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By Charlotte Smith

In a groundbreaking move to address the nationwide truck driver shortage, two community colleges in North Carolina have joined forces to create a program to fill the gaps in the transportation industry. Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) and Bladen Community College (BCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, a bold initiative set to reshape the future of truck driving education.

According to the American Trucking Association, the United States is currently facing a staggering shortage of approximately 80,000 truck drivers. This gap is not just a mere statistic; it poses a significant challenge to the efficient movement of goods across the country. Mark Sorrells, Ed. D., President of FTCC, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “The need is so large that we had to come together to tackle this issue. We’ve partnered with Bladen and Robeson Community Colleges because the need is large.”

FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells, left, and BCC President Dr. Amanda Lee

To accommodate the rigorous and expensive training required for commercial truck drivers, the colleges are setting up an impressive driving range, poised to be the largest in North Carolina. Stretching across 600 by 900 feet, the driving pad is a $13 million project.

Sorrells stated, “We’re putting a significant driver’s range, probably the largest in North Carolina, right out off of 95, and this partnership will allow students to bring their trucks and use the space to do the maneuvering they need to learn like the 90-degree turns, the backing, and the docking.”

One of the most remarkable aspects of this initiative is the collaboration between FTCC and BCC. Both institutions worked hand in hand to secure funding for the program. “We understand the importance of collaboration,” stated Amanda Lee, Ph.D., President of Bladen Community College. “Pooling our resources and knowledge will create a more robust and effective CDL program.”

The efforts to secure funding for this ambitious project have proven fruitful. A substantial portion of the required funds, a remarkable $10 million, was approved by the General Assembly. Additionally, the colleges secured state grant funds to cover the remaining costs. This significant investment demonstrates the commitment of the community colleges and the state authorities to resolve the pressing driver shortage issue.

The Commercial Driver’s License program is meticulously designed to provide students with comprehensive training to pass the CDL examination successfully. Enrolled participants will delve into crucial topics, including hours of service reporting, pre-trip/post-trip inspections, driving practice, trip planning, and DMV testing. The program aims to ensure students are well-prepared to excel in the competitive commercial truck driving industry.

The CDL program opens doors for aspiring truck drivers, offering a promising career pathway. To enroll in the program, students must be at least 18 years old and obtain a CDL Class “A” permit from their State of licensing. Additionally, applicants must present evidence of a negative drug screening from the last thirty days. Given the high demand for this program, spots are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary of a North Carolina CDL driver is $64,924, with top earners receiving an average of $98,836 yearly.

BCC is also offering part-time teaching positions within the CDL program. If you are interested in the part-time teaching position or have any questions about the program, Mr. David Brisson can be reached via email at dbrisson@bladencc.edu or by phone at 910-879-5611.

With this innovative partnership between FTCC and BCC, the trucking industry is poised for a transformation. The CDL program’s comprehensive training and state-of-the-art simulator and driving range are set to produce a new generation of skilled and confident truck drivers, bridging the critical gap and ensuring a smoother, more efficient flow of goods nationwide.

As these community colleges work together to shape the future of transportation, it serves as a shining example of how collaboration and innovation can address industry challenges. By investing in education and training, they are paving the way for a brighter future for aspiring truck drivers and the entire nation’s economy. The success of this program will likely inspire other regions to follow suit and, collectively, mitigate the truck driver shortage that has long plagued the industry.