DALLAS — Dallas College and Goodwill Industries of Dallas are partnering with FleetForce Truck Driver Training to boost the school’s Entry-Level Truck Driver (ELDT) CDL program.
“A strong North Texas economy depends on a skilled workforce and meaningful opportunities for all,” said Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins, vice chancellor of workforce and continuing Education at Dallas College. “Through our partnership with FleetForce, Dallas College is strengthening the transportation and logistics talent pipeline while opening pathways to life-changing careers for our students.”
Using existing entry-level driver training infrastructure at Goodwill Dallas, licensed FleetForce instructors will offer classroom instruction and hands-on training to prepare future drivers to earn a Class A, B or C commercial driver’s license. The expansion marks FleetForce’s 17th U.S. location and its first in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
A Growing Need
According to joint press release, current job listings show more than 6,100 open truck driver positions in Dallas alone, including 2,600 intermodal driver jobs and 1,400 distribution driver jobs, plus hundreds of other logistics and support positions in the greater Fort Worth area. In addition, CDL-A truck drivers represent the city’s top job-opening category with 1,831 openings and are the highest-paying certification listed for job seekers with only a high school diploma. The partnership launch coincides with FleetForce’s Next10,000 campaign, which runs through the end of the year and guarantees every qualified FleetForce student an interview with one of the nation’s largest full-load truck carriers.
“Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the country’s largest freight and logistics markets, and there is visible, active demand for truck drivers here right now,” said Tra Williams, president, FleetForce. “Our goal as a company has always been to help aspiring drivers launch rewarding careers while equipping this vital industry with safe, skillful, reliable drivers. Dallas is the perfect place to do that, and Dallas College and Goodwill’s existing infrastructure enables us to hit the ground running while offering tremendous job opportunities immediately.”
A Direct Route to Stable Employment
“Cost, time and access keep too many people from the training that leads to a stable career. This partnership removes those obstacles,” said Tim Heis, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Dallas. “By pairing Goodwill’s training facilities and support services with Dallas College’s academic strength and FleetForce’s industry expertise, we’re giving North Texans a direct route to careers that pay well and are in demand right now. It’s what the Goodwill and Workforce Dallas Pathways to Placement initiative is all about: the right people at the table, working toward the same outcome.”
Due to its central location and expansive transportation network, Dallas-Fort Worth is an anchor for the U.S. supply chain, affecting virtually every industry. Additionally, the intersection of air, rail and road networks has made the region an exceptionally efficient intermodal hub for businesses. Students who earn their CDL certification at Dallas College will step into the job market in a busy distribution zone for retailers, manufacturers and third-party logistics providers managing high-volume freight.
“The average salary for an over-the-road truck driver is $75,144,” the release said. “In addition to high-paying careers, FleetForce graduates often receive health care and retirement benefits, paid vacation, and more. Job placement opportunities are often available through its Pre-Hire program—a network of trusted employer partners—and through separate partnerships with nationally recognized businesses to train existing teams through customized CDL programs.”
Interested students or businesses can enroll here or calling 469-580-0675. Click here to see other training options from FleetForce.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe.
