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As truck driver shortage still prevalent, companies seek solutions

As a key part of America's logistics network still faces a lack of drivers, a North Carolina company says it has an idea.

KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — The truck driving industry is running on empty, with thousands of drivers short and with no real solutions in the near future.  The American Journal of Transportation says the nation is nearly 80,000 drivers short.  It impacts all of us, but a regional company is seeking solutions by offering an opportunity to the open road that's quite lucrative. 

Paul Goraj dreamt of having a big rig as a kid.  Now he has that, and has even involved his stepson.  

"Truck driving will always be a lucrative profession, always a need for it", Goraj told WCNC Charlotte.  For 23 years he's called the open road home.

RELATED: Charlotte trucker ventures into a new business to help nationwide trucker shortage

It's these drivers that quite literally drive our commodities around the entire country.  Our food, medicine, and essentials that we rely on are only possible with this essential industry. 

Nationally, the shortage of truck drivers means fewer goods are moving around our highways, and prices go up. Those prices are passed on to us, the consumers. The pressure is on to get more drivers on the road. But how can we get more drivers out there?

The answer for one company in the Tar Heel State: training. Best Logistics Group in Kernersville, North Carolina created their own driving academy to answer the call from American households.

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The program lasts up to 4 weeks, with an incentive that if you work for the company, you get the entire tuition amount reimbursed over the course of a year.  Best Logistics says their Best Driving Academy is looking to entice as many interested people as they can to a profession where you can start with an annual salary around $60,000 or $70,000.

Dustin Johnson with the company said, "Driving a truck is still a very needed profession and us being able to get people their CDL license is key."

Once you get through the program, Best puts you on the road as soon as you acquire your Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Contact Colin Mayfield at cmayfield@wcnc.com or follow him on FacebookX and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.

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