Tri-Area Trucking School’s Growth
Since 1999, Tri-Area Trucking School has been offering training programs for aspiring truck drivers. In 2015, it partnered with Ross Education, bringing many years of career training experience to the transportation industry. This collaboration enhanced the school’s ability to deliver quick, affordable, and high-quality education, helping students learn to drive safely and confidently.
Comprehensive Training Programs
Tri-Area Trucking School offers training for both Class A and Class B Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs).
Class A CDL Training
This 160-hour certificate program, typically completed in four weeks, prepares students to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. This license is essential for driving tractor-trailers over long distances.
Class B CDL Training
This six-day program includes three days of classroom instruction and three days of on-road/range training, preparing students for the commercial learning permit. A Class B license allows drivers to operate vehicles with a GVWR of over 26,001 pounds or haul trailers under 10,000 pounds. Common vehicles for Class B licenses include dump trucks and flatbed tow trucks. Training is available for both automatic and manual transmissions.
Endorsement Specializations
Students can also obtain endorsements to expand their qualifications:
– X (Hazmat and Tanker): Necessary for hauling hazardous materials.
– S (School Bus): Enables drivers to transport school-aged children.
– P (Passenger): Allows drivers to operate vehicles carrying more than 16 passengers, such as city or tour buses.
Fostering Positivity with “Fuzzy Feel Goods”
Amy Glady, the administrative assistant at Tri-Area Trucking, initiated a heartwarming program called “Fuzzy Feel Goods” on October 24, 2023. This initiative was created to bridge the communication gap between the admissions team and the instructors, who are often on the field or at different campuses. Amy collects and shares positive feedback from students, which includes texts, phone calls, emails, surveys, and reviews. These messages are compiled into a document and distributed monthly, ensuring that the entire team gets to see the impact of their hard work. “It always makes everyone’s day,” says Amy.
Expansion Plans for the Future
Tri-Area Trucking School currently operates campuses in Freeland, MI, St. John’s, MI, Benton Harbor, MI, and Grayling, MI (in collaboration with Kirtland Community College). As there is an increasing demand for skilled truck drivers, the school is set to expand. New campuses will soon be opening in Jackson, MI, Muncie, IN, Fort Wayne, IN, and the Grand Rapids area. These new locations will allow more students to access top-tier training and enter a profession projected to grow by six percent over the next decade, resulting in approximately 230,000 job openings each year.
Join the Tri-Area Trucking Family
Tri-Area Trucking School continues to provide valuable training and support to its students, ensuring they are well-prepared for a successful career in the trucking industry. With ongoing expansion and innovative programs like “Fuzzy Feel Goods,” the school remains committed to fostering a positive and productive learning environment.
For more information on Tri-Area Trucking, please visit https://triareatruckingschool.com/.