The carrier A. Duie Pyle is opening its second driver training academy in Northborough, Mass., to serve prospective drivers in New England and upstate New York. Originally, their training academy was only offered at the company headquarters in West Chester, Pa.

The training academy offers an eight-week instructional program followed by two weeks of on-the-job training accompanied by a driver mentor. The training is offered at no cost to the candidates.

“No longer will the driver candidates from New England and upstate New York need to travel to Southeast Pennsylvania or be away from their families for extended periods in order to pursue a driving career with Pyle,” said Randy Swart, COO of Pyle.

Pyle decided to form its own driving academy to deal with the increasing driver shortage and to recruit candidates from the company’s warehouse and dock associates. The company says it invests $20,000 in each trainee, which includes an hourly wage for the driver during the program.

Pyle says its turnover rate is just 5% for drivers with more than a year of service. More than 235 candidates have participated in the program and qualified as Class A CDL drivers.

“We are looking for passionate drivers and driver candidates who wish to be the future of the industry,” said Swart. “Our program is complete and robust as it delivers thoroughly trained, top-notch graduates who are reliable stewards of highway safety.”