Alabama Colleges Prepare Truck Drivers for their Careers

The logistics industry continues to grow each year. More product means more trucking and more trucking means more drivers. This rise in the need for drivers combined with the fast rate of retiring drivers is leading to a driver shortage in the industry. Alabama technical and community colleges are meeting this growing need.

Driver Training Programs

Several programs are offering driving courses. Some of these courses are as short as four weeks. The ACCS Innovation Center is a division of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) that provides fast programs for in-demand technical jobs. ACCS training programs are non-credit and industry recognized. Some of the transportation courses offered include:

Excavator Operator
Bulldozer Operator
CDL Class A
CDL Class B
Roller Operator
Skid Steer Operator
School Bus Endorsement

New drivers entering the field are an essential component to bridging the gap in driver needs. ACCS Innovation Center is attractive for many students because of the quick nature of the training and the flexibility to be home each night with their family. Additionally, most trucking industry jobs pay weekly and provide opportunities for overtime work. The ACCS is headquartered in Decatur, Alabama but operates in several locations throughout the state.

The truck driving training opportunities provided by Alabama colleges and community colleges vary. From degree programs to certification courses to rapid non-credit training, becoming a CDL Class A or B driver is possible for those who require a flexible schedule. Alabama provides varying truck driving resources to enhance current driving licenses or to help a new driver get started.

Local Truck Driving School Contributes to Preparation of Individuals for the Truck Driving Industry

Southern Union State Community College is a local school that offers a truck driver training program. The training program is short-term and provides lessons on driving, personal safety, and preparation for the Alabama CDL skills test.

The basic goals of the truck driver training program include:

Personal safety (during training activities)
Learning how to drive safely (avoiding accidents)
Learning how to drive legally (how to comply with Motor Carrier laws and regulations)
Learning how to drive efficiently (how to get maximum fuel mileage and avoid excess wear and tear on vehicle parts)
Preparation for the Alabama CDL skills test (pre-trip, basic control, road test)
Preparation for the workplace (employment in the field)

PTP Transport is proud to frequently visit Southern Union to talk about truck driving job opportunities and the benefits of working with PTP Transport.

Driving for PTP

PTP Transport values the hard-working drivers who keep the logistics industry running. PTP is proud to hire and support drivers through a myriad of benefits. Benefits include dental, and healthcare provided for drivers. Additionally, PTP recognizes the need for nightly or weekly at-home resets and family time which is why we work with our driver’s schedules to allow them home time as often as possible. Weekly pay, sign-on bonuses and paid vacation time are also benefits of joining the PTP team. PTP strives to make the hiring process easy and quick which is why we offer online orientation complete with equipment requirements and safety tips. After orientation, new drivers are emailed a packet to complete and return. Then it’s time to get to work!

To learn about driving for PTP, visit the driver application on our website.