This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett interviews Martin Garsee about the realities of truck driver training, the mission of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS), and the evolving landscape of industry regulations. The discussion covers training program structures, student recruitment, job placement, lifestyle challenges for drivers, the importance of professionalism and customer service, and adapting to new rules like English proficiency and automatic transmissions. Key takeaways include the value of networking in education, the need for realistic career expectations, the critical role of thorough, ongoing training for both new and experienced truck drivers, and so much more.
Key topics in today’s conversation include:
- Welcome to Today’s Episode and Thank You to Sponsors (0:58)
- Martin Shares His Background and Experience (4:46)
- Discussing the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (9:17)
- Explaining Recruitment and Student Advertising Approaches 14:13)
- Truck Driver Training Program Structure and Classroom Details (17:08)
- Challenges of Over-the-Road Versus Local Trucking Work (19:21)
- Turnover and Misconceptions in the Trucking Industry (21:02)
- New Government Regulations and English Language Rules (25:21)
- The Impact of Regulations on Training and Industry Operations (29:55)
- Job Placement, Recruiters, and Company Training Partnerships (31:18)
- Realities and Stages of Early Career Truck Drivers (35:06)
- Importance of Professionalism and Personal Appearance (37:36)
- Customer Service and Working With Clients in Trucking (40:06)
- Shift to Automatic Transmissions in Trucking Programs (42:07)
- How to Get Involved and Contact Information for Martin and Associations (44:42)
Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.