- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
The pandemic exacerbated longstanding workforce challenges in the trucking industry, including high turnover rates, an aging workforce, long hours away from home, and time spent waiting, often unpaid, to load and unload at congested ports, warehouses, and distribution centers. The American Trucking Association reported a projected shortage of 80,000 drivers in 2021, an all-time high that could potentially reach as many as 160,000 by 2030 in the United States.
One way the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) is addressing the need for commercial truck drivers, while also providing upward mobility for underemployed and unemployed individuals, is through the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF). Since 2013, the WCTF has invested more than $26M in demand-driven programs that train and place workers to fill vacancies at Massachusetts' businesses.
Hector, a resident of Central Massachusetts, enrolled in a Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) training course offered by MassHire Central Region Workforce Board to find his path to upward mobility. The CDL course was funded through WCTF, and effectively equipped participants to pass the CDL test and prepared them for a fruitful career through a comprehensive professional development curriculum.
"This program completely turned my life around. It has helped further my career and provided financial and physical/psychological stability." - Hector
Before enrolling in the CDL training course, Hector worked 2 to 3 different jobs, and living paycheck to paycheck. The biggest challenge he faced was not being able to spend quality time with his children. "I have the power to decide where I want to work. It's a great feeling to pick and choose, and even negotiate," says Hector.
After receiving his CDL Class B license, Hector interviewed with several local trucking companies, obtaining a position at Mondelz Transportation in Rhode Island, and joining the Teamsters Union. Since then, he's had the opportunity to drive trucks for renowned companies like Sysco, Subaru, and Nabisco.
Hector even had the chance to contribute to the film Hocus Pocus II. Disney needed a qualified driver to transport props and equipment to and from movie sets and Hector was ready to handle deliveries with the tact and responsibility the job required. Since then, Hector has worked with another film crew and has even bigger plans for the future.
Now I am able to be there for my children. I have gone to places I never thought I would have gone, all within my first year. Doors have continued to open. I am looking into becoming a homeowner and owning a truck to open my business. Programs like this give people hope to achieve and reach their potential, improve their lives, and obtain financial stability. I am grateful for the people of MassHire who helped me every step of the way and have stayed in contact.” – Hector
If you’re inspired by Hector’s story, and want to pursue a career in commercial trucking, contact a FutureSkills Upskilling Navigator to learn more about free CDL training.
This success story was featured in the 2022 Workforce Competitive Trust Fund Annual Report, by Commonwealth Corporation.
