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eNewsletter Vol 13, No. 4 Dec 2025

Deaf driver applicant wins $36 million verdict against trucking company Dolly Clabault, Editor - Human Resources, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

A jury from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that a trucking company violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when it turned down a driver applicant because he was deaf. The jury awarded the driver $75,000 in compensatory damages and $36,000,000 in punitive damages. The district court subsequently reduced the punitive damages award to $300,000 the statutory maximum.

The story Victor, the driver, obtained his Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) variance in 2015. After receiving the paperwork documenting his medical clearance, Victor enrolled in a driver training school owned by the employer. Through this, Victor received over-the-road training from a trainer with the help of an interpreter, who communicated with him from the backseat of the vehicle throughout the process. After completing the program, Victor obtained his commercial driver's license and applied for an over-the-road driving position with the company. About a week later, Erin, the company recruiter, emailed Victor, asking him to call that afternoon to speak with Jamie, the company’s Vice President of Safety and Compliance. Erin participated in the call, introducing Victor to Jamie. Jamie proceeded to ask about Victor’s ability to safely operate a truck and the previous accommodations he had received regarding the over-the-road training. After discussing Victor’s previous accommodations, Jamie told him, “No, I’m sorry, we can’t hire you because of your deafness,” and ended the call.

The claim The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) then sued the company on Victor’s behalf, alleging that it violated the ADA when it failed to hire him because of his deafness and need for a reasonable accommodation. The employer claimed that all deaf drivers posed a direct threat to others on the road because of their condition. The employer, however, failed to individualize the direct threat analysis as to Victor, precluding it from establishing that defense. The employer also tried to claim that an accommodation would pose an undue hardship, but it expressly disclaimed any financial burden imposed by accommodating Victor and didn’t point to any reason why accommodating him would fundamentally alter its entire business, not just the training program. The employer argued that it didn’t choose to hire Victor because he was deaf, but because of a consequence of his deafness. The court didn’t buy this. It held that there was no meaningful difference between taking an adverse action because of the job performance consequences of a disability rather than the disability itself, because the alleged consequences described Victor’s disability.

The ruling The court found that the employer indicated that Victor wasn’t qualified for the truck driver position because he was deaf, and it provided no other reason as to why it didn’t hire Victor. In addition to the monetary impact of the employer’s actions, it has to keep a record of any deaf truck driver applications with FMCSA exemptions and report those records to the EEOC no less frequently than every six months for three years.

President’s Message Donnie Tulk President, NAPFTDS Season Greetings! As everyone knows, the hot topic of late has been CDL training. It seems to be on the evening news on every station you turn to, and some of our members have received an early Christmas gift by means of an audit from our friends at the FMCSA. As part of human nature any time we are approached with an audit from FMCSA we tend to get nervous, it's a normal part of being human. But instead of being nervous we really do need to look at receiving an audit as a gift. I have been through FMCSA audits from my time as a safety director with a large tank truck carrier as well as an audit in the early days of ELDT. Not once did I ever feel like "they" were out to get us or trap us. Instead, what I learned was that the folks at FMCSA are human, just like us. They have a job to do just like we do, and our common goal is to put well trained safe entry-level drivers on the road. Also, I believe the most important thing we are finding out from our members that have been audited recently is that FMCSA is not coming in like a wrecking ball shutting member schools down, they are coming in with the attitude of helping schools clean up anything they may be lacking in. So in closing, don't look at an audit as a bad thing, sure you're still going to be nervous, but look at it as a gift.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In This Issue ... • Deaf driver applicant wins $36 million verdict against trucking company • President’s Message • Executive Director Report • Coming Events • Committee Happenings • 2025 Partnerships

• In Memory—Len Mash • Trucker Path Partners with NAPFTDS • Remaining 2025 Reg. Meeting, Region 1 & 2, Pima Com.College, 1/28-30/26 • Regional Meetings -ALL (3 & 5, 4, 6 and 7) • 2025 Transition to Trucking Winner • 2026 Nominations information • 36th Annual NAPFTDS Conference, Ivins, Utah • 2025 New Members • Board of Directors • Contact NAPFTDS

This fall has been a busy time of year. I was privileged to attend three of the four regionals held this fall. Each region had informative presentations, good networking and great food. I always learn when I network with other schools and regionals are a great networking opportunity. I want to thank the schools, Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, NE, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS, and Cecil College in North East, MD for all their hard work hosting members at their By Martin Garsee schools. Donnie Tulk, NAPFTDS President, attended the regional held at Marion Technical College in Ocala, FL. We are looking forward to our region 1 and 2 meeting being held January 28-30, 2026 at Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ. I was fortunate to meet with the newly appointed FMCSA Administrator, Derek Barrs as part of the ELDT Task Force. The ELDT Task Force, is comprised of CVTA and NAPFTDS board members and we met with him and his staff on November 18, 2025 in his conference room. Here are some of the important topics covered during the meeting: •The Task Force thanked FMCSA for shrinking the TPR, which will help the agency better target audits, by reducing the data set. •The Task Force reiterated its preference for using state rosters for TPR eligibility and welcomed FMCSA’s increased use of state licensure to verify providers. Administrator Barrs expressed clear and contentious disapproval of the self-certification model and a desire to fix it. •The Task Force noted that any future rulemaking should be cautious and that FMCSA should first and foremost use its broad authority and audit powers. •The Task Force urged stronger coordination with states, noting uneven state participation and calling for clearer communication with SDLAs to ensure timely action against violators. The meeting helped build momentum toward stronger enforcement and reaffirmed the shared commitment of FMCSA and the Task Force to protect the public and uphold high training standards. More importantly, Administrator Barrs welcomed the opportunity for future direct engagement. The ELDT Task Force will continue to work with USDOT and FMCSA to increase TPR enforcement. We are going to schedule a meeting with him in next few months for updates on the TPR, and updates on the FMCSA in person audits of training providers on the TPR. I visited the site of our 2026 Annual Conference Black Desert Resort in Ivins, UT. It is a very nice facility and also in a very picturesque location. There are several National and State Parks very close. Hopefully you get a few extra days to visit this area if you have never been. (not during the conference LOL). Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Snow Canyon State Park | Utah State Parks just a few miles from the hotel. Greater Zion Visitor Center – Greater Zion more information about the area. It is truly a beautiful and unique place to visit. We have a great line up of speakers, we have some of our own experts, we have Chris Spears, President of ATA confirmed. We continue to work on the agenda and confirming presentations by other industry leaders. Our Agenda is posted on the website and we will be updating it as presentations are lined up. All information to register and attend can be found in this newsletter or on our website. Hope to see you in Tucson and/or in Ivins, Utah for our Annual Conference. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Coming Events ... • Region 1 & 2 , January 28-30, 2026, Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ • 2026 NAPFTDS 36th Annual Conference, April 12-15, 2026, Black Desert Resort, Ivins, UT • 2026 Region 1 & 2, October 11-13, 2026 Eastern Wyoming College, Douglas, WY • 2026 Region 7, Date TBD, Boone Career & Technical Center, Foster, WV

Committee Happenings … Want to be a part of a working committee, please contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org. Carrier-Celeste Turner, Chair. Members: Mary Fontes, David O’Leary, Cheryl Freauff, Jim Ward, Tony Diaz, Jamey Moon, Jeff Foster, Cindy Foster, Tim Norlin and Betsy Waldrop. We are having a lawyer look over the final draft of the FERPA & Perspective Employer Release Form. This will allow schools to speak with any employer who conducts a previous employment verification form in accordance with 49 CFR §§40.25 and 391.23 on a previous student. Conference/Nomination-Martin Garsee, Chair. The 2026 36th Annual Conference to be held in Ivins, Utah—Black Desert Resort, April 12-15, 2026. So SAVE THE DATE and register today! Any ideas for speakers or presentations for 2026, please email Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org. Education-John Thorpe, Chair. The Education Committee will host a second session on “Best Practices” and “Driver to Educator” at the 2026 Conference in Utah, scheduled for Monday morning. This session will highlight schools that successfully implemented best practices introduced at last year’s conference. Over the past year, there has been extensive discussion, and the committee will continue its work on developing shared training documents for new driver training instructors. The goal remains to promote a standardized approach to instruction across the industry. In addition, schools that have recently undergone an FMCSA audit will be invited to give brief presentations sharing their audit experiences and key takeaways. If you are interested in serving on the Education Committee, please contact John Thorpe at john.thorpe@centraltech.edu or Crissie Moffet at cmoffet@napftds.org.

Finance—Rob Behnke, Chair. This past year has been an exciting one for the Finance Committee. To refresh your memory, Bill Buechel, Deborah Quackenbush, Martin Garsee, Donnie Tulk, and I—along with our Finance Technical Assistant, Tina Frindt—have covered a lot of fiduciary ground. From last year’s budget reviews and adjustments to preparing budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, this committee has been hard at work. We reviewed our budgets line by line, closely monitoring actuals and thoroughly vetting all expenses. Teams have been created to strengthen relationships with our members, seek new members, and grow the value of the Association through every interaction. Dan Z. and his Membership Committee, together with Tina Frindt, have made tremendous progress in refining our best practices for connecting and communicating with both current and future members. All of this is to say: the Finance Committee has been deeply invested in the future of our partnerships and the sustainable growth of the Association. We welcome your questions and feedback regarding the financial health of the Association—please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us with your thoughts. 2025 was a strong year for us—building relationships and supporting outstanding Training Providers across America. And 2026 is shaping up to be even better, based on what we’ve learned and implemented so far. Together, we’ll continue to move the needle towards safer roadways. Marketing/Social Media-Bill Buechel, Chair. The marketing committee put most of its energy into supporting the National Conference last spring. Recently, we have done some posts supporting regionals. We have also highlighted accomplishments by the ELDT task force, of which Martin Garsee is an integral member. Looking forward, we know that we should be doing more social media work and are looking at outside vendor options that could help us get there while providing a solid ROI. Please remember to like our … Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NAPFTDS and Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/nationalassociation-of-publicly-funded-truck-driving-schools/ Membership-Dan Zdrojewski, Chair. As we close out 2025, the Membership Committee is excited to share a few updates and reflections. This year has been marked by renewed interest in NAPFTDS membership, with several schools reaching out to learn more about the value our association brings to their programs. It’s encouraging to see both new institutions and former members reconnecting with us, reaffirming the importance of a strong, unified voice for publicly funded CDL training. Highlights include: • Welcoming New Interest: We’ve received inquiries from schools across the country, including programs eager to learn more about our advocacy, networking, and professional development opportunities. • Application Process: As a reminder, schools can apply by visiting www.napftds.org, navigating to About Us → Join Us → Full Membership Application. Applications are reviewed by the Membership Chair and the Membership Committee before being presented to the Board of Directors for approval. • Value of Membership: NAPFTDS provides members with access to national advocacy, collaboration with peer institutions, professional development opportunities, and resources that strengthen student success. These benefits continue to resonate with schools looking to enhance their programs and connect with industry partners. • Outreach & Retention: The committee is preparing for 2026 with a strong focus on outreach and retention, ensuring that every publicly funded truck driving program knows the value of belonging to NAPFTDS and that current members feel supported, engaged, and connected. • Associate Members: We are also committed to expanding engagement with our associate members. These partners play a vital role in strengthening our community, and we are working to provide them with meaningful opportunities to connect, contribute, and gain value from their membership. We would love to see more schools and partners join our community and contribute to the collective strength of our association. If you know of a program or organization that could benefit from membership, please encourage them to reach out. Together, we can continue to build a stronger future for CDL education. Regionals-Missy Blair, Chair. The last Regional for 2025 is Region 1 & 2—January 29-30, 2026, Pima College, Tucson, AZ; This issue of the Learning Curve is ALL ABOUT the regional meetings that have taken place. The 2026 Fall regionals are now being pursued. The first is Region 1 & 2 at the East Wyoming College—Douglas Campus, Torrington, WY October 11-13, 2026 and Region 7, Boone County Truck Driving School. Interested in hosting a 2026 Regional meeting, please contact Missy Blair mlblair@pima.edu or Crissie Moffet at cmoffet@napftds.org, 316-425-3297. Regulatory-Jill Schultz, Chair. The regulatory committee informs members of changes and proposed changes to laws, regulations, and policies related to truck driver training. The following are highlights for July 2025 through November 2025. ELDT/TPR update. A large number of providers have been removed or have received notice of proposed removal from the Training Provider Registry (TPR). As of December 1, more than 4,500 providers were issued notices of proposed removal, and over 3,000 have been removed. Non-domiciled CDL: In late September, FMCSA issued an interim final rule (IFR), placing restrictions on who is eligible to obtain a non-domiciled CDL or CLP. Under the IFR, to obtain a non-domiciled CLP or CDL, non-citizens (except lawful permanent residents) must possess an unexpired foreign passport and a valid, non-expired employment-based visa. In response many states paused issuing and renewing non-domiciled CDLs. In November, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit administratively stayed the IFR, and FMCSA announced that states may resume issuing non-domiciled CDLs. It is unclear if states that paused the issuance non-domiciled CDLs will resume the process.

As we celebrate our 90th year of delivering holiday cheer, we want to thank you for your dedication to preparing the next generation of truck drivers. We look forward to providing your graduates with rewarding careers in 2026 and beyond. Bill Buechel Director of Driver Recruiting, Schneider

In Memory Len Mash NAPFTDS lost a long time advocate and past board member on November 27, 2025, Len Mash. A Board member from March 2012 to March 2017 and was an instructor for Des Moines Area Community College as well as the College was a Full member since 1996. Len was a true gentleman and was passionate about the education of his students and the industry. Rest in Peace Len Mash. •••••••••• The following was received from Stacy Igo from CCBC It was a long time coming, but the piece that CBS taped back in May regarding our CDL program featuring our Metallica Scholar, Carmen DeBerry, finally aired on CBS Sunday Morning. It was a long RAINY day but Carmen (who was amazing), plus Stacy and her team, stuck it out, hosting the CBS crew and traveling to Landover to the Metallica concert that night. Kudos to Louise for coordinating with the Metallica Foundation which put this whole thing in motion. It was a memorable moment for CCBC which finally came full circle with the airing of the segment. Please click on the following link to see in full: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg4kKVYAgYo

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2025 GOLD PARTNERS Doron Precision Systems, Inc. Kelly Anderson Group Motive TMC Transportation Virage Simulation

2025 SILVER PARTNERS Advanced Training Systems Bumper-to-Bumper-Easy CDL CDL Powersuite Covenant Logistics Driver iQ Drivers Legal Plan FASTPORT J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Driver Training Solutions Melton Truck Lines

Roehl Transport Ruan Truck & Trailer Sales Schneider Seaboard Foods LLC Simulator Systems Int’l Stevens Transport The Trucker Media Trucker Path Transforce Group Werner Enterprises

November 19, 2025 By Dana Guthrie

Trucker Path partners with NAPFTDS to strengthen CDL training pipeline

Trucker Path partners with NAPFTDS to strengthen the CDL training pipeline and prepare the next generation of professional drivers. (Photo courtesy Trucker Path) PHOENIX, Ariz. — Trucker Path is partnering with the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS). “Every driver entering the industry should understand the tools and technology shaping modern trucking,” said Chris Oliver, CMO, Trucker Path. “By partnering with NAPFTDS, we’re helping CDL schools prepare students for real-world conditions. Everything from trip planning to truck stop selection to compliance with changing safety standards. It’s about giving new drivers a head start in operating efficiently and safely.”

Real-World Tools The collaboration connects Trucker Path’s driver technology platform with the NAPFTDS nationwide network of publicly funded CDL training programs, giving instructors and students experience with the real-world tools used by more than one million professional drivers. Under the partnership, NAPFTDS member schools will be able to integrate Trucker Path’s trip planning, navigation, and parking availability tools into their classroom and behind-the-wheel training. This initiative gives students first-hand experience with the same data-driven insights professional drivers use daily to plan routes, locate safe parking, and manage time more efficiently. Several NAPFTDS member schools have already integrated Trucker Path into their programs.

Industry-Relevant Instruction “At MATC, we’ve integrated Trucker Path into our curriculum as a trip planning tool, and the response from students has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Dan Zdrojewski, lead faculty, truck driving at Milwaukee Area Technical College. “It’s intuitive, industry-relevant, and gives our future drivers real-world resources they’ll rely on from day one. This kind of collaboration strengthens training programs nationwide.” The Trucker Path and NAPFTDS collaboration roll out includes joint educational sessions, app access for instructors and students, and a series of best-practice webinars highlighting how schools can integrate driver-tech platforms into their CDL programs. “Trucker Path brings invaluable expertise and technology that perfectly aligns with NAPFTDS’s mission to advance public truck driver training, resulting in enhanced curriculum effectiveness and better-prepared graduates,” said Martin Garsee, executive director of NAPFTDS. “Their cutting-edge digital tools bring real-world relevance to the classroom, helping our students graduate with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s transportation industry.”

Eastern Wyoming College October 11-13, 2026

2026 Regional

Please join us at Eastern Wyoming College in Douglas Wyoming for region 1&2 meetings. We will feature training and speakers on several topics. Some of which i hope will cause us to think about CDL training in some areas that are overlooked. Dean of career and technical Darryl Spitzer will be speaking on High School CDL, dual and concurrent as well as CDL as a credit elective. He will also speak on the subject of CDL programs operating in a "for profit" model. A representative of the FMCSA and Wyoming Highway Patrol will be speaking on various topics. The Wyoming State CDL supervisor will be addressing topics on the subject of "Why Modernized"? Our EWC medical and academic staff are presting training topics on the subject of driver health and fitness as well as driver mental health. These are subjects that were never discused for many of us. On Tuesday, Kevin Hawley will lead a round table discussion on the subjects concerning CDL training and the trucking industry. Followed by a live demonstration of the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the use of safety equipment utilized at Wyoming Ports of Entry. Ed Kimes CDL Program Director Eastern Wyoming College ekimes@ewc.wy.edu 207-532-8365

Region 1 & 2 Meeting Hosted by Pima Community College 6575 S Country Club Rd Tucson, AZ 85756 January 28-30, 2026

PimaCommunityCollege

Region 1 & 2 is planning on a reception on Wednesday, January 28 at 5 p.m.; with a full day of presentations and networking Thursday, January 29, followed by a half day of the same on Friday, January 30. Please see a draft of the agenda below. Pima Community College is hoping that everyone will take a ‘warm’ break and join us. Also, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, which is the world’s largest gem show, is happening during these meetings. Hope to see you there! Hilton Garden Inn - Tucson Airport - Your website is live and ready to share! - DEADLINE January 9 Rate is $229/night. It's important for guests to reserve their rooms before this date, as all room will be released due to the high demand of a show. The Hilton attendee website for NAPFTDS is now live and ready to share. You can view your website using the following unique link: View your attendee website Guest room booking Event attendees can now reserve rooms by using the attendee website link above. As you have already reserved a room block, all attendees will benefit from your exclusive rate when booking a room.

AGENDA Wednesday, January 28, 2026 5:00 p.m. Reception Thursday, January 29,2026 7:30 – 7:40 Pick up at the hotel to head to the day’s venue 8:00 – 8:30 Registration/Networking 8:30 – 8:45 Welcome and Introductions ~ Greg Wilson, Dean of Applied Technology, PCC 8:45 – 9:45 NAPFTDS Updates ~ Martin Garsee, Executive Director 9:45 – 10:45 CDL Updates 10:45 – 11:00 Break/Vendor 11:00 – 12:00 Autonomous Technology Conversation: Where we’ve been, where we are, where we are going … ~ 12:00 – 1:15 Lunch 1:15 – 2:15 Tour: Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence ~ 2:15 – 3:30 Industry Issues – Open Discussion ~ Missy Blair, Facilitator 3:30 – 4:00 Question and Answer - Wrap up for the day 4:00 – 4:20 Transportation Back to the Hotel 5:15 Pick up at the hotel for Dinner 5:45 Dinner Friday, January 30, 2026 at Hotel 8:30 – 9:30 Tour of CDL School (Walk across the street from the hotel) 9:30 – 11:00 Open Industry Discussion 11:00 – 11:30 Wrap up / Closing Thoughts Agenda is subject to change by Pima Community College.

Sponsors Region 1 & 2

Region 3 & 5 Meeting Hosted by Metropolitan Community College September 7-9, 2025 The NAPFTDS Regions 3 & 5 Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, the first weekend of September was a great success with over 50 guests from the Midwest territory, including 19 different schools. Sunday night, as guests started to arrive at the LaVista Courtyard, we enjoyed a wide array of hors d’oevoures, drinks, music and great conversations with old and new friends. Monday morning presented us with a beautiful Arrow Bus Lines “Salute to Veterans” bus that transported us to Metropolitan Community College’s Institute for Culinary Arts Building where we enjoyed fresh baked breakfast pastries and coffee. After a brief welcome from Scott Broady, Dean of Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences, we heard from Bill McCay, Customer Service Manager with RDO Truck Center about advancements on after treatment in trucks and some of the current industry trends. There was a lively discussion with J.R. Richardson and Dr. Jon Kayne, both from Bellevue University in Omaha, Nebraska as they shared with us many of the trials and tribulations that our Veterans face when coming back from active duty and try to return to the workforce and normal lives. After a delightful lunch put together by MCC’s Culinary Arts, we heard from Sgt. Matt Guzman about some of the interesting things that the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division encounter. He discussed everything from vehicle inspections, changes to FMCSA laws and regulations, and problems encountered with new drivers. Kent Grisham, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Trucking Association continued the discussion with things that he has seen in Nebraska and the United States as far as the trucking industry. Sadly, our time was coming to an end and we had to get to the bus so we could go to Metropolitan Community College’s Applied Technology Center for a brief tour of our CDL Program but not before we heard from Martin Garsee with an update on NAPFTDS. Later that night we all met up at the Smash Park where they put together a tasty taco bar with all the fixins! We also got to see the skill of many of our members in attendance as they competed in ax throwing competitions downstairs and darts upstairs. Werner Enterprises provided a large breakfast buffet at the hotel Tuesday morning before we headed to their terminal for a tour of their facilities. While there, we heard about the history of Werner Enterprises and we got the opportunity to see the history as well with C.L. Werner’s impressive museum which houses the very first truck purchased by him when he was just a one person business. They shared with us one of their brand new trucks and all of the safety features it offers and let some of us test drive the state of the art simulators in the training center. From there we said our goodbyes and travelled home, looking forward to the next time we can all get together again. To those who made it, thank you for coming and we hope that you had a great time. To those who could not make it, we missed you and are looking forward to seeing you in Utah!

Start of a new day ...

Good Food, Networking and a great time!

MCC Tour and Werner Tour

ANTIQUES

Sponsors Region 3 & 5

Region 4 Meeting Hosted by Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210 November 16—18, 2025 The 2025 NAPFTDS Region 4 Meeting was held in Overland Park, Kansas at Johnson County Community College from November 16 – 18. We kicked off the event with a welcome reception at the hotel on Sunday night, it was great for people to get the chance to mingle and catch up. Monday’s agenda included: an NAPFTDS update from Executive Director Martin Garsee, a motivational talk from Kelly Anderson that helped remind us what mindset we should have when working to enhance our personal and professional lives, a presentation from Kansas Motor Carriers Association on the different types of distractions drivers have to deal with in modern day trucking, John Rojas with Bumper to Bumper CDL talked about the current state of English-proficiency requirements in trucking, and then the Kansas Department of Revenue discussed how non-domiciled CDLs are being handled both at the federal and state levels. In the afternoon we took a bus ride down to JCCC’s CDL Training Facility where Program Director, Nick Gonzalez told the story of their CDL Program and how it has transformed over the last decade. From there we went down the road to tour BNSF’s intermodal facility to see how they assist with the transportation of hundreds of thousands of shipping containers each year showcasing the collaboration between the trucking and rail industries. In the evening, we were treated to an excellent BBQ dinner at Joe’s Kansas City BBQ’s private 180 Room. The next morning, we closed out the meeting with one final presentation from Del Lovitt, Director of Educational Technology at JCCC for an update on the federal ADA compliance guidelines that will be going into effect next year and how we can ensure that our programs are compliant. Overall, it was a great event with lots of helpful information and collaboration amongst the participants. We had NAPFTDS members both old and new get to experience how much we can learn from each other to keep doing great work!

Vice President Elsa Waldman

Presenters

• Bumper to Bumper • CDL PowerSuites V B

• Doron Precision Systems

E O

• Virage Simulation

N O D T O H R S

Field Recruiters

Front to back: Nikole Willing, Guy Horn, David Stephany, Cira Hernandez, Brent Lauber, Lesley Vincent, John Maye, Jonathan Scheidegger, John Thorpe

Sponsors Region 4

Region 6 Meeting October 19-21, 2025 Region 6 Meeting at Marion Technical College Strengthens Collaboration and Advances CDL Training Marion Technical College proudly hosted the 2025 Region 6 Meeting on October 19–20, bringing together Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) educators, program leaders, and industry partners from across the region. The two-day event served as a valuable forum for professional development, regulatory updates, and collaborative problem-solving within the commercial transportation training community. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions focused on safety practices, instructional strategies, and evolving Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These sessions provided educators with timely guidance on compliance requirements and classroom implementation, ensuring that training programs reflect current standards and best practices. A key highlight of the meeting was an informative presentation from the Florida Highway Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Division. Representatives shared firsthand insights into the inspection process, outlining the primary issues they encounter with commercial vehicles on the road. Their expertise offered attendees a clearer understanding of enforcement priorities, inspection criteria, and the common violations instructors should emphasize when preparing future drivers. The conference also explored emerging technologies shaping the future of CDL education. Attendees were introduced to practical applications of artificial intelligence and how it can enhance instruction, streamline administrative tasks, and support student learning. These demonstrations sparked thoughtful conversations about innovation and the evolving tools available to training programs. Beyond the formal sessions, the meeting provided numerous opportunities for networking and fellowship. Educators and industry partners exchanged ideas, shared challenges, and celebrated successes within their programs. The event also featured excellent food and a warm, collegial atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue and community-building. Overall, the Region 6 Meeting at Marion Technical College was a resounding success. Attendees departed with new knowledge, fresh ideas, and strengthened relationships—ready to continue improving the quality and safety of CDL training across the region.

Good Food and Networking in the sunny state of Florida

Sponsors Region 6

Region 7 Meeting September 18-19, 2025 The Region 7 Meeting, hosted by Cecil College on September 18–19, 2025, brought together about 30 attendees each day for two days of engaging presentations, discussions, and networking. The event featured a range of timely topics, including workforce reintegration, financial literacy for new CDL professionals, supporting modern learners, workforce development, and resources for veterans. Speakers were well received, sparking thoughtful conversations throughout the sessions. A highlight of the program was the lively and engaging focus group discussion, where participants shared best practices and ideas to support instructor success. The tour of the Allan Myers Quarry provided an eye-opening experience that was both educational and enjoyable. Overall, the conference was a success, offering valuable insights, meaningful dialogue and opportunities for collaboration among attendees.

Allan Myers Quarry Tour

Sponsors Region 7

Charles Jones, Jr. of Roehl Transport Awarded Kenworth T680 in Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award Program Distinguished U.S. Army veteran Charles Jones, Jr., was named the 2025 “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” program award winner.

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, December 15, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- For the tenth consecutive year, Kenworth teamed with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program to honor America’s top rookie military veteran driver who made the successful transition into a career in trucking. This year, distinguished U.S. Army veteran Charles Jones, Jr., was named the 2025 “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award winner during a ceremony held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., where attendees gathered to celebrate the finalists and view the Kenworth T680 showcased outside the event. In his more than 20 years of service, Jones completed three combat deployments to Iraq and two rotations to South Korea. A devoted husband to Katrina and father to Alvin and Monica, Jones graduated from Georgia Driving Academy one year ago this month. Shortly thereafter, he began his professional driving career with Roehl Transport, where he quickly became known for his reliability, humor, dedication, and strong leadership. As the program’s 2025 winner, Jones was awarded a Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and a PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine (455 horsepower), PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The truck includes the latest advanced driver assistance systems and premium interior amenities, providing a powerful foundation for Jones as he advances in the industry. “Receiving this Kenworth truck is truly life-changing,” said Jones. “The military taught me discipline, resilience, and pride in every mission—and those same values have carried me into my career. This award allows me to build a future I once only hoped was possible. I am deeply grateful to Roehl, to my instructors, and to every veteran who has supported me along the way.” “It is an honor for Kenworth to once again present a T680 to a veteran who embodies the very best in service and professionalism,” said Sarah Abernethy, Kenworth’s director of marketing communications. “Charles exemplifies what this program celebrates: commitment, character, and the drive to build a successful career. We congratulate him and wish him great success as he begins this next chapter behind the wheel.” “Every year, our finalists remind us of the extraordinary impact military talent has on industries across America,” said Eric Eversole, Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes. "Charles’ story is a powerful example of determination and service. His path into trucking demonstrates why companies across the country value the leadership, commitment to excellence, and dedication veterans contribute every day.” “Charles has excelled at every stage of his transition into trucking,” said Brad Bentley, President of Fastport. “He is a remarkable ambassador for the industry and for the countless service members looking to build meaningful careers after the military. We are proud to recognize him as this year’s winner.” Under the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” program, all finalists were honored in Washington, D.C., for their service and accomplishments: Winner: Charles Jones, Jr. / U.S. Army / Roehl Transport Runners-Up: Macy Mattice, U.S. Army (E-4), Melton Truck Lines, and Mark Scriven, U.S. Army (E-6), Stevens Transport were each awarded a $10,000 prize. For more information about the Transition Trucking program, visit transitiontrucking.org.

Brad Bentley Fastport 24

NAPFTDS 36th Annual Conference April 12-15, 2026 Black Desert Resort

REGISTER TODAY At https://napftds.org/events/category/annual-conference/ ALSO make your lodging reservations! Room rate is $219.00 per night, the resort fee has been waived. DEADLINE: Friday, March 27, 2026 To help make your stay as smooth as possible, please click the hotel link on the above napftds website link. Alternatively, guests are welcome to call our reservations team at 855-241-6781 to confirm their stay. Quick tip: When selecting travel dates, make sure to choose your departure date, even if it appears crossed out. Please note: A one-night deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Guests may cancel up to 30 days prior to arrival without penalty.

WELCOME TO BLACK DESERT RESORT Remarkable Within Reach

Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind destination nestled amongst the ancient lava fields and vibrant vermillion cliffs of Greater Zion. Where the breathtaking intersection of the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert, and Great Basin combines with unparalleled hospitality and amenities. Spanning 600 acres of scenic desert landscape, our newly built luxury resort offers nearly 800 guestrooms and luxury suites. Indulge in diverse dining options, yearround outdoor recreation, and world-class spa facilities. All anchored by a 19-hole Tom Weiskopf signature championship golf course, Black Desert Resort provides the ultimate escape from everyday life. 25

2026 Board Nominations: In 2026, terms of two full member directors will expire (Lynette Cervantes and Nikole Willing). These two positions have terms of three years and are voted on by the membership as a whole (Full and Associate members only). There are also two Associate members—Lesley Vincent—Carrier Board member and Jill Schultz, Vendor Board member terms are 3 years. There are two Executive Directors whose terms are expiring: Secretary-John Thorpe and Treasurer-Rob Behnke. Voting members must be in good standing. For a candidate to be considered, the candidate’s organization’s membership dues must be current and have been a member a minimum of one year. Executive Board members must comply with Article VII Section 1. The nominees for the executive director positions of Secretary and Treasurer must be a current or previous board member. All Nominees must be in good standing. Nomination forms are due by End of Business (EOB) January 30! Nomination forms are available on the website or contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297 to receive one!

The National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS) is an organization for the promotion of public education for the transportation industry. Through membership, educators can network with other truck driving schools across the country to provide the highest quality, most cost-effective, and up-todate training available. Contact us: Martin Garsee, Executive Director, NAPFTDS Martin.garsee@hccs.edu 713-718-8203 (O) 713-304-8324 (M) Rob Behnke, Treasurer, NAPFTDS rob.behnke7787@fvtc.edu 920-996-2889 (O)

Would you like to advertise in our eNewsletter, the Learning Curve?

Tina Frindt, Finance/Technical Assistant tfrindt@napftds.org 570-688-5710 (M)

You do! Then please give Crissie Moffet a call/email 316-425-3297 / cmoffet@napftds.org.

Membership membership@napftds.org Crissie Moffet Administrative Assistant to the Board cmoffet@napftds.org 316-425-3297 (O)

NAPFTDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025 President

Donnie Tulk Tulsa Tech

Executive Director

Vice President

Dan Zdrojewski Milwaukee Area Technical College Immediate Past President

Treasurer

Secretary

Rob Behnke Fox Valley Technical College

John Thorpe Central Tech

Board Member

Carrier Member

Missy Blair Pima Community College

Lynette Cervantes Del Mar College

Bill Buechel Schneider

Board Member

Vendor Member

Douglass Clarks-Pritchard Waukesha County Technical College

Mary Fontes Hawkeye Community College

David Inman Northeast Tech

Deborah Quackenbush Virage Simulation

Vendor Member

Board Member

Carrier Member

Board Member

CVTA Representative

Jill Schultz J.J. Keller & Associates Inc.

Celeste Turner Hawkeye Community College

Lesley Vincent Melton Truck Lines

Nikole Willing Central Tech

Cindy Atwood CVTA Representative

Martin Garsee Houston Community College Board Member

Tony Diaz Amarillo College

Lorie Latigo Lone Star College Transportation Insti.

Members, As we move forward with our website, please check on your school information. If you find an error, please contact Crissie Moffet by email, cmoffet@napftds.org, so that it can be corrected. Thank you for your assistance. Crissie Moffet Facts for your information: Membership is a calendar year (Jan-Dec). Invoices come out between November—January. Mission Statement

An ID and password are necessary for the website’s Resources section.

The National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, Inc. is an organization established for the promotion of safety, professionalism and quality education within the transportation industry.

REMEMBER, Membership is an institution membership, not individual; therefore, your id and password can be shared with anyone at your institution. Regional meetings are between August-December. Annual Conference is between end of March and First of May.

2025 New Members ... Full Members • Gateway Technical Center, Kenosha, WI • Eastern Wyoming College, Torrington, WY • Elgin Community College Truck Driving Program, Elgin, IL • Lenoir Community College, Kinston, NC • Nelson County UP Center, Bardstown, KY • Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville, AR • Southeastern Community College, Whiteville, NC • West Technical Education Center, Belle Glade, FL Associate Members • Motive, San Francisco, CA • National Tank Truck Carrier, Arlington, VA • Simulator Experts, LTD, Oceanside, CA • Trucker Path, Phoenix, AZ 28