Across the country, one of our industry’s most significant issues is the shortage of CDL truck drivers. CDL drivers play an essential role in our business, and their work is invaluable. This past March, we launched Heartland’s CDL Program in hopes of acquiring new Heartland drivers while combating the driver shortage epidemic. Our 5-week CDL class A program is available to any Heartland employee or external hire interested in obtaining their CDL license. Our program is unique because we cover the cost of attending CDL school and pay participants while they are in training, which varies based on your location. After our driver completes the 5-week program and passes their final test, they will be officially graduated and ready to hit the roads in one of our big red trucks.
Since the program’s launch, we have had 13 graduates across Heartland! The long-term impact of having your CDL license can change your life in more ways than one. Ivan Luna, a recent graduate of our program, said being a driver at Heartland has allowed him to quit his second job and spend more time with his family. Our CDL program is an excellent example of how we continue to prioritize equipping our employees with the tools and resources to advance their careers.