr-Kelly-Anderson-group

A Career in Truck Driving: CDL Education and Professional Driving

Starting Your Journey: CDL Education and Professional Driving The journey to becoming a professional truck driver begins with thorough education and preparation for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Programs

Next Top Talent Award

šŸš› Introducing the NEXT Top Talent Award: Celebrating the Future of Trucking

The future of trucking depends on the next generation. With an aging workforce and a growing demand for skilled Building on a Culture of Recognition At Next Gen Trucking, we

AnthonySimms -LincolnTech

August Student of the Month – Anthony Simms

Diesel Technology Student, Lincoln Technical Institute – East Windsor, Connecticut We’re proud to recognize Anthony Simms as our Student of the Month! Anthony’s passion, leadership, and commitment to learning make

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Failing Forward: How Nicole Ward is Breaking Barriers and Rebuilding Trucking Through AAWTA

At NGT Talks, we love spotlighting leaders who are reshaping the future of trucking. Our recent guest, Nicole Ward, founder of the African American Women in Trucking Association —also known

shaping-futures-through-manifacturing-mentorship

Shaping Futures Through Manufacturing and Mentorship: A Conversation with Bryan Boyd from Hendrickson

At the Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT), we believe powerful stories can drive industry-wide change—and Bryan Boyd’s career journey is a perfect example. Recently, we caught up with Bryan,

next top talent award

šŸš› Introducing the NEXT Top Talent Award: Celebrating the Future of Trucking

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is proud to launch the NEXT Top Talent Award, a new national recognition program honoring the rising stars of our industry—exceptional drivers and diesel

Beyondthecabpodcast

Investing in the Future of Trucking: Garner Trucking’s Mission Beyond the Cab

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

Dave Dein Frito Lay

The Teacher Becomes the Student

Although I have been involved in trucking for the past 37 years, I can easily say I have never been as excited about this industry as I am right now. 

Lindsey and Melanie

Driving the Future of Trucking: A Conversation with Melanie Simard of ISAAC Instruments

Before we dive into today’s topic, I want to extend a big thank you to our sponsors—true NextGen Trucking Advocates. Shoutout to Averitt, DHL, Fusion Now, Gordon Food Service, and

Train The Trainer

Empowering the Next Generation of Instructors

It was an amazing honor to host the Next Gen in Trucking Train the Trainer event at Patterson High School on June 2-3. This year, 15 participants represented nine states

June Student of the Month

Rayden Peters, June 2025 Student of the Month

What inspired you to pursue a career in trucking? I wanted to explore job opportunities in the military and find a role that involves travel. What has been your favorite

Downtime-Claims-NextGen-Trucking

Downtime: The Hidden Obstacle Facing New-Age Truckers

By Olivia Clark If your truck is sidelined because of someone else’s negligence, you need to know your rights and how to protect your income. In many states, the law

Truck-Driver-Shortage-NGT

Replicating the Mission

As we prepare for the upcoming Next Generation in Trucking Train the Trainer event in June, I can’t help to feel a sense of gratitude. When we started the PHS

Amelia Morgan May Student of the Month

šŸŽ‰ NGT Student of the Month – May 2025: Amelia Morgan Connell High School | Connell, WA

Meet Amelia Morgan, a standout student from Connell High School whose passion for trucking is driven by her love of the open road and her future in agriculture. šŸš› What

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Celebrating the Companies Shaping Trucking’s Future

I’m so excited to share that we’ve launched our very first Career Catalyst Awards — and this year, we’re celebrating 16 incredible fleets that are helping build the future of

Students from PHS

It Takes a Village

It is an honor and privilege to work with the Next Generation in Trucking and the Patterson High School program is very fortunate to have individuals and companies that share

Career Catalyst Award Winners

16 Trucking Fleets Honored for Paving Career Paths for the Next GenerationĀ 

Next Generation in Trucking Association Announces 2025 Career Catalyst Award Winners  In a powerful move toward building a sustainable and younger trucking workforce, the Next Generation in Trucking Association has

Student Driver of the Month – April 2025

Congratulations to Jami Garson, our April Student Driver of the Month! A student at Eastern Wyoming Community College, Jami is currently enrolled in the CDL program under the instruction of

Transition Trucking Awards

Nominations Now Open for the 2025 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award

Do you know a veteran who has successfully transitioned into a trucking career? Nominations are now open through June 24, 2025 at transitiontrucking.org. Honoring Our Heroes Behind the Wheel: The

NGT at MATS

Next Gen Trucking Brings the Next Generation to MATS

The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) was more than a trade show—it was a launching pad for future careers. This year, nearly 600 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students attended MATS

Dave Dein Presenting

Train the Trainer – Preparing the Next Generation of Instructors and Drivers

Next Generation in Trucking (NGT is proud to host our upcoming Train the Trainer event on June 2–3 at Patterson High School in Patterson, California, led by nationally recognized educator

NGT at CTE

CTE Continues to Gain Traction

Having just returned from the Educating for Careers Conference in Sacramento, California it was amazing to see the momentum being carried into the CTE sector. In just a few years

Ben- March Student of the Month

We’re thrilled to announce that Ben Marshall from Nelson County ATC is our March CDL Student of the Month!

Under the guidance of his instructor, Scott Thompson, Ben has excelled in the Entry-Level Driver Training Program, demonstrating both exceptional academic performance and hands-on skills. He embodies the qualities of

Students at Career Fair

Investing in the Future: The ROI of Early Talent Development

The trucking industry is facing a workforce crisis—Baby Boomers are retiring, birth rates are declining, and too many young people are unaware of the high-wage, high-demand careers available in trucking

Noah Lucas earned his CDL license shortly after graduating from high school in 2024.

From High School to the Driver’s Seat: How One Graduate Fast-Tracked His Future with a CDL

During a Freshman Focus event at Page County High in spring 2024, Noah met FastForward career coach Lisa Heiser. Last spring was the first time Workforce Solutions participated in Freshman
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From Student to Successful Entrepreneur

After graduating from the Patterson High School (PHS) Trucking Program, Ricardo Jimenez launched his own trucking company while attending the University of California, Merced. By his junior year, he expanded
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Stories of Impact and Perseverance: Announcing Our Student of the Month Series

Drew, a student at Parke Heritage High School, exemplifies the transformative impact of our mission. Recently, Drew was offered a job with a national trucking company in Kentucky—even before obtaining