From childhood excitement to teen apathy to discouraging young people to even enter trucking, we can’t let the next generation of drivers slip away
Where does the disconnect occur between a child’s excitement of trucks and truckers, teens who have become somewhat apathetic to trucking, and our professional drivers who say they discourage their kids from entering trucking in any way? Here’s what drivers recently told me about their experiences — and steps we can take to bridge the appreciation and satisfaction gap they feel.
In trucking’s talent tug of war, these fleets keep pushing the standard of what a truck driving job can be
I had the immense pleasure earlier this month of delivering the keynote address to kick off this year’s National Private Truck Council’s Annual Conference & Exhibition. Here are three takeaways from the event that have stuck with me and that I wanted to share, as I feel there are lessons we can all learn, whether we operate a private or for-hire fleet.
NTI turns 30! Celebrating three decades of serving fleets, customers, partnerships, and trucking, and in connecting with drivers, diesel techs, and hard-working pros across the industry
2025 marks a significant milestone for The National Transportation Institute: Founded in 1995, NTI this year is celebrating 30 years of growth, innovation, dedication, and service to the greatest industry in America and the hard-working professionals across trucking who keep our society moving and thriving.
5 in 5: Here are five things I’ve learned from drivers in five years on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking to bolster your fleet’s retention efforts
As a host on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio, where NTI President & CEO Leah Shaver has had the privilege over the past five years to talk to and connect with thousands of drivers — and to connect with thousands more via social media centered around my Payday! With Leah Shaver monthly show — and had a front-row seat to dig deep into understanding drivers’ perspectives and how we as HR leaders in trucking can lead with empathy and understanding based around those connections. As she recently celebrated her fifth anniversary on air on Road Dog Trucking, Leah reflects on five lessons she’s learned from drivers that can help propel fleets’ recruiting and retention programs.
Beyond ‘turning the dollar’: Reflecting on hope and connection in business, life, and trucking
In trucking, these themes are so relevant, too, not only in the annual holiday season, but throughout the year every year, and especially in this tough economic season we’ve been in over the past two years.
From financial check-ins to health and safety, here’s how your fleet can go above and beyond to help your drivers prepare for the road ahead
After experiencing two hurricanes this month as a resident of Florida and hearing stories of truck drivers stranded by the same storms in North Carolina, Georgia, and my own state, planning and preparation are on my mind lately.
Appreciation week, or all year? Here’s how we can all elevate drivers and techs experience and satisfaction for lasting impact
With NTDAW and NTAW here, I urge you to make these weeks a time to reflect on how your fleet engages and supports your drivers and technicians year-round. While planning your celebrations, keep these tips in mind to make your appreciation efforts more meaningful.
‘Remember we’re humans’: Why mental health check-ins matter to your fleet
Despite the often relentless pace of the trucking industry, it’s essential to take the time to let your employees know you care about their mental health and you are there to support them.
Find the sweet spot to support your IC drivers so they don’t just survive, they thrive
Independent contractors with the right support and services at their fingertips don’t fear the current market. They’re not rolling in the dough, but they’re also not shaking in their boots and fretting about losing their trucks, their business, and their livelihoods. Here are a few ways your fleet can propel your ICs to thrive while maintaining a proper legal relationship.
Real talk: The one vital element we must get right as an industry for women to join us and excel
This year, for Women’s History Month, we’re focusing on a single topic — likely the most consequential issue for women entering our industry and finding a secure career: Childcare.