DETROIT, MI....Con-way Truckload has announced a partnership with U.S. Truck Driver Training School Inc. (USTDTS) of Detroit to create affordable training opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the truck driving profession. The aim of the partnership is to provide local training and education to enable candidates to earn their commercial driver's license (CDL) and land a job as a professional, over-the-road truck driver with Con-way Truckload.

 "Detroit, like so many other cities across the country, has been hit hard by the economic downturn, which has created a more challenging employment environment than ever, particularly for those who want to pursue careers that require going back to school and learning new skills," said Bert Johnson, senior director of human resources, Con-way Truckload. "The trucking industry faces an acute shortage of drivers, so as one solution, we have formed this partnership with USTDTS to make it easier for individuals to enter our industry and join our company."

Under the program, students can take advantage of a reduced tuition rate and upon graduation would be eligible to receive tuition reimbursement of up to 50 percent from Con-way Truckload. The program is effective immediately. All students currently enrolled at the school’s Detroit campus are eligible. The company plans to hire 40 drivers per month from the school. In addition to successfully completing the program and carrying a valid CDL, candidates must also meet Con-way Truckload's employment criteria.

 "We are very pleased to enter into this partnership with Con-way Truckload," said Joseph LaBarge, president and CEO, USTDTS. "We are committed to providing high-quality training and education that puts safe and skilled truck drivers on the road. This innovative program will help us further that goal and create new jobs and new career opportunities for a community that really needs them."

USTDTS and Con-way Truckload are also offering special financing and tuition payment plans for qualified candidates. In the event that a candidate does not have sufficient financial resources to fund initial tuition costs, USTDTS is allowing students to make a smaller initial payment and will provide financing for the remaining balance. The curriculum at USTDTS requires students to complete four weeks of training, which includes 160 hours of classroom instruction and driving time.

Upon successful passing of the license test and fulfilling all graduation requirements, students are issued their commercial driver's license, and become eligible for employment with Con-way Truckload.

As an added incentive, Con-way Truckload is not requiring candidates hired from USTDTS to sign a "commitment" contract. This is a typical industry practice where in return for the company's investment in tuition reimbursement, the driver commits to working for a company for a specific period of time, or they are required to pay back the tuition reimbursement. This feature is a key differentiator that provides graduates with flexibility and removes a potential future financial burden.

 "For a candidate who truly wants to pursue trucking as a career, has the right skills and wants to work for a great company with an unwavering commitment to safety, this is the team to join," said Johnson.  "It benefits our company, the individual and the community — truly a win-win for all involved."

Con-way Truckload has an immediate need for dedicated team drivers, as well as solo, regional and over-the-road drivers nationwide. Newly hired graduates of USTDTS in Detroit will be required to attend Con-way Truckload’s orientation program at the company's Taylor, Mich., terminal. Once orientation is completed, drivers are assigned a truck and dispatched to deliver loads throughout the U.S.

Joplin, Mo.-based Con-way Truckload is a sister company of Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Con-way Freight, one of the nation's leading less-than-truckload freight carriers with 300 service centers in North America.

Individuals interested in learning more about the driver training opportunity with USTDTS in Detroit should visit www.true2blue.com/detroit_students or call 866-967-5487.