BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — New Initiative to Promote Trucking Careers
The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) Foundation has introduced a new initiative aimed at increasing interest in careers within the trucking industry.
Named “Drive the Difference: Trucking Careers, Powered by People,” the program seeks to engage young individuals, their parents, career changers, women, and under-represented groups to explore trucking career opportunities in Minnesota.
This initiative was launched in response to the ongoing challenges faced by MTA members, particularly the continued shortage of drivers and technicians. Minnesota is currently experiencing a deficit of almost 8,000 truck drivers, with the national shortage being ten times larger, as noted in the recent announcement.
A dedicated website for this campaign features details on various trucking jobs, educational resources, and videos showcasing MTA member companies, including testimonials from their drivers and technicians.
The campaign will also maintain an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube, alongside advertisements on platforms like Pandora and Spotify to attract visitors to the new site.
Brent Bois, Chairman of the MTA Foundation from Calhoun Truck Lines, emphasized the campaign’s straightforward objective: “We aim to draw individuals to the site, connect them with training providers, and guide them toward rewarding truck driving and technician positions.”
The Minnesota Trucking Association’s Board of Directors has contributed $110,000 to the foundation to support this extensive multi-year campaign. MTA President John Hausladen remarked, “The association is fortunate to have the resources for crucial industry projects. The board collectively agreed that this initiative addresses a critical need and is an excellent investment of member funds. We anticipate that this campaign will successfully bring skilled individuals into our field, establishing a premier workforce hub with innovative resources and unique Minnesota content. Like the industry itself, we are committed to this campaign for the long run.”
