New opportunities in the trucking industry

Posted 4/28/23

Florida Trucking Association (FTA) and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) have partnered...

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New opportunities in the trucking industry

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TALLAHASSEE — Florida Trucking Association (FTA) and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) have partnered on a new project, Accelerate Opportunity, to promote the trucking industry, recruit the next generation of drivers and technicians, and keep Florida’s roadways safe.

“We are in the middle of a nationwide shortage of truck drivers and diesel technicians, making the need for qualified professionals in the trucking industry urgent,” said Alix Miller, president and CEO of FTA. “The Accelerate Opportunity project, developed by Florida Trucking and made possible by a grant from DEO, will ensure the Sunshine State has the drivers and technicians necessary to keep our state moving.”

“Florida’s trucking industry plays an important role in the state’s economy as more than 95 percent of manufactured goods are transported by trucks in Florida,” said DEO Acting Secretary Meredith Ivey. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO is proud to partner with the Florida Trucking Association on the Accelerate Opportunity project to help transportation companies find a qualified workforce.”

A component of the Accelerate Opportunity project is a website that serves as a job board for the industry, featuring positions which include: truck driver; diesel technician; logistics specialists; sales; human resources and more. There are more than 130,000 trucking companies in the state of Florida, with one in 18 Floridians employed by the industry, but prior to the Accelerate Opportunity project, there was not a single source online to easily locate available jobs across the entire industry or learn more about education and training options. The job board will continue to grow as employers become aware of the website and input information. Now, Accelerate Opportunity will serve as an easy-to-navigate, one-stop-shop in the state of Florida. Learn more at accelerateopportunity.org.

“Trucking offers outstanding opportunities - from excellent pay and benefits, to career advancement, paid training programs and tuition reimbursements,” said Miller. “We are grateful for the chance to work with DEO on the development of the Accelerate Opportunity project that will put our industry on the map for jobseekers and provide education and advancement opportunities, all while providing trucking companies with a highly qualified workforce.”

As part of the Accelerate Opportunity project, a documentary film entitled 10-8 will also be released soon. It will demonstrate how the trucking industry is responsible for keeping Florida moving, highlight the shortage in the industry, alongside the nearly limitless opportunities, and present solutions to shore up the trucking industry’s essential workforce. To view the trailer for 10-8, visit https://accelerateopportunity.org/about/.

“Florida trucking believes that the American Dream runs on 18 wheels, and the Accelerate Opportunity project will make that dream a reality for more Floridians,” concluded Miller.

Accelerate Opportunity, trucking, florida

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