Freightliner Advocating for Trucking Careers
Freightliner is encouraging its Team Run Smart ambassadors to promote careers in trucking.
The Daimler Trucks North America division believes that education can attract and retain the much-needed new drivers. Currently, the average age of a commercial truck driver is 55 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unfortunately, many young individuals shy away from professional driving due to low salaries and extended periods away from home. The American Trucking Associations forecasts that the industry might face a shortage of 175,000 drivers by 2026.
“We appreciate Freightliner’s willingness to highlight career opportunities for professional truck drivers,” stated Brent Nussbaum, CEO of Nussbaum Transportation.
Team Run Smart: A Platform for Owner-Operators
Established in 2012, Team Run Smart provides owner-operators with a platform for sharing information. Mike McHorse, Freightliner’s director of channel marketing, noted that it currently has 60,000 members.
Key sections of the online community include:
- TruckSmart: Focused on efficient, safe, and profitable truck operations.
- BusinessSmart: Offers resources on the business aspects of trucking.
- LiveSmart: Promotes healthy lifestyles both on the road and at home.
Introducing CareerSmart
The new CareerSmart section is not geared toward direct recruitment, according to Jimmy Nevarez, owner of Argus Trucking in Chino, California. Nevarez affirmed, “We’re not cheerleading for any specific company. CareerSmart is a way to enhance the overall image of trucking.”
Team Run Smart Pros
The esteemed Team Run Smart ambassadors include:
- Henry Albert, an independent trucker from Laredo, Texas
- Clark Reed, a driver for Nussbaum based in Hudson, Illinois
- David Morreau, a driver for Holland Transportation, part of YRC Worldwide in Romulus, Michigan
- Linda and Bob Caffee, who drive for Landstar System Inc.
Industry Engagement
The ambassadors actively participate in industry trade shows, such as the upcoming 40th annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree. This event, held at the world’s largest truck stop, will take place from Thursday, July 11 to Saturday, July 13.
