Midwest Truck Driving School is hosting an open house with Schneider on Thursday

ESCANABA, Mich. (WLUC) — The U.S. Census indicates there are approximately 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States, making it one of the most popular career choices. Yet in October, the American Transportation Research Institute said driver shortages topped the list of industry concerns for the fifth straight year.

To help spark more interest in the career, the Midwest Truck Driving School is hosting an Open House with Schneider on Thursday.

“People who are currently in the industry who are current CDL holders to people who want to learn something new about it,” said Josh Barron, a certified instructor for the Midwest Truck Driving School.

In April last year, Barron said there had been a shortage of truck drivers for about ten years, which peaked in 2020. Now he says there are about 100,000 trucking jobs available in United States.

“Because of that, wages, benefits, everything went up. So these guys and girls coming out of school are making a lot of money, they are making a good living,” Barron said.

Several schedules are available to truckers.

“Being a professional driver isn’t just about being on the road for a few weeks at a time. [Thursday] there will be people talking about daily home routes, being away a week at a time, regional routes, OTR opportunities,” Barron said.

Thursday’s event runs from noon to 5 p.m. and is for anyone looking for a job or just wanting to learn more.

“There are free soft drinks and pizza and food, so come enjoy and learn a little about the trucking industry,” Barron said.

The Midwest Truck Driving School is located on North 26th Street in Escanaba near the Penstar building. Midwest Truck Driving School is GI Bill approved and veteran friendly.

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