Epika says this move will help bring more dependable service options to drivers who rely on quick turnarounds and consistent repairs in two of the busiest freight corridors in the country.

“Accelerated Fleet Services represents the best of what Epika looks for in a partner,” said Todd Browning, COO of EFS. “Their team’s technical expertise, operational discipline, and customer-first mindset align perfectly with our mission to deliver reliable, technician-driven maintenance nationwide. We’re thrilled to welcome AFS to the Epika Network.”

The company says the addition of AFS strengthens its presence in Texas and supports its goal of providing fast, dependable service wherever trucks are running.

AFS is known for preventive maintenance, emissions work, and both truck and trailer repair. According to the company, its AFS Proven Process is designed to keep repairs efficient and consistent, supported by a mix of mobile units and shop locations. That coverage gives drivers more ways to stay on schedule and avoid extended downtime when unexpected issues come up.

“Joining Epika gives us the resources and network to elevate the service we already provide,” said Josh Grinstead, founder of AFS. “Our team has always been focused on keeping fleets rolling. With Epika, we’re positioned to do that on an even larger scale.”

For truckers moving freight across Texas, this partnership means more maintenance solutions in high-traffic areas and an expanded network built to keep rigs moving with fewer delays.

Source: The Trucker

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Governor Greg Abbott says the investment is part of a long-term plan to keep Texas’s economy strong while creating better-paying jobs for skilled workers.

“I thank the Texas Workforce Commission and our education partners for training the next generation of hardworking Texans to be part of the better job and bigger paycheck opportunities that we provide in our great state,” Abbott said. “As our economy grows, Texas will continue to invest in the future of our workforce.”

A Big Boost for Trucking Schools

Out of the total $14 million in grants, two major awards totaling $273,433 will fund CDL training for new truck drivers.
• Dallas College will receive $164,350 to train 65 students.
• Laredo College will receive $109,083 to train 80 students.

At Laredo College, the Transportation Training Center is already gearing up for recruits. Its location near the Port of Laredo, one of the busiest land ports in North America, gives graduates immediate access to job opportunities in cross-border freight and logistics. Every day, about 14,000 commercial trucks pass through the Laredo border, and local employers are always looking for new drivers.

Texas: A Leader in Trucking Employment

Texas has long been a powerhouse in the trucking world. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), the state leads the nation in heavy-duty truck driver employment with 212,770 drivers earning an average annual wage of $54,550.

Two Texas metro areas also rank among the top five in the U.S. for the highest number of heavy-duty truck drivers:
• Dallas Fort Worth Arlington: 47,590 drivers (3rd place nationwide)
• Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land: 47,490 drivers (5th place nationwide)

For anyone looking to start a trucking career, those stats show just how much opportunity there is within the state’s borders.

Building Stronger Career Pathways

The training money comes from the Jobs & Education for Texans (JET) program, a long-running state effort that helps schools develop hands-on career training for high-demand industries.

While a portion of the funding focuses on CDL programs, other grants will go toward automotive technician training. For example:
• Austin Community College received $331,387 to train 50 students.
• South Texas Independent School District in Mercedes received $304,864 to train 12 students.
• Mineola ISD, east of Dallas, received $274,989 to train 165 students.

The JET grants cover the costs of equipment, classroom upgrades, and training materials, ensuring students are learning on modern rigs and tools that reflect what they’ll use on the job.

A Push for Skilled, Job-Ready Texans

“Through initiatives like the JET grant program, we are preparing our workforce to pioneer innovations and thrive on the cutting edge of industry,” said Joe Esparza, chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission. “These grants strategically target high-growth industries, ensuring workers can find meaningful career opportunities while strengthening Texas’s reputation as the best state for doing business.”

For current and aspiring truck drivers, this is a clear sign that Texas is betting big on trucking, not just to fill jobs but to fuel the state’s economy for years to come.

Source: Transport Topics

The post Texas Invests in Training the Next Generation of Heavy-Duty Truck Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Texas:

Texas is often the top state where CDL drivers find consistent freight due to its vast economy and extensive highway network. The state hosts major ports, large manufacturing centers, and a booming energy sector that consistently generates freight loads for local, regional, and long-haul drivers. Texas truckers benefit from a mix of diverse route options and truck-friendly regulations that support steady work.

Florida:

Drivers in Florida enjoy robust freight demand, particularly around its busy seaports and distribution centers. The mild climate supports year-round driving with fewer weather interruptions, and the state’s advantageous location for import-export traffic helps maintain a constant flow of freight. This makes Florida attractive for CDL drivers seeking dependable and recurring job opportunities.

Tennessee:

Known as a transportation hub linking the Southeast, Midwest, and East Coast, Tennessee offers strategic freight opportunities. Its extensive interstate system and lower fuel costs contribute to consistent routes and affordable operating expenses. With a strong mix of automotive, agriculture, and distribution industries, Tennessee provides both local and long-haul freight options that keep drivers busy.

North Carolina:

North Carolina has become a hot spot for freight due to investments in highways and a flourishing manufacturing sector. This state supports a variety of trucking jobs with steady freight needs for diverse industries, making it a promising location for both new and experienced CDL drivers. The improved infrastructure helps drivers cover routes efficiently and consistently.

Ohio:

Ohio’s central location in the Midwest places it at the crossroads of major freight corridors connecting the East Coast and interior states. The state offers a combination of local and regional freight for CDL drivers, fueled by distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and an active agricultural economy. Ohio’s emphasis on workforce development also supports stable employment opportunities for truckers.

Why These States Deliver Consistent Freight

• Robust and diverse economies that produce continuous freight demand
• Well-maintained highways and logistics hubs that facilitate quick and reliable deliveries
• Favorable regulatory environments and driver support services
• Proximity to major markets and ports reduces deadhead miles and increases efficiency

For CDL drivers focused on securing regular freight and building a long-lasting career, targeting these states can lead to more job stability and frequent load opportunities. Utilizing specialized job boards like TruckDriversUSA allows drivers to filter and connect with current openings tailored to their location preferences and route types.

The post Top States Where CDL Drivers Are Finding Consistent Freight appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Each new inductee joins the company’s Million Mile Safe Driver Club, an honor reserved for professional drivers who have demonstrated exceptional consistency, safety, and dedication over years of service.

The company praised the group’s achievement, saying, “They represent the very best in our industry—performing responsibly, protecting the motoring public, and proving every day what it means to be a Champion Bulk Hauler.”

Custom Transport described the drivers’ accomplishment as a direct reflection of the company’s values: reliability, integrity, and excellence in bulk hauling. According to the company, these drivers “set the Benchmark in Service, Support, and Safety” that defines Custom’s reputation across the transportation industry.

The New Million Mile Club Members

The following drivers were officially inducted into the Million Mile Safe Driver Club:

• Howard Herman, Vinita, Oklahoma
• Darrin Guillory, Baytown, Texas
• Mitchell Munden, Philadelphia
• Steve Carter, Gilmer, Texas
• Mark Stewart, Gilmer, Texas
• James Beautte, Vinita, Oklahoma
• John Seigrist, Vinita, Oklahoma
• Brian Ridenhour, Vinita, Oklahoma

Each of these drivers represents years of discipline and commitment to safety while hauling across regional and national routes.

Custom Transport, headquartered in Gilmer, Texas, specializes in liquid and dry bulk transport and continues to celebrate its drivers as the foundation of its success.

Image Source: Custom Transport
Source: Truckers News

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