Next Gen Trucking Talk with Lindsey Trent

Hosted by Lindsey Trent

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Oct 2026

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About the show

The Next Gen Trucking Association is a membership-based advocacy group solely dedicated to advancing the trucking industry as a career choice for the next generation through nationwide education and awareness initiatives. As a leading national nonprofit trade association, Next Gen Trucking Association (NGT) inspires, educates, and provides resources for young people and schools and promotes opportunities within the trucking industry. This podcast is all about steering the next generation towards careers in trucking. Who is doing it, how, and best practices. For more information contact Lindsey Trent at info@nextgentrucking.org.

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October 8, 202638 min

Why Do We Need to Rethink How We Recruit and Train Gen Z?

In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent welcomes back Hannah Dannecker, a Gen Z speaker and expert, for a conversation about what makes Generation Z different and what employers need to understand as this generation enters the workforce. Hannah discusses how technology, social media, the pandemic and now artificial intelligence have shaped Gen Z’s expectations, communication styles and approach to work. They also explore why transparency, stability, relationships and opportunities to learn and grow are especially important when recruiting and retaining young employees. The conversation also looks specifically at what this means for trucking and transportation. Lindsey and Hannah discuss reaching young people through social media, creating clear career pathways from the warehouse or shop into driving and other roles, and getting current drivers and technicians into schools to share their experiences with students. Their message to employers is simple: invest the time to listen, communicate clearly, provide opportunities for growth and build genuine relationships. A multigenerational workforce has tremendous potential when experienced employees and the next generation are given opportunities to learn from one another. https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-kay-macdonald/ https://hannahdannecker.com/ hannah@bettertogethergroup.com Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.performancefoodservice.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://www.act1trucking.org/ https://www.xpo.com/ https://driverwages.com/ https://atssimulation.com/ https://www.mjai.com/ https://www.averitt.com/ https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home.html?locale=true https://fusionnow.io/ https://gfs.com/en-us/ https://forklift-simulator.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

September 24, 202624 min

What Do Truck Drivers Need to Know About Driving in Snow and Ice?

Winter weather can create serious challenges for professional drivers, and preparation starts long before the first snowflake falls. In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Chuck from McGee Company to discuss winter driving safety, traction laws, and what drivers need to know before heading into snow and ice. They cover everything from practicing with traction devices ahead of time to slowing down, increasing stopping distance, understanding state-specific requirements, and carrying the right emergency supplies. Chuck also introduces AutoSock, an alternative traction device designed for both commercial and passenger vehicles. He explains how AutoSock compares with traditional tire chains, including its lightweight design, faster installation, testing and approvals, and situations where chains may still be the better choice. Whether you're an experienced professional driver or a student preparing for a career behind the wheel, this episode offers practical information to help you prepare early, understand traction requirements, and stay safer when winter weather hits. https://mcgeecompany.com/Home https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-abourezk-68097570/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.thekag.com/ https://info.lincolntech-usa.com/ https://www.longhaultrucking.com/ https://www.lytx.com/ https://www.lincolntech.edu/campus/nashville-tn https://www.odfl.com/ https://www.republicservices.com/ https://drive4roehl.com/ https://www.ryder.com/en-us https://truckparkingclub.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

September 10, 202640 min

How to Recruit and Retain Diesel Technicians: Beyond Filling Open Positions

In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with George Arrants of the ASE Education Foundation to discuss what employers can do differently to recruit the next generation of technicians. George explains why companies need to stop viewing young talent as an expense and start treating workforce development as an investment—from building relationships with local schools and participating on advisory committees to offering internships, work-based learning opportunities, and meaningful mentorship. But recruiting technicians is only half the challenge—keeping them is just as important. George shares why compensation alone doesn't solve turnover and how workplace culture, proper tools and equipment, paid training, strong mentors, clear career pathways, and simply making employees feel valued can have a major impact on retention. The conversation also explores practical strategies such as starter tool programs, tuition reimbursement, and engaging automotive and agriculture students who may never have considered careers working on trucks. The message for employers is simple: building tomorrow's technician workforce starts with getting involved, investing in people, and creating a workplace where they want to stay. https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-arrants-bb28a47/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.tenstreet.com/ https://www.trimble.com/en https://www.ushertransport.com/ https://www.benekeith.com/ https://www.ancora.com/ https://driverslegalplan.com/ https://www.dottransportation.com/ https://cargotransporters.com/ https://acronaviation.com/driver-training-solutions/ https://www.isaacinstruments.com/ https://www.uti.edu/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

August 27, 202623 min

How Can CDL Schools Help Fight Human Trafficking? | Truckers Against Trafficking

In this episode, Lindsey is joined by Brandy Belton of Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) and Dave Dein, a former truck driving instructor and coordinator at Patterson High School and co-founder of the Next Generation Trucking Association. Brandy explains TAT’s mission to educate, equip, empower, and mobilize members of the trucking industry to recognize and report signs of human trafficking. She highlights TAT’s specialized training for different types of CDL holders, its free mobile app, reporting resources, refresher courses, and the more than 2.6 million professionals who have completed TAT training. The conversation also emphasizes how CDL schools can give future drivers the knowledge and confidence to recognize trafficking and potentially help victims. Dave shares his experience incorporating TAT training into a high school truck-driving program, explaining how he connected the training to a broader philosophy of developing professional drivers with qualities such as a caring heart and awareness of their surroundings. He describes using January’s Human Trafficking Awareness Month as an opportunity for students to complete the training, reflect on the difficult subject matter, practice identifying potential warning signs, and discuss real-world scenarios. The episode encourages CDL programs, instructors, and educators to make TAT training more than a certification checkbox by creating ongoing conversations and giving students resources they can carry into their careers. Through classroom materials, the TAT app, certification, and continued education, the goal is to prepare tomorrow’s professional drivers to be more observant, informed, and willing to take action when something doesn’t look right. https://tatnonprofit.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-belton-a4909661/ dave@nextgentrucking.org Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.performancefoodservice.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://www.act1trucking.org/ https://www.xpo.com/ https://driverwages.com/ https://atssimulation.com/ https://www.mjai.com/ https://www.averitt.com/ https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home.html?locale=true https://fusionnow.io/ https://gfs.com/en-us/ https://forklift-simulator.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

August 6, 202633 min

How Can We Inspire the Next Generation to Choose Careers in Trucking?

In this episode of NGT Talks, the Next Generation in Trucking Association welcomes Hannah Dannecker, an author, public speaker, and transportation industry advocate who has created a children’s book series designed to introduce young readers to careers in trucking and other industries. Hannah shares how growing up around her family’s transportation business shaped her passion for the industry and how her work with children, speaking engagements, and conversations with employers revealed a need to introduce career opportunities earlier in a child’s life. Her books, including Dad the Driver and Mom the Plant Manager, use storytelling, imagination, and colorful illustrations to help children understand the important role transportation professionals play in everyday life. Hannah discusses her vision for reaching the next generation by helping children explore careers before they begin making decisions about education and future pathways. She explains how the Wonder Workshop series combines creativity and career awareness, while also addressing the changing expectations of Gen Z entering the workforce. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, connection, flexibility, and showing young people the “why” behind careers in trucking. Hannah also shares how educators, parents, and industry professionals can access her books through Amazon or free resources on her website to help inspire students and build awareness of the many opportunities available within transportation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-kay-macdonald/ https://hannahdannecker.com/ https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hannah+dannecker&crid=27J3DOZ3DT34I&sprefix=hannah+dannecke%2Caps%2C144&ref=nb_sb_noss Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.thekag.com/ https://info.lincolntech-usa.com/ https://www.longhaultrucking.com/ https://www.lytx.com/ https://www.lincolntech.edu/campus/nashville-tn https://www.odfl.com/ https://www.republicservices.com/ https://drive4roehl.com/ https://www.ryder.com/en-us https://truckparkingclub.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

July 16, 202635 min

Should Trucking Companies Hire Second-Chance Drivers? | Marina Ivanov, Apex Transportation

In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Marina Ivanov of Apex Transportation to discuss her journey from growing up in a trucking family to helping build a trucking company from a single truck into a thriving operation. Marina shares how her perspective on the industry evolved over time and how those experiences shaped Apex's people-first culture, where respect, purpose, and strong leadership are at the center of everything they do. The conversation also explores the importance of second-chance hiring, including opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals and SAP drivers, and how meaningful employment can transform lives, families, and communities. Marina discusses the need for greater dignity and respect for professional drivers, the opportunities available for women in trucking, and the transportation issues she is most passionate about, including truck parking, cargo theft, and building a stronger future for the industry through leadership and advocacy. Raised in the trucking industry as the daughter of an owner-operator, Marina never planned to become a transportation executive. After beginning her career as a dental hygienist, she eventually joined her family's trucking business full time and helped grow it into a successful, WBENC-certified, woman-owned logistics company. Today, Marina is passionate about using her platform to advocate for the people behind the transportation industry. She speaks regularly about workforce development, driver safety, creating second-chance career opportunities and building company cultures that prioritize people alongside profitability. Potential discussion topics include: Lessons learned growing a family-owned transportation business Building a people-first culture in a demanding industry Why driver advocacy and workforce development matter more than ever Creating opportunities for underserved and second-chance populations Women in transportation leadership The future of trucking and logistics Marina has recently been recognized through the 2026 100 Women to KNOW in America Award, and APEX Transit Solutions was honored with the Rising Star Award at the 2026 Crowns of Enterprise Awards (see release below). I'd be happy to coordinate an interview or provide additional background if interested. Looking forward to hearing back! https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-ivanov-4a9144194/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.tenstreet.com/ https://www.trimble.com/en https://www.ushertransport.com/ https://www.benekeith.com/ https://www.ancora.com/ https://driverslegalplan.com/ https://www.dottransportation.com/ https://cargotransporters.com/ https://acronaviation.com/driver-training-solutions/ https://www.isaacinstruments.com/ https://www.uti.edu/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

June 25, 202643 min

What Does It Take to Become a National SkillsUSA Medalist?

In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent welcomes Nelson County Area Technology Center instructor Scott Thompson and student Treavon Laning, who recently earned a bronze medal in the SkillsUSA National Heavy Equipment Operations competition. Treavon shares his journey from growing up around farm and construction equipment to competing against the nation's top students and becoming the only Kentucky student to earn a medal at the national competition. The conversation explores the skills, preparation, and determination required to succeed at the highest level while still in high school. Scott and Treavon also discuss Nelson County's innovative Heavy Equipment and CDL training programs, which provide students with hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications, and direct pathways into high-demand careers. From operating heavy equipment and earning a CDL to participating in work-based learning opportunities, students are gaining the skills employers need today. This episode highlights the impact of career and technical education, the importance of industry partnerships, and the incredible opportunities available to young people pursuing careers in transportation, construction, and the skilled trades. https://upcenter.nelson.kyschools.us/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.performancefoodservice.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://www.act1trucking.org/ https://www.xpo.com/ https://driverwages.com/ https://atssimulation.com/ https://www.mjai.com/ https://www.averitt.com/ https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home.html?locale=true https://fusionnow.io/ https://gfs.com/en-us/ https://forklift-simulator.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

June 11, 202630 min

Can Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Build Successful CDL Careers? | Jason Wang Reair

Jason Wang, Founder and CEO of Free World, shares his remarkable journey from incarceration as a teenager to leading a national nonprofit that trains and places individuals with criminal histories into careers in the trucking industry. After spending years in the juvenile justice system and witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by people reentering society, Jason became determined to create opportunities for others seeking a second chance. Through Free World, he has built a program that removes barriers to employment by providing CDL training, financial support, transportation assistance, and long-term career coaching for participants. In this episode, Jason discusses how Free World partners with more than 160 trucking schools and carriers across the country to help individuals secure meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages and long-term stability. He explains why trucking has become a powerful pathway for economic mobility, shares inspiring success stories from program graduates, and addresses common misconceptions employers may have about hiring individuals with criminal records. This conversation highlights the life-changing impact of opportunity, the importance of workforce development, and how the trucking industry can play a vital role in strengthening both communities and the supply chain. https://freeworld.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonwaang/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.thekag.com/ https://info.lincolntech-usa.com/ https://www.longhaultrucking.com/ https://www.lytx.com/ https://www.lincolntech.edu/campus/nashville-tn https://www.odfl.com/ https://www.republicservices.com/ https://drive4roehl.com/ https://www.ryder.com/en-us https://truckparkingclub.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

May 28, 202627 min

Why Advisory Boards Matter in Trucking Education with Dave Dein - REAIR

In this re-release of Next Gen Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Dave Dein, CDL Coordinator and Instructor at Patterson High School, to discuss the importance of building strong advisory boards for trucking and logistics programs. Dave shares how Patterson High School launched one of the nation’s first high school truck driving programs and explains how meaningful partnerships with industry leaders helped shape the program from the very beginning. Throughout the conversation, Lindsey and Dave discuss how schools and employers can work together to create hands-on learning opportunities, career pathways, mock interviews, field trips, and real workforce connections for students. This episode offers practical insight for educators, administrators, and industry professionals looking to strengthen workforce development efforts and better connect students to careers in trucking and the supply chain. Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.tenstreet.com/ https://www.trimble.com/en https://www.ushertransport.com/ https://www.benekeith.com/ https://www.ancora.com/ https://driverslegalplan.com/ https://www.dottransportation.com/ https://cargotransporters.com/ https://acronaviation.com/driver-training-solutions/ https://www.isaacinstruments.com/ https://www.uti.edu/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

May 14, 202644 min

How Can Trucking Become a First Career Choice for Gen Z? with Leah Shaver of NTI

In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Leah Shaver, President and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI), to discuss the importance of early talent development and why the trucking industry must begin investing in the next generation workforce now. Together, they explore the purpose behind the Career Catalyst Awards and highlight companies that are creating meaningful career pathways for young people through internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and partnerships with schools and communities. Throughout the conversation, Lindsey and Leah discuss the aging workforce within trucking, the challenges of attracting Gen Z talent, and the need to position trucking as a first career choice instead of a last resort. They share real-world examples of companies successfully building “sticky” careers by engaging with local schools, offering mentorship opportunities, supporting workforce development initiatives, and investing in long-term employee growth. The discussion also dives into the importance of communication, workplace culture, volunteerism, family engagement, and creating opportunities for young people to see themselves within the trucking industry. This episode is filled with practical ideas and inspiring examples for employers looking to strengthen their workforce pipeline, improve retention, and build stronger community connections. Whether you are a carrier, private fleet, educator, or industry partner, this conversation offers valuable insight into how trucking companies can invest in people, support future talent, and help create a stronger and more sustainable industry for years to come. https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahbshaver/ https://driverwages.com/ https://driverwages.com/braced-for-impact-2025-sees-a-shift-in-driver-wages-heres-what-changed-what-you-need-to-know-as-the-calendar-flips-and-other-insights-from-2025-your-fleet-can-use-in-2026/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! Sponsors 1 https://www.performancefoodservice.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://www.act1trucking.org/ https://www.xpo.com/ https://driverwages.com/ https://atssimulation.com/ https://www.mjai.com/ https://www.averitt.com/ https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home.html?locale=true https://fusionnow.io/ https://gfs.com/en-us/ https://forklift-simulator.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok