Dec 2023 (Vol 11 No 5, Dec 2023) by NAPFTDS

eNewsletter Vol 11, No. 5 December 2023

Christmas comes early for Brandon Meredith of Slay Transportation, the 2023 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award Winner Dec 18, 2023 | WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the eighth consecutive year, Kenworth teamed with FASTPORT and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program to find America’s top rookie military veteran who made the successful transition into a civilian truck driving career. Distinguished Army veteran Brandon Meredith, a driver for Slay Transportation, received this year’s “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award during a special ceremony held at the American Trucking Associations’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. Following a 20-year career in the U.S. Army, Brandon retired as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) with marketable skills and could have pursued many paths, but instead chose to follow his childhood dream of driving a tractor trailer. In an emotional acceptance speech, with his wife and daughters by his side, Brandon shared that his father lost his life while operating a commercial vehicle, and becoming a professional driver is a tribute to his memory. Brandon trained at Fayetteville Technical Community College and is currently a tanker driver and delivery professional with Slay Transportation Co. In recognition of Kenworth’s 100th anniversary, Brandon was awarded a T680 Signature Edition truck equipped with a 76-inch high-roof sleeper. Additionally, the truck has the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine and was the first T680 Signature Edition produced at Kenworth’s Chillicothe, Ohio plant in honor of the company’s 100th anniversary. With the Kenworth T680 Signature Edition truck, Brandon is well on his way to accomplishing his goal of becoming a successful owner-operator. “Veterans are a special breed of human beings. I’ve made some lifelong friends throughout this award. I’m a third-generation truck driver now. My father lost his life driving a truck, and while that was a hard time in my life, this profession is something I’ve always wanted to pursue. I couldn’t have asked for a better year,” said Meredith. “It was an honor to present Brandon Meredith with the keys to the 100th Anniversary T680 Signature Edition on behalf of Kenworth and our employees. We thank him for his distinguished military service, and wish all the best in his trucking career,” said Kyle Kimball, Kenworth director of marketing. “I’m inspired by the stories of our veterans, like our finalists who represent the very best of our country. America is still leading the way. We are still the beacon on the hill, the shining light that is creating hope and opportunity for so many people across the world, and the Kenworth T680 Brandon is driving away in today is simply one example of how we are leading the way,” said Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes. Continued on Page 4

President’s Message

By the time you receive this eNewsletter, 2023 will be over. That's hard to believe. I hope this year has brought you all happiness, good health, and success.

Lorie Latigo, President, NAPFTDS

A BIG thank you to the schools that hosted the regional meetings this Fall. Thank you for your hard work, thoughtful agendas, and hospitality. You created a conducive environment for productive discussions and collaboration for all attendees. Sponsors and vendors, THANK YOU for your support. We could not host regionals without your dedication to NAPFTDS. As we usher in 2024, I hope you will consider attending the 34th Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada on April 21-24, 2024. The Conference Committee is hard at work; it promises to gather industry leaders, educators, and professionals, offering a platform for presentations on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in truck driving education. It will also provide a valuable opportunity for networking and forging new partnerships. I hope your holidays were happy and restful and that the New Year brings you happiness, good health, success, and peace. See you in Reno! Lorie

In This Issue ... • Transition to Trucking Winner! • President’s Message • Coming Events • Executive Director Report • Maryland Rural Grant Funds School’s Simulators for CDL Tests • 2023 Partnerships • Region 6 meeting info Host: Marion Technical College • Region 3 & 5 meeting info Host: Hawkeye Community College • Region 4 meeting info Host: Del Mar College • 2024 Board Nominations Information

• 2024 Hunting for Region Hosts! • NAPFTDS Committee Happenings • Next Generation in Trucking Foundation Launches CDL curriculum companion • 34th Annual NAPFTDS Conference, Apr. 21-24, 2024, Reno, NV • 2024 Board Nominations • 2024 Partners • Board of Directors • 2023 New Members • Contact NAPFTDS

Everyone has just been through our holiday season; hopefully, there was enough time to enjoy family and friends and take some time to enjoy your time off from work. During the Fall Season I was privileged to attend all three regional meetings. I would like to thank all our sponsors for these events. Our members are encouraged to bring their administrators and staff to these meetings so that By Martin Garsee they can network and learn more about our Association to encourage their support. The sponsorship covers meal expenses and a few incidentals so that all the attendees only have travel and lodging expenses. The Host of each meeting also appreciates the support so that school budgets are not taxed. Your continued support is appreciated! Region 6 hosted by Rickey Monroe, Marion Technical College, Ocala Florida. Rickey had great speakers with great content. He also gave time for networking. The school’s Culinary Arts Department provided the meals, with their staff doing an excellent job. The meeting was held at their main campus. On the last day, many of us went to their campus that has truck driver training and enjoyed a tour of their facilities. It was interesting to interact with instructors and learn how they teach. Region 3 & 5 was hosted by Celeste Turner, Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo Iowa. It was held at their driving facility which is a very nice facility. They are also in the process of expanding to accommodate more students. Celeste Turner and her crew did an outstanding job of hosting our group. Great speakers, information and great networking time. The trip to the John Deere Museum was very interesting. Also, Celeste made good on her promise to feed us Iowa corn feed beef. The location and the food were amazing. We had an extra special surprise guest, Administrator Robin Hutcheson, FMCSA, came to present the CMVOST grants to three Iowa Schools who are members: Hawkeye Community College, Des Moines Community College and Eastern Iowa Community College. Administrator Hutcheson has been a great supporter of our Association. It was great to see her at our region meeting. Region 4 was hosted by Lynnette Cervantes, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, TX. Lynnette did a great job and in getting good speakers. Also, her veteran’s theme for the conference was awesome. With so many veterans in our industry it is very fitting. Lynnette had all of her staff and instructors attend which gave us time to spend interacting with them. Also, our friend, Kevin Lewis, retired from AAMVA in December. NAPFTDS honored him with a plaque highlighting his association with NAPFTDS through the years. He has been a great resource. The Association wishes him well in his retirement, but hope he returns to our industry in some capacity as he has too much knowledge to sail off into the sunset! Thanks to all that hosted. It is hard work but worth it to see members interact and network. We had many first-time members and new contacts attend which was great to see. I continue to work with FMCSA and CVTA to help clean up the TPR. This is a task, but feel that we are making progress. We have Patrick Nemons heading up the enforcement of the TPR who is speaking at our annual conference in Reno. Make plans to attend! Have a great spring semester.

Coming Events ... • 34th 2024 Annual NAPFTDS Conference, Reno,

Nevada, April 21-24, 2024. More info in this issue. • ON THE HUNT FOR 2024 REGIONAL HOSTS!

Contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297. More info in this issue.

Continued from Page 1

“Brandon has an impressive military record and his dedication to excellence has continued into his chosen civilian career as a professional truck driver. He is an undeniable ambassador for the program and will be an excellent representative for his fellow veterans in the industry,” said Brad Bentley, president of FASTPORT.

Under the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence program, all five finalists participated in the Washington, D.C. awards ceremony where their military service was honored. The first runner-up, Ondrae Meyers/ U.S. Marine Corps/CRST, was awarded a $10,000 prize, and finalists Jessica White/U.S. Army/Stevens Transport; LaTravis Wilcox/U.S. Marine Corps/Prime, Inc.; Todd Kraus/U.S. Army/Werner Enterprises received $5,000 each. For more information, visit, www.transitiontrucking.org. About FASTPORT Inc. FASTPORT Inc. solves America's toughest recruiting challenges through research, technology, and people. FASTPORT is also a U.S. Department of Labor Industry Intermediary and a part of the Centers of Excellence to support registered apprenticeship development and sustainability. For more information about FASTPORT and Registered Apprenticeships, visit www.fastport.com or www.nationalapprenticeship.org. To learn more about the event and our partners, visit www.transitiontrucking.org, Kenworth.com and HiringOurHeroes.org

Maryland Rural Grant Funds School’s Simulators for CDL Tests Garrett College Recently Approved as Site for Classes A and B Licenses Garrett College President Richard Midcap "test drives" a simulator at the Mountaintop Truck Driving Institute as Donna Bittinger, workforce development coordinator, looks on. (Garrett College) A $236,000 rural economic development grant is helping a western Maryland public two-year community college expand its commercial driver license truck driving training program. Two simulators were purchased through a grant from the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund that was awarded by the state last December to McHenry-based Garrett College, which was recently approved as a state testing site for Classes A and Class B licenses. The school offers Class A and Class B CDL training programs through its Mountaintop Truck Driving Institute in Grantsville. Its skills-oriented program offers a professional truck driving curriculum that enables graduates to obtain jobs as entry-level drivers in over-the-road or local vehicles. The curriculum consists of classroom teaching, driving range skills and over-the-road instruction as fundamentals for operating trucks and tractor-trailers. “The simulators allow us to teach proper shifting, double-clutching and situational awareness before putting students on the road,” Donna Bittinger, Garrett College’s program associate for adult basic education and workforce development coordinator, said Nov. 14. “This technology makes for a safer student.” Mountaintop Truck Driving Institute in Grantsville, Md. (Garrett College)

According to the state funding award, during fiscal 2022 the school achieved a 100% pass rate for students completing Class B training and receiving their CDLs as well as a 97% success rate for Class A students. Each year, the school trains about 40 Class A students in the nearly eight-week course and 15 Class B students seeking dump truck licensing through six full-day class sessions. The college also offers a CDL refresher course for a Class B license and the ability to drive a manual-shift truck to earn a Class A license. Introducing the new simulation technology into the CDL program gives students a variety of computerized driving experiences to master before they actually get behind the wheel and drive on the road. The technology can simulate challenging road situations such as snow, oncoming vehicles and deer crossing the highway.

Continued from Page 6

Being an authorized testing site by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration enables Garrett College students to test for their CDL exams where they are trained. “It’s also made testing options more flexible for our students,” Bittinger said. “It’s a great teaching tool,” said Richard Kyer, one of three truck driving instructors at Garrett College’s Mountaintop Truck Driving Institute. Also, the simulation technology will enable the community college to expand CDL training opportunities to younger students, through dual enrollment with Garrett County Public Schools. The simulators also offer financial savings for the school. “This is the perfect way for a new student with no truck driving knowledge to figure it all out without actually burning up a clutch,” Bittinger said. “These trucks are not cheap to fix.” Check out Transport Topics' updated Top 50 list of the largest freight transportation companies in the world and explore how these companies are re-evaluating their supply chains. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com. Bittinger said there is a high demand for truck drivers, whose starting pay ranges between $21 and $25 per hour. “A lot of local employers are looking for Class B operators, especially this time of year when a lot of companies want people to plow snow,” she said. “Some of our bigger employers — like Dot Foods, Schneider, Werner and W.S. Thomas — come here to recruit Class A truck drivers.” Most CDL students at Garrett College qualify for financial assistance. Bittinger said the Western Maryland Consortium and West Virginia Workforce play a key funding role in the county’s workforce programs. Garrett College, Allegany College of Maryland, WVU Potomac State and Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College formed a partnership in September to facilitate sharing in specialized areas of study. 6

Would you like to advertise in our eNewsletter, the Learning Curve? You do! Then please give Crissie Moffet a call/email 316-425-3297 / cmoffet@napftds.org.

REGIONAL MEETING October 1-3, 2023

Region 6 host was Marion Technical College in Ocala, Florida. On behalf of Marion Technical College and NAPFTDS, I want to extend a warm thank you for attending our region 6 conference. And a special thank you to all the presenters. We were thrilled to have you join us and hope that you found the conference valuable and informative. We are grateful for your support and believe that the insights shared and the connections made will greatly benefit our attendees and we are excited to see the positive impact that it will have on our industry. Once again, thank you for making the region 6 conference a success. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to staying in touch with you. The meeting began with a Sunday evening reception at the college, all day on Monday with a dinner put on by the Marion Technical College’s Culinary program by their students. Food was excellent and the students did a great job! Tuesday’s meeting ended at noon. There was a variety of presentations, hearing impaired, AAMVA, Why we do what we do, TAT presentation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, ending with 2 industry roundtables (Technology in the Classroom and Carriers).

Meeting had a lot of networking for all!

Sponsors for Region 6 Marion Technical College Ocala, Florida

NAPFTDS would like to thank our Region 6 sponsors! Your sponsorship makes it possible for a successful event! 9

REGIONAL MEETING October 22-24, 2023 Regions 3 & 5 were combined this year and hosted by Hawkeye Community College Hawkeye Community College had their National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS) regional meeting for regions 3 & 5 on Oct. 23 & 24, 2023. There was a reception at the Isle of Capri Casino after everyone checked in on Sunday. There were 50+ attendees. With a variety of presentations, such as FMCSA, Iowa DOT, AAMVA and a roundtable discussion. A tour of the Hawkeye’s Regional Transportation Training Center (RTTC) as well as a tour of the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.

Day One: The President of Hawkeye Community College welcomed everyone and made the opening remarks. Martin Garsee, Executive Director-NAPFTDS, shared new updates. Shirley McGuire, Division Administrator-FMCSA, spoke of the regulator updates. Ronee’ Slagle, the CDL Program Manager for the Central Programs Bureau of Iowa DOT spoke on the new modernized skills range. The group did a tour of the John Deer Tractor & Engine Museum. Dinner was served at the Sunnyside Country Club where there was a wonderful meal of Iowa corn fed beef steaks. For some, it was the first time to have tasted Iowa Corn Fed Beef. Everyone loved it. Day two, there were about 10-15 FMCSA individuals attending because of the FMCSA awards. Kevin Lewis, Director for Driver Programs for AAMVA did a presentation on ‘What the New Modernized Skill course would look like. He was able to answer a lot of questions that the attendees had. Rob Behnke started a roundtable discussion to help with any unanswered questions. There was lots of discussion and networking throughout the meeting!

FMCSA Awards given out at the Region 3 & 5 meeting! At 11:30 a.m., Robin Hutcheson, Deputy Administrator of FMCSA formally presented checks for a grant to support three colleges for the ‘Trucking with the Troops’ programs. The school members receiving these grants were: Hawkeye Community College awarded $200,000; Des Moines Area Community College for $196,000; and Eastern Iowa Community College for $80,460. Congratulations! “We’re proud that these grants are giving priority to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard, Reservists, and their family members, to pursue a commercial driver’s license,” Hutcheson said. “We are changing lives while filling a huge need for truck drivers.” Hawkeye’s Trucking with the Troops program is designed to assist current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children earning a CDL and entering the transportation industry, while building a skilled workforce to meet the driver shortage. For qualifying individuals, the grant pays 100% of tuition and fees (Commercial Learner’s Permit, DOT Physical, DOT drug test, and Commercial Driver’s License). This is the eighth consecutive year Hawkeye has received FMCSA funding for Trucking with the Troops. Since 2016, the college has received a total of $830,138, which has helped 153 veterans and their families receive training and find employment. For more information about Trucking with the Troops, visit www.hawkeyecollege.edu/trucking-with-troops.

Sponsors for Region 3 & 5 Hawkeye Community College Waterloo, Iowa

NAPFTDS would like to thank our Region 3 & 5 sponsors! Your sponsorship makes it possible for a successful event! 13

REGIONAL MEETING November 1-3, 2023

Region 4 host was Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas The meeting started with a Wednesday evening, November 1, Reception at the Emerald Beach Hotel; with an all day meeting on Thursday, November 2 and dinner that evening. Friday, November 3, was a half day. Welcome remarks by President Daniel Korus; Hiring our Veterans-Success of Transition Trucking by Dave Harrison and Ashley Leiva (2023 Winner), Melton Highway Hero by Gus Corona Driver for Melton Truck Lines; AAMVA Update by Kevin Lewis; Veterans and their Experiences by Jimmy Mac, Dave Nemo Entertainment; Employers Support the Guard and Reserve by Speedy Castillo, ESGR; Hiring Veterans by Elizabeth Murray-Belcaster, Task Force Movement; TXTA Update by Dana Moore, TXTA Vice President; TAT by Ralph Garcia; Texas Department of Public Safety by Sergeant Adolph Villarreal. A special Presentation to Kevin Lewis presented by Martin Garsee, wishing him well on his retirement. Meeting was full of networking!

NETWORKING!

Ashley Leiva and Gus Corona

Jimmy Mac Del Mar College Truck and Students

John Rojas & Dean Dan

Lesley Vincent & Gus Corona, Melton Truck Lines TTS Office Staff Del Mar College

Lynette Cervantes interview with KRIS Communications on Region 4 Event.

Del Mar Students with Gus Corona, Melton Truck Lines Driver

Sponsors for Region 4 Del Mar College Corpus Christi, Texas

NAPFTDS would like to thank our Region 4 sponsors! Your sponsorship makes it possible for a successful event! 17

CDL drivers transport feed

from the feed mills to our farms and pigs between farms and to the plant. There’s a place for you at Seaboard Foods. Home every day. Contact: Glenn Rose glenn_rose@seaboardfoods.com

2024 Board Nominations: In 2024, the membership will have three board member term’s expire as well as a Vendor Board member and a Carrier Board member. Nomination forms are due by End of Business (EOB) January 15! Nomination forms are available on the website or contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297 to receive one!

2024 Region Hosts: Hunting for Regional Hosts for the 2024 season. Regionals can run from August through midDecember. These meetings are held in our seven regions so that more instructors, staff and administration are able to attend. Network with members and showcase your school! Interested, contact Missy Blair, Region Chair at mlblair@pima.edu or Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-4253297 with your interest.

Committee Happenings … Want to be a part of a working committee, please contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org.

Carrier-Donnie Tulk, Chair. The Committee is still reaching out to several carriers and keeping the dialogue going. Items discussed: 1) Be very pronounced about how much industry knowledge NAPFTDS members have. 2) Approach someone up the chain at the carriers and tell them how valuable it would be for them to join NAPFTDS. 3) Know the associate member cost and let potential carrier members know that it could be a low cost solution for them to get highly trained student drivers. 4) Give non-member recruiters that come into our schools a hard copy of the carrier outreach postcard. We need to make sure that all members know who our associate members are and to thank them for all that they do! Conference/Nomination-Martin Garsee, Chair. The Conference is set for Reno, Nevada, April 21-24, 2024 at the Grant Sierra Resort. The presenters are being finalized and set on the agenda. The Committee is also looking into 2025 Annual Conference location. Any ideas, please email Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org. Education-John Thorpe, Chair. With new blood and ideas, I am anxious for 2024. If you have any interest in being on the Education Committee, please contact John Thorpe, john.thorpe@centraltech.edu or Crissie Moffet cmoffet@napftds.org. Marketing/Social Media Recently, Joe Kobs, Schneider, was approved to chair the Marketing/Social Media committee under the Boards supervision. Joe Kobs has already begun a review of our current state and will be putting together a proposal for his vision for the future. Joe Kobs shared a presentation at the December Board Meeting making sure that he is aligned in the proposed direction. If you haven’t checked out our website re-design, take time to do so. Please remember to like our … Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NAPFTDS and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/napftds/ and Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-publicly-funded-truck-driving-schools/ The accounts are now linked and posts will appear on both! We are looking to grow our digital presence and reach a larger audience with our mission of education and this is one way we can do so. Please send any content to Marilyn Surber, marilyn.surber@tenstreet.com. If you have suggestions for the marketing committee or you would like to become a member of the committee please contact Crissie Moffet cmoffet@napftds.org. Membership-Dan Zdrojewski, Chair. The Membership Committee remains busy processing applications and making contact with potential members. The Regional NAPFTDS meetings were a great success! The end of the year has come and we are looking forward to the annual conference in April which always creates a huge buzz for NAPFTDS. The Membership Committee continues to process applications for membership, fielding emails and phone calls from prospective members, and spreading the awareness of our Association. There is a lot of interest in NAPFTDS from all parts of our industry. Our current membership stands at 143 Full Members, 2 Affiliate Members, and 29 Associate Members. The value of NAPFTDS is second to none. Many more training providers, companies, organizations, and institutions have started to become aware of us and our value. It is truly an exciting time for NAPFTDS. Regionals-Missy Blair, Chair. The Region Committee is hunting for 2024 hosts for all regions. Region meetings are from August through December. If your school is interested, please contact Crissie Moffet (cmoffet@napftds.org). As you can see from this edition of Learning Curve, the regional meetings are an important part of how we serve our membership. If you'd like to host one, or if you have any questions about being a regional host, please contact Missy Blair, Regional Committee chair, at mlblair@pima.edu or Crissie Moffet at cmoffet@napftds.org, 316-425-3297. So … find out what it is all about and show off your campus by hosting a region meeting in 2024! Contact Crissie Moffet, cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297. Regulatory-Jill Schultz, Chair. The regulatory committee informs members of changes and proposed changes to federal laws, regulations, and policies related to truck driver training. The following are highlights for August 2023 through November 2023. Provider info added to TPR. A list of ELDT providers under review and a list of removed providers has been added to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR) website. ELDT exemption requests and denials continue. The FMCSA continues to receive, process, and deny ELDT exemption requests. DataQs review proposed. FMCSA has issued a proposed rule that would give DataQ users an opportunity to have a request reviewed by FMCSA after the request has been reviewed and denied by a state agency. The comment period closed in midNovember. 21

Next Generation in Trucking Foundation launches CDL curriculum companion By The Trucker News Staff - November 20, 2023

Students in the Patterson, Calif., High School commercial driver's license program pose for a photo in front of their big rig. (Courtesy: Dave Dein) PATTERSON, Calif. — The Next Generation in Trucking (NGT) Foundation is launching the first-of-its-kind NGT Curriculum Companion to support high school Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) programs nationwide. The Curriculum Companion, which is free to NGT members and sponsored schools, provides five parts of online modules aligned with entrylevel driver training (ELDT) standards, along with classroom activities, videos, handouts and assessments for educators, according to a news release. The Curriculum Companion supports high school teachers in facilitating a yearlong CDL course and prepares high school students to successfully complete the CLP exam after they turn 18. Dave Dein, co-founder of the Next Generation Trucking Foundation and teacher at the flagship high school CDL program in Patterson, California, said he is enthusiastic about the new resources. “Imagine how different our industry would look and feel if trucking was a first career choice for more people,” Dein said. “Ten years from now, we’ll look back at this point back as this defining moment in the trucking industry when high schools took a proactive approach and provided the highest level of training for our students.” Current and former students have said that the truck driving program “is incredibly valuable” and that they see “huge potential in the truck industry.” Teffany Dominguez, a current student in the CDL program, said, “I want to be a truck driver because it’s a career with unlimited possibilities. There’s so much freedom and opportunity in it, and I can’t wait to meet the amazing community of truck drivers.” Recent alumni are also finding success in the trucking industry. Ricardo Jimenez, a program graduate and now a trucking company owner, said, “Going into high school, I didn’t even consider being a truck driver. I thought it wasn’t a real career and that there was no passion or vision in it. However, after a friend convinced me to take the trucking course at Patterson High School, I not only developed a passion for trucking, but I also learned about the impact that truck drivers have around the world. The trucking program at Patterson High School changed my life, and it has changed the lives of many other students who have enrolled in the course. I believe that with more programs like this across the country, we can inspire more young students to find their passion in trucking.” Developed with Education Development Center and funded through a grant from Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America and the PepsiCo Foundation, the new online resource is designed to be used in conjunction with online ELDT courses for adult learners, while adapting materials for high school students and providing supportive hands-on activities.

Continued on page 25

Next Generation in Trucking Foundation launches CDL curriculum companion

The course materials equip students to have long, healthy careers with the incorporation of SafeWork Training: Powered with Worklete (injury prevention) and The Supply Chain Fitness Company (health and nutrition) and supporting healthy driving practices for the next generation of truck drivers. The course includes lab hours with driver simulation training and golf cart backing skills. It also features field trips, guest speakers, and industry engagement opportunities. The Curriculum Companion can be accessed by clicking here. For more information about the Next Generation in Trucking Foundation, the new resource or to inquire about CDL programming at your local high school, contact Lindsey Trent or Dave Dein at info@nextgentrucking.org.

The Trucker News Staff The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

34th Annual NAPFTDS Conference April 21-24, 2024 Reno, Nevada If you haven’t registered for Annual Conference ...

Our 34th Annual 2024 Conference is in Reno, Nevada. Theme: ‘Rolling into the Biggest Little City—Reno!’ Hotel is the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. 2nd St., Reno, NV 89595 The award-winning Grand Sierra Resort features nearly 2,000 hotel rooms and suites, the largest casino floor in northern Nevada at 100,000 square feet, and the best entertainment and nightlife offerings in Reno. Located minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International airport and in the heart of the Truckee Meadows, GSR is ideally positioned to explore all the region has to offer while providing everything you need in one convenient location. Whether you are visiting on vacation, attending an event or conference, or seeking the best in entertainment, dining and gaming, welcome to the grandest destination in Reno!

Lodging Rates:

Saturday, April 20, 2024 rate: $269.00 Sunday, April 21, 2024 rate: $199.00 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, April 22, 23, 24 , 25 rate is $69.00 Each reservation will have the following added to their room: $30 resort fee, 13% tax, $2 daily tourism fee & $1.99 housekeeping daily gratuity per day. Reservation cutoff Deadline: Saturday, April 6, 2024 midnight Pacific time Reservations call: 1-800-648-5080 or passkey Link—HTTPS://BOOK.PASSKEY.COM/GO/PFTDS Parking: Complimentary Self and Valet Parking Registration Fees: • $475 EARLY BIRD (60 days—February 20 Cut off) • $550 Member Registration Fee • $700 Non-Member Registration Fee • $150 Spouse Registration Fee (Includes ALL meals) • $75 Spouse Banquet Fee ONLY Online Registration is preferred: 34th NAPFTDS Annual Conference - National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools

Meal Sponsorships are greatly appreciated and keep conference costs down!

Interested ...please mark appropriate box on your online registration and/or contact Crissie Moffet at cmoffet@napftds.org or call 316-425-3297. If I don’t hear from you … you may be hearing from me … Give me a call!

Bee an active Meal Sponsor!

MEAL Sponsorships -recognized at conference and posted at the event also pre and post Learning Curve eNewsletters $2500—Morning Breakfast Sponsor (April 22) $1500 – Morning Break Sponsor (April 22) $4000 – Lunch Sponsor (April 22) $1500 – Afternoon Break Sponsor (April 22) $4000 – Reception Sponsor (April 22) $2500 – Breakfast (April 23) $1500 - Morning Break Sponsor (April 23) $4000 - Lunch Sponsor (April 23) $1500 – Afternoon Break Sponsor (April 23) $3000 – 2 Banquet Sponsors needed (April 23) $2500 – Morning Breakfast Sponsor (April 24) $1500 – Morning Break Sponsor (April 24)

NATIONAL CONFERENCE/NAPFTDS PARTNERSHIPS The following are Partner benefits!

PLATINUM Partner - $10,000 and includes:

• Space for Display booth at all receptions at National Convention • Registration for four (4) participants at National Convention • Space for display booth at all Region Conferences • Annual membership dues • Advertising in quarterly issues of Learning Curve • Feature article in Learning Curve • Listing associate company on links page on NAPFTDS website • Placing company logo and link on all pages of website

GOLD Partner - $5,000 and includes:

• Space for Display booth at all receptions at National Convention • Registration for three (3) participants at National Convention • Space for display booth at all Region Conferences • Annual membership dues • Listing associate company on links page on NAPFTDS website • Placing company logo and link on website “home page”

SILVER Partner - $2,500 and includes:

• Space for Display booth at all receptions at National Convention • Registration for two (2) participants at National Convention • Annual membership dues • Listing associate company on links page on NAPFTDS website • Placing company logo and link on website “home page”

Remember … if you want a booth at conference, you need to be a partner as it is a partner benefit!

Bee an active Meal Sponsor!

2024 NAPFTDS 34th National Conference ‘Rolling into the Biggest Little City – RENO!’ Grand Sierra Resort - 2500 E. 2nd St. Reno, Nevada April 21-24, 2024 AGENDA WELCOME TO

Sunday, April 21, 2024 3:00 – 5:30 Board Meeting

Nevada Monday, April 22, 2024 THE SILVER STATE 8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast 8:00 – 8:30 Conference Registration Set-up 8:30 – 9:00 Conference Registration 8:30 – 11:30 Vendor Set-up 9:00 – 11:30 Defensibility – Security Training ~ Sean Grigsba, Undersheriff, Kay County, Oklahoma 11:30 – 1:00 Lunch & Vendor Displays 1:00 – 1:30 NAPFTDS President’s Welcome & Introduction of Attendees ~ Lorie Latigo, President, NAPFTDS 1:30 – 2:15 TCA Update ~ Dave Heller, TCA 2:15 – 2:45 Presentation of Board Nominees ~ Lorie Latigo Nominating Committee, President NAPFTDS 2:45 – 3:00 Break & Vendor Displays 3:00 – 3:30 Vendor Recognition and Presentations ~ Facilitator, Board Member 3:30 – 3:45 Treasurer Report ~ Rob Behnke, Treasurer and Tina Frindt, Finance/Technical Assistant 6:00 – 8:00 Reception: Welcome to all attendees! Tuesday, April 23, 2024 7:15 – 8:15 Breakfast 7:45 – 8:15 Registration, Vendor Displays 8:15 – 9:15 Committee Meetings 9:15 – 9:45 Committee Chairperson’s Update 9:45 – 10:00 Break & Vendor Displays 10:00 – 11:00 Transition to Trucking ~ Brad Bentley, FASTPORT 11:00 – 12:00 ELDT Task Force with Andrew Poliakoff and Kyle Hayes, CVTA ~ Moderated by Martin Garsee, NAPFTDS 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch & Vendor Displays 1:00 – 2:00 AAMVA Presentation ~ Ian Grossman, President/CEO, AAMVA 2:00 – 2:15 Break & Vendor Displays 2:15 – 3:15 FMCSA Update ~ Rich Clemente, Director Office of Safety Programs, FMCSA 3:15 – 3:45 Board Nominee Vote – 1 per Full and Associate members ~ Lorie Latigo, President NAPFTDS 6:00 – 7:30 Banquet Wednesday, April 24, 2024 7:30 – 8:15 Breakfast 8:15 – 9:45 ELDT Presentation ~ Patrick Nemons, Transportation Specialist, FMCSA 9:45 – 10:00 Break & Vendor Displays 10:00 – 11:00 Executive Director Report/Open Discussion -Relevant Topics &Concerns in the Training Industry ~ Martin Garsee, Executive Director NAPFTDS 11:00 – 11:30 Membership Evaluation of Conference and wrap-up Agenda is subject to change by the NAPFTDS Board

2024 Partners

2024 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! PLATINUM PARTNER

Does your company want to be a Platinum Partner!

GOLD PARTNERS

Doron Precision Systems, Inc. Kelly Anderson Group Tenstreet TMC Transportation Virage Simulation

SILVER PARTNERS

Advanced Training Systems LLC

Melton Truck Lines

Bumper-to-Bumper Easy CDL

Ruan Truck & Trailer Sales

Covenant Logistics

Schneider

Driver IQ

Seaboard Foods LLC

FASTPORT

Simulator Systems, Intl

Freymiller, Inc.

Stevens Transport

J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

Transforce Group

L3-Driver Training Solutions

Werner Enterprises

NAPFTDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023 President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Lorie Latigo Lone Star College Transportation Insti.

Donnie Tulk Tulsa Tech

Rob Behnke Fox Valley Technical College

John Thorpe Central Tech

Executive Director

Martin Garsee Houston Community College

Immediate Past President

John Rojas

Board Member

Missy Blair Pima Community College

Lynette Cervantes Del Mar College

Richard ‘Rickey’ Monroe

Marion Technical College

Carrier Member

Board Member

Interim Bd Member

Vendor Member

Bill Buechel Schneider

Tiffany Howard Louisiana Technical & Com College System

Michael McCarthy Seward County Community College

Deborah Quackenbush Virage Simulation

Jill Schultz J.J. Keller & Associates Inc.

Board Member

Carrier Member

Board Member

CVTA Representative

Celeste Turner Hawkeye Community College

Lesley Vincent Melton Truck Lines

Nikole Willing Central Tech

Dan Zdrojewski Milwaukee Area Technical College

Cindy Atwood CVTA Representative

2023 New Members ... Full Members • Southeastern Community College, Burlington, IA • Aims Community College, Greeley, CO • Midland College, Midland, TX • Ft. Scott Community College, Pittsburg, KS • Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla, WA • Cloud County Community College, Junction City, KS • Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay, WI • State Fair Community College, Sedalia, MO • Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program, West Lafayette, IN Associate Members • Kelly Anderson Group, Neosho, MO • Freymiller, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK • Next Generation Trucking, Prospect, KY • Smithfield Foods, Laurinburg, NC • Wilson Logistics, Strafford, MO

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 Dir., 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)

Mission Statement 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.

Tina Frindt, Finance/Technical Assistant tfrindt@napftds.org 570-688-5710 (M) Crissie Moffet Admin Assist to the Board cmoffet@napftds.org 316-425-3297 (O) 30