On this episode of Education Station on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac is joined by Chico McCollum, CDL instructor at Bishop State Community College, for a wide-ranging conversation about how truck drivers are really trained—and why mindset, rhythm, and community matter as much as skill.

Chico gives a behind-the-scenes look at Bishop State’s career technical education programs, including CDL training, diesel technology, and skilled trades, and explains how community colleges respond directly to local workforce needs. From first-time students in their 50s to younger drivers with industry exposure, Chico breaks down how instructors adapt teaching styles to meet students where they are.

Topics include:

Why trucking education is about rhythm, patience, and syncopation

Teaching drivers to back better than they drive forward

Building classroom community and teamwork among students

Adapting instruction for beginners and experienced students

Why repetition and real-world backing matter

Preparing drivers psychologically for life on the road

Using all five senses to understand a truck’s health

The importance of humility, curiosity, and passion in instructors

How CDL training connects students to long-term careers—not just licenses

This episode highlights trucking as both a profession and a lifestyle, and why great instructors focus on confidence, calm, and continuous learning—not shortcuts.

Learn more about Bishop State Community College and CDL training:

https://www.bishop.edu

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On this episode of Education Station on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac is joined by Missy Blair, M.Ed., Academic Director at Pima Community College’s Center for Transportation & Logistics, for an in-depth conversation about CDL training reform, education standards, and what real driver preparation should look like.

The discussion centers on recent FMCSA enforcement of the Training Provider Registry (TPR), which has resulted in thousands of CDL training providers being removed from the registry. Missy explains why this enforcement matters, how self-certification created gaps in training quality, and why safety—not speed—must remain the priority.

Key topics include:

Why over 6,000 CDL training providers have been removed from the FMCSA registry

The difference between competence, proficiency, and reflexivity in driver training

Why “24-hour CDL” programs undermine safety and transparency

How legitimate programs balance time, quality instruction, and workforce demand

The role of partnerships between carriers and training institutions

Instructor recruitment challenges and the need for experienced drivers in education

Curriculum improvement, simulators, and hands-on learning

Tracking student outcomes and why accountability matters

Missy’s outlook on CDL training, logistics education, and industry reform in the new year

This thoughtful, candid conversation highlights the real work being done by educators, regulators, and industry leaders to raise standards and create the next generation of safe, professional drivers.

Learn more about Pima Community College’s CDL program:

https://pima.edu/driver

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On this episode of Road Gang Radio – Education Station, host Jimmy Mac sits down with Jane Jazrawy of CarriersEdge to explore what proper driver training really looks like in today’s trucking industry.

As regulators take a closer look at CDL schools and ELDT programs, Jimmy and Jane break down how training models have evolved, why many carriers are stepping away from running their own CDL schools, and what separates a “training mill” from a truly effective program. The conversation dives into fleet culture, turnover myths, school-to-carrier partnerships, and how realistic expectations about life on the road can make or break a new driver’s success.

They also discuss:

The future of CDL reform and ELDT expansion

Why culture starts during training—not orientation

Carrier-run schools vs. partnerships with CDL and vocational schools

Reducing turnover through transparency and preparation

Innovative ideas like bridge programs and shared instructors

What trucking companies and schools can do better for new entrants

If you care about the future of driver education, fleet culture, and building a stronger trucking workforce, this is a must-listen conversation.

Learn more about Jane’s work at CarriersEdge:

https://www.carriersedge.com

On this episode of Education Station, host Jimmy Mac sits down with Mike Moscinski, Vice President of Trainco Truck Driving Schools, for an in-depth conversation about CDL training, driver standards, and the future of professional truck driving.duca

Mike brings more than 30 years of experience in driver training and CDL examination, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how quality training programs differ from fly-by-night operations. The discussion dives into Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, federal and state compliance, and why regulators are increasingly cracking down on substandard training providers.

Jimmy and Mike explore what examiners look for during CDL tests, the importance of process, repetition, and foundational skills, and how proper training directly impacts safety, employability, and long-term career success. They also discuss how professional driving schools help students from all walks of life—from young drivers to career changers—build not just driving skills, but a clear career path that fits their lifestyle and home life.

The conversation also covers hands-on training versus shortcuts, simulator use, real-world experience, industry hiring expectations, and what trucking companies truly want from new drivers in today’s highly regulated environment.

Learn more about Trainco Truck Driving Schools at

https://traincoinc.com

On this edition of Education Station, Jimmy Mac talks with Michael Lasko, Assistant General Manager and Vice President of EHS and Quality at Boyle Transportation. Michael shares why investing in driver training is more than a compliance requirement—it’s an investment in drivers’ lives, careers, and trust.

They discuss mission-specific training for specialized industries like hazmat, pharmaceutical, defense, and high-security cargo, and why generic programs don’t cut it. Michael explains how individualized coaching builds confidence, retention, and stronger safety outcomes, and how Boyle Transportation has maintained an exceptional safety record through high-quality, tailored training programs.

Learn more about career opportunities and training programs at Boyle Transportation here: https://driveboyle.com/apply/

Visit Boyle Transportation online: https://www.boyletransport.com/

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Jimmy Mac talks with Ken Johnson, Executive Chairman of Leonard’s Express, about the future of driver training and the changes shaping the next wave of talent in trucking. Ken explains his experience with the 18 to 20 year old driver pilot program and shares what fleets can learn from bringing younger drivers into the industry. He discusses how different generations respond to training, why coaching styles need to evolve, and how companies can create a workplace that keeps new drivers engaged and safe.

Ken also gives an inside look at Leonard’s Express, a national logistics provider known for its cold chain expertise. With nearly 40 years in transportation and leadership roles across state and national associations, Ken brings direct insight on industry needs, workforce expectations, and the path to building stronger training programs.

Learn more about Leonard’s Express at www.leonardsexpress.com

Facebook: / leonardsexpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonardsexp...

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

In this week’s Education Station on Road Gang Radio, Jimmy Mac is joined by Jane Jazrawy of CarriersEdge to tackle one of the most important questions in trucking education: What makes a good trainer?

There’s no shared definition of effective training across the industry. Jane and Jimmy explore whether carriers, drivers, and schools truly understand what quality training looks like — and how gaps in standards may be impacting safety and driver readiness.

They also discuss the rise of self-certifying CDL schools, the effects of new FMCSA language rules on immigrant and non-domiciled drivers, and how changing CDL regulations could reshape the driver workforce. From loopholes in training programs to the unintended consequences of new federal rules, this conversation shines a light on what’s working and what isn’t in truck driver education.

Brought to you by CarriersEdge, the leader in online safety and compliance training for the trucking industry.

Learn more at https://www.carriersedge.com

Read more on this topic:

CDL training oversight: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/cdl-t...

FMCSA rule updates: https://tanktransport.com/2025/11/fmc...

OOIDA on CDL testing rules:https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ooi...

CDL overhaul and Ukrainian drivers: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/cdl...

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

On this edition of Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac welcomes Dave Harrison, Executive Director for Workforce Development, Government Programs, and Military Employment Issues at FASTPORT. Together, they dive into how registered apprenticeship programs are shaping the next generation of professional drivers and technicians.

Dave explains how initiatives like the National Apprenticeship Program and the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) are opening doors for young drivers under 21 to safely and successfully enter the trucking industry. He also shares how FASTPORT’s partnerships with the Veteran Ready Summit and Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence are helping connect veterans with meaningful careers behind the wheel.

The conversation highlights how workforce innovation, training opportunities, and public-private partnerships are helping solve one of trucking’s biggest challenges: attracting and retaining skilled drivers.

Learn more about the programs and initiatives discussed in this episode:

National Apprenticeship Week: https://nationalapprenticeship.org/

Veteran Ready Summit: https://veteranreadysummit.org/

Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence: https://transitiontrucking.org/

FASTPORT on Facebook: / gofastport

FASTPORT on LinkedIn: / fastport-inc

Veteran Ready Summit on LinkedIn: / veteran-ready-summit

Road Gang Radio continues its mission to inform, inspire, and celebrate the people who keep America moving — one mile and one story at a time.

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!