Central Piedmont Community College’s CDL-A/Truck Driving program has received a grant of $247,200 from the North Carolina Trucking Association Foundation and the N.C. Community College System. The college will use the grant to offer more class sections in its CDL-A/Truck Driving program, purchase or lease additional equipment for the program, and provide scholarship funds for underserved student populations.

In late 2022, American Trucking Associations announced a shortage of 78,000 truck drivers nationwide. This affects the overall U.S. economy, as 68 percent of all commercial freight is moved on U.S. highways. The trucking industry suffered a severe blow during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of the pandemic placed severe strains on the global supply chain and the truck driver shortage worsened.

To address the driver shortage, North Carolina gave the North Carolina Trucking Association Foundation $5 million in nonrecurring State Fiscal Recovery Funds. With $2 million of the funds, the foundation collaborated with the N.C. Community College System to establish the Truck Driver Shortage Grant Program.

Currently, 14 of the state’s community colleges have received grants. Colleges must apply for a grant. Central Piedmont is one of 34 community colleges in the state that offer truck driver training programs.

Learn more information about Central Piedmont’s CDL-A/Truck Driving program on the college’s website, or call 704-330-4223.