DALLAS — The Commercial Vehicle Training Association’s (CVTA) 2024 Spring Conference kicked off Wednesday, May 1, in Dallas. The CVTA, which represents commercial truck driver training programs across the U.S., works to advocate policies that enhance safety in trucking and help those looking to enter the industry obtain the necessary education.
Wednesday’s events included a golf tournament at Buffalo Creek Golf Club, followed by a Roundtable and Townhall Member Discussion. The day closed out with an evening welcome reception for attendees.
On Thursday, the day began with breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by a business meeting led by CVTA Chairman Danny Bradford and Executive Director Andrew Poliakoff.
At 9 a.m., attendees heard a presentation by Philip Thomas, deputy associate administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Office of Safety. Following this, Clay Aaron, president of Stevens Transport, and Eric Downing, COO for Werner Enterprises, will leda panel discussion.
Rounding out Thursday morning’s lineup, Jim Ward, president of the Truckload Carriers Association, spoke at 10:45 a.m., followed by Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of Women In Trucking.
Thursday afternoon will feature a panel discussion about artificial intelligence and recruiting; panelists include Lance Britton, vice president of innovation at Conversion Interactive; Jessica Hughes, director of sales at Tenstreet; and Kenny Wright, founder and CEO of HireMasterAI.
At 9 a.m. on Friday, May 3, the final day of the conference, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, will speak. At 9:30 a.m., Alex Rose, vice president of advocacy at the American Trucking Associations will give a legislative update.
The conference’s final event begins at 10:30 a.m. with an ELDT task force panel featuring Patrick Nemons from the FMCSA’s Office of Safety Programs.
CVTA is the largest association of truck driver training programs in the U.S. CVTA members represent over 400 training locations in 46 states and train over 100,000 entry-level drivers each year.
Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and raised in East Texas, John Worthen returned to his home state to attend college in 1998 and decided to make his life in The Natural State. Worthen is a 20-year veteran of the journalism industry and has covered just about every topic there is. He has a passion for writing and telling stories. He has worked as a beat reporter and bureau chief for a statewide newspaper and as managing editor of a regional newspaper in Arkansas. Additionally, Worthen has been a prolific freelance journalist for two decades, and has been published in several travel magazines and on travel websites.
