G.I. Trucking Co. says it faces a challenge of having enough drivers to serve future customer needs.

The Brea, Calif-based company is meeting that challenge with a driver training program available throughout its 13-state western region.
"Our customer services and operations continue to grow. So we must take the needed actions to have enough drivers -- especially with the wave of pending driver retirements in our industry over the next five to 10 years," said Rich Stevens, vice president for operations.
Currently, G.I. Trucking has 600 drivers.
G.I. Trucking launched the driver training in July 2000 and has successfully put about 65 driver-trainees through the program.
The year-round training is open to internal candidates from transportation backgrounds such as dockworkers, clerks, and others with a strong desire to be professional drivers. Candidates must also have the recommendation of their terminal manager to qualify for the program.
About 90% of the driver training candidates come from within G.I. Trucking Co. ranks.
The training includes a combination of classroom, highway and hazmat training. The total hours of individual training depend on the experience of the driver candidate.
There are usually 10-12 driver candidates in a training sequence.
Trainers, who are located at major terminals, usually have 15-20 years of experience and have gone through the training themselves.
They are also knowledgeable about what is required to meet state and federal skill and safety certification requirements for drivers. Successful trainees receive both state and national professional driver (CDL) certification.
G.I. Trucking provides less-than-truckload service to 13 western states from 59 terminals. It also provides service to every U.S. state and all of Canada through its ExpressLINK North American services network.
For more information, Fran Glidewell at (800) 541-1670.