Building the Next Generation of Trucking Leaders Through Collaboration
Key Highlights
- Industry partnerships are crucial for tackling workforce shortages and developing future trucking leaders.
- Descartes is enhancing last-mile delivery with tools that improve efficiency, visibility, and growth in distribution networks.
- NextGen Trucking focuses on education and community engagement to create sustainable career pathways for young talent.
- Combining operational skills with digital literacy is essential for success in today’s data-driven supply chains.
- Collaborative efforts between companies, educators, and communities are shaping the future of transportation workforce development.
In this QuickChat, Kevin Jones, content director of Fleet Owner, talks with Cyndi Brandt, Vice President of Fleet Solutions at Descartes, and Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of NextGen Trucking, about how industry partnerships are shaping the transportation industry talent pipeline. Together, they highlight innovative approaches to tackling the workforce shortage and ensuring the next generation of leaders in trucking and logistics.
Brandt shares how Descartes is raising the bar in last-mile delivery management, providing tools and platforms designed to boost efficiency, visibility, and growth across distribution networks. She emphasizes the importance of equipping companies with the right talent — professionals who can combine operational know-how with digital skills — to thrive in today’s data-driven supply chains.
Trent introduces the mission of NextGen Trucking: building awareness of trucking industry workforce development among students, schools, and communities. From launching CDL and diesel mechanic training programs in high schools to creating logistics career pathways for students, NextGen Trucking connects young talent with employers while celebrating emerging professionals through recognition initiatives.
This conversation delivers valuable insights for educators, employers, and anyone committed to advancing trucking careers. Don’t miss the full QuickChat to learn how collaboration is driving solutions for the future of transportation.