TFFA, along with seven other state associations, signed on to a letter of support to expand TSTC request for CDL Training Expansion

One of the most notable issues impacting the Texas economy is the shortage of individuals that hold a Commercial Drivers License. The American Trucking Association reports the current shortage of truck drivers nationwide is approximately 80,000 and will reach 160,000 by 2030 if current trends continue. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) has a proven track record of efficiently training, testing, and placing students into the workforce, but on average they only produce 300 new CDL drivers per year. As Texas employers, key to the state’s economic development, we support TSTC’s response to industry to expand their CDL training program to a statewide Professional Driving Academy that would produce approximately 2,700 new, safe drivers on the road per year. The Texas Legislature has a unique opportunity this session to make this one-time investment to help reduce the CDL shortage with a proven training and testing provider. We encourage the Texas Legislature to invest in TSTC’s statewide Professional Driving Academy.