USA Truck Funds 15 Scholarships for Truck Driving Training via the U of A

Photo credit: USA Truck

USA Truck is offering scholarships for selected, qualified applicants who want to enroll in a commercial driver's license program offered through the University of Arkansas, NorthWest Training Institute and Mid-America Truck Driving School.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – USA Truck will pay the way for 15 qualified applicants to complete the five-week Commercial Driver’s License Training Program offered through a partnership between the University of Arkansas Global Campus, Northwest Technical Institute, and Mid-America Truck Driving School.

The USA Truck Career Launch Program is now accepting applications. It will provide scholarships and seek to educate job seekers about the vast career opportunities available to them in the trucking industry. Scholarship recipients who complete the training program offered through the U of A will be given preference for job openings with USA Truck. Recent U.S. veterans are eligible for a $1,000 hiring bonus and may qualify for an upgraded pay package.

Scholarship seekers can request an application on the USA Truck Career Launch Program website or attend one of two information sessions:

• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, at Northwest Technical Institute, Room 137A in the administration building, 709 S. Old Missouri Rd., Springdale
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at the Jones Center, 922 E. Emma Ave., Springdale

A truck driver has the potential to earn about $35,000 in the first year and up to $50,000 after three years, according to USA Truck. Top-end owner-operators can earn as much as $60,000 a year.

“We are excited about this partnership and the opportunities it will provide,” said Steve Brantley, director of Driver Recruiting for USA Truck. “Not all successful career paths take a traditional route. Our industry is wide-ranging and diverse, and the transportation sector offers limitless possibilities. USA Truck is always looking for talented, hard-working individuals who are passionate about building a rewarding career in a growing industry that is vital to keeping our country moving.”

Scholarships will cover the $3,700 enrollment fee for the Commercial Driver’s License Training Program offered through a partnership of the Global Campus, Northwest Technical Institute and Mid-America Truck Driving School. The five-week program offers day or evening classes, with six starting dates each year.

“This program provides people with little or no truck driving experience the opportunity to start a new career in an industry that is growing,” said Heather Sprandel, a Global Campus affiliate. “The truck driving industry offers various career paths, excellent earning potential and outstanding benefits, so we are very appreciative of USA Truck’s commitment to educate the community about careers in trucking and to get new drivers behind the wheel.”

The training program results in a total of 200 hours of combined classroom and behind-the-wheel training, including the course final exam. Each course is designed to provide the student with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to obtain a commercial driver’s license.

Scholarship pre-screening and eligibility requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• No more than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years
• No more than 2 collisions in the past 3 years
• No DUI’s, DWI’s or any other violations involving drugs or alcohol within the last 7 years
• Stable work history
• Complete an approved physical examination and drug screen as prescribed by the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Scholarships will not be awarded to those with major driving offenses, including serious traffic violations, railroad-highway grade crossing offenses, violation of out-of-service orders, violation of implied consent laws, and operating a CMV with a CDL from a decertified state.

About the Global Campus: The Global Campus supports U of A colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online, distance and workforce education programs and courses. It provides instructional design services, technology services and assistance with marketing, recruiting and strategic academic development.

About USA Truck: USA Truck provides comprehensive capacity solutions to a broad and diverse customer base throughout North America. USA Truck and USAT Logistics blend an extensive portfolio of asset and asset-light services, offering a balanced approach to supply chain management. USA Truck’s offerings include customized truckload, dedicated contract carriage, intermodal and third-party logistics freight management services. For more information, visit usa-truck.com or usatlogistics.com.

About Northwest Technical Institute: For over 40 years Northwest Technical Institute has been “Changing lives through education, training and skill development.” NTI offers 12 diploma programs focused on career and technical education as well as a certified nursing program to prepare students for a new career or provide advancement in the workplace. 

About Mid-America Truck Driving School: MATDS provides CDL training for those interested in obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to safely operate commercial motor vehicles and to obtain a commercial driver’s license.  They have trained and assisted with the career placement of nearly 2000 drivers in Arkansas since 2003.