WRITTEN BY JOSH DEAKIN
The trucking industry has remained the backbone of this country’s supply lines through some incredibly tough times in recent years. Keeping up such a dedicated work force of individuals is no small task and requires innovative thinking and evolving approaches to recruiting. The Maine Motor Transport Association is currently on year three of a long-term social media-based campaign at goyourwaymaine.com.
The page focuses on spreading knowledge on how to obtain your commercial driver’s license as well as various career opportunities and advice. The site opens with a powerful statement to entice new drivers into the career: “Trucking lets you build your future on your own terms. Whether you’re on the road, tuning high-tech engines, or running point in operations, trucking is a quick start to a great job in an essential industry. No debt. High pay. The flexibility to see the world, be home each night, or something in between.”
Social media has become increasingly more important for recruiting across all professions and the trucking industry is no exception.
“In the past many companies have recruited drivers primarily through word of mouth, but recruitment efforts have changed and grown in many ways in recent years,” said Haleigh Fickett, MPDA Publicity Officer.
The trucking industry is not unique in that they are seeking new avenues to find drivers. The digital age has brought many opportunities for advertising and marketing. With Maine having a rich history in logging, the trucking profession is an attractive option for someone who wants to stay rooted in Maine’s history.
“Many companies are turning to broader methods of recruitment to help them find drivers, including visiting vocational schools and adult CDL programs, online job recruiting websites, and social media sites,” Fickett said. Vocational schools are becoming increasingly popular in the state with students seeking trades as an alternative to a four-year degree from a university. The option to start working immediately after high school is more viable than ever through these schools and programs.
Using social media for recruitment is another tool to reach candidates who have an interest in driving but haven’t considered the opportunity before or need more information on the career path and the options available to them.
“Many things have changed over the years, but I think the different online methods of reaching potential drivers has been one of the biggest changes overall, making it easier than ever for both potential employers and potential employees to connect with each other,” Fickett said.
In addition to the recruiting launch page, Maine Motor Transport Association is currently offering a 0% interest educational loan program. The website offers a mission statement of: “Maine’s workforce shortage is the most serious issue facing Maine Motor Transport Association members, which is why our association has invested in the Go Your Way campaign to attract the next generation of truckers. To further support those looking at a career in trucking, MMTA has partnered with Maine Savings FCU to provide a NO INTEREST loan program to help finance CDL training tuition costs at approved CDL schools.”
The program provides the cost of a CDL training program of up to $7,000 through an approved program with 0% interest. Your first payment will be deferred until 60 days post program completion with flexible repayment options available. You can opt for up to a 36-month term and a minimum payment as low as $50 per month. It’s a great program for someone looking to start their career with minimal risk. Maine has different trainers to obtain a commercial driver’s license throughout the state to ensure you’re not too far from your learning location.
The trucking industry remains a staple of Maine’s economy. Many graduating high school students choose to go into the commercial diving industry and the Maine Motor Transport Association is offering a great avenue to achieve this goal. Through their program, any interested party should have no trouble obtaining their license and finding a job that is conducive to their skills. You have options to work in state or out of state and help support the country’s supply chain to keep the goods on the move and into consumer homes.
If you’re still on the fence about whether to take the first step into a new career in trucking, Maine Motor Transport Association said it best on their recruitment site: “Trucks deliver good stuff in and around Maine, driving the Maine economy. As one of the largest trade associations in the state, the Maine Motor Transport Association works to support our members. We actively seek ways to positively impact highway safety and provide leadership on other issues that impact Maine’s future.”
For more information about this exciting profession, please check out goyourwaymaine.com and find out why trucking may be a good fit for you.
