CVTA Member, C1 Truck Driver Training featured on Radio Nemo “Education Station” Segment

On Friday, March 10, 2023, the President of C1 Truck Driver Training, Matt Carroll, joined Jimmy Mac on SiriusXM Channel 146 Road Dog Trucking to discuss the company’s history and evolution over the years in the show's “Education Station” segment.

The show began with Carroll laying out the timeline of C1 Truck Driver Training’s history, dating back to 1987 with the company’s Cummins Inc. (Engine Company) roots. Throughout its history, C1 has adapted to a changing CDL training climate, including separating the company into recruiting and training divisions, developing partnerships with third-party training schools, battling through the COVID-19 pandemic, and the introduction of ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training).

Expanding Services in Response to ELDT Regulations

ELDT, specifically, has allowed C1 to broaden its scope from traditional tractor-trailer training into Class B and pintle hook training, as well as opening the door to its most recent evolution, which was developing online courses. What started out as a national auto parts distributor reaching out to C1 for assistance with hazardous materials (HazMat) training under the new rules, has turned into the development of an online HazMat product offered to both companies and individuals. Not only did C1 launch its first online digital course, it continued to broaden its services to include experienced CDL drivers at the same time. In fact, the C1 has now helped over 2,500 individuals meet new ELDT HazMat requirements.

Continuing to expand upon its ELDT products, C1 has introduced an online Class A Theory course that will allow drivers to complete a portion of their training from home before they get to school. "Less time away from their families, less time without a job… getting them safely trained and working as quickly as possible is a priority," Carroll said. This online Class A Theory course will soon be used by C1 students and is expected to be made available to the public for purchase in the 2nd quarter of 2023.

C1 also has been utilizing a student training management system called CDL Tracks, enabling staff and instructors to track the progress of a student's individual training in one place. This allows students to focus on areas where they need the most help instead of standard group instruction, where everyone is being taught the same thing at the same time. CDL Tracks has been used at C1 Truck Driver Training's three locations since early 2022. Since implementation, C1 has seen an increase in grad rate and a significantly higher CDL skills test pass rate. CDL Tracks is available to other companies seeking a trainee management platform, and more information can be found by visiting the CDL Tracks website

Training Catered to Individual Needs

While the company has continued to change throughout the years, one thing that remains the same is C1’s commitment to quality CDL training for each individual. “One of the things that separate good driving companies from fly-by-nighters; one’s that don’t function as well, is that they think about the students as individuals…creating a learning environment that is catered to individual needs,” said Jimmy Mac.

Carroll credits C1's in-house software development, IT, and marketing departments for bringing these products to life and allowing C1 to continue to grow as new regulations and training standards are implemented.

C1 Truck Driver Training is a proud member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), an industry association representing professional truck driving schools across the United States. As Carroll stated during the interview, C1 has excellent relationships with its partner training schools nationwide, allowing them to supply more student drivers with quality truck driver training than ever before.

A common thread rang true throughout Carroll and host Jimmy Mac’s conversation as they discussed the evolution of the company and CDL training industry. That common thread is that C1 Truck Driver Training’s offerings are being continually improved to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to become safe, competent, and professional truck drivers. And as its online offerings continues to evolve, this is being done with tools that create a more efficient program so drivers can focus on gaining employment, furthering their careers, and being able to provide a better living for their families.

For more information about C1 Truck Driver Training and its programs, visit C1 Truck Driver Training