In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Dr. Gina Smith, an educator leading a Supply Chain and Logistics program at Groves High School in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Smith shares her personal journey from a 25-year career in the automobile industry to nearly a decade of teaching logistics.

She describes how she built the program into a pipeline for skilled careers by partnering with local industries, securing certifications for students (such as OSHA, forklift, TWIC, hazmat, and logistics technician), and ensuring hands-on exposure through field trips, simulators, and real-world experiences.

Dr. Smith emphasizes her passion for showing students that logistics offers careers—not just jobs—that can change their lives and communities. Many of her students have graduated with certifications, landed positions at companies like Georgia Ports, Gulfstream, and Colonial Group, and even purchased homes at age 19 or 20.

She also highlights the importance of adapting curriculum to industry trends, introducing students to AI and robotics, and keeping them engaged with experiential learning. Above all, Dr. Smith’s message is clear: invest in young people, love them, hold them accountable, and expose them to opportunities so they can thrive in trucking, logistics, and beyond.

Contact Dr. Gina Smith
gina.smith@sccpss.com
https://www.instagram.com/drgina.smith/

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The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

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In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey sits down with Addison Stout, a 26-year-old from Grand Island Express and a proud member of TCA’s Elevate class, to share her unexpected path into trucking. With a background in business management and no prior knowledge of the industry, Addison took a chance on an interview that launched her career. Four years later, she’s thriving as an Optimal Solutions Specialist, working with AI to streamline dispatch operations for a family-owned fleet of 170 trucks.

Addison opens up about the misconceptions she had about trucking, the value of working in a close-knit company, and the challenges and rewards of dispatching. She also shares what Gen Z values most in a career—respect, flexibility, and opportunities to grow—and why more young people should look beyond stereotypes to explore careers in trucking. From networking through TCA’s Elevate program to seeing firsthand how critical trucking is to the American economy, Addison’s story highlights the opportunities, community, and passion that make this industry unique.

https://giexpress.com/
https://truckload.org/elevate/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/addison-simmons-stout-ab62a317b/

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The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

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In this episode, Lindsey talks with Nicole, founder of the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA). Nicole transitioned from the insurance industry into trucking, where a failed 3-truck operation and $20,000 loss inspired her to create AAWTA. Now three years in, the organization supports truckers—especially those facing barriers to entry—through education, wellness, mentorship, and community building.

AAWTA recently launched its first Power Hub in Decatur, Georgia, in partnership with 160 Driving Academy, offering CDL and supply chain certification programs. They also run a six-week youth internship for ages 16–21, exposing participants to logistics, media, and mental health within the trucking ecosystem.

Nicole’s long-term vision is 50 Power Hubs in 50 states, especially in gentrifying areas, to promote job creation and leadership development. AAWTA offers membership tiers for both students and experienced drivers, access to an exclusive marketplace, and strong emphasis on mentorship and wellness. Nicole’s leadership was recently showcased through a Women in Leadership panel at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Learn more at www.aawta.org

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The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

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In this episode, Lindsey sit down with Bryan Boyd, Senior National Account Manager at Hendrickson, who shares his 26-year journey from the shop floor to managing relationships with top 100 fleets. Bryan reflects on Hendrickson’s "big company, small feel" culture and how training and development—especially for Gen Z—have been vital to retention and growth.

We dive into Hendrickson’s recent presence at the Technology Student Association (TSA) national conference, where they engaged with thousands of students curious about engineering, trades, and careers in trucking. Bryan highlights the surprise many students had when learning about the high-tech side of manufacturing, including robotic welding and CNC machining, and the value of early hands-on exposure through TSA competitions.

This episode is a call to action for the trucking industry: Show up. Represent. Educate. The future workforce is interested—but they need to see what’s possible.

https://www.hendrickson-intl.com/

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The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

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In this inspiring episode of Next Gen Talks, Lindsey Trent interviews Chris Jones, a commercial driving instructor at Gateway Technical College. Chris shares his powerful journey from facing homelessness to building a successful trucking business and now training the next generation of drivers. He discusses Gateway’s nine-week CDL program, the importance of patience and empathy in teaching, and why reaching young people—especially high schoolers—is vital to the industry's future. With over a million miles on the road and experience across all 48 states, Chris brings practical wisdom, deep passion, and a commitment to shaping safe, skilled drivers in a changing transportation landscape.

https://www.gtc.edu/programs-study
jonesg@gtc.edu

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The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

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In this episode, Lindsey Trent sits down with Melanie Simard, Vice President of Safety Compliance at ISAAC Instruments, to explore her inspiring and unconventional journey through the trucking industry. From starting in logistics to driving heavy loads across tough routes, Melanie broke barriers in a male-dominated field and steadily transitioned into leadership roles focused on safety and technology. She shares insights into the evolution of the industry, the role of user-friendly tech like ELDs, and the importance of building a supportive, coaching-driven culture for the next generation of drivers. Tune in for a conversation about innovation, inclusion, and what it takes to lead transformation in trucking—from behind the wheel to the executive table.

https://www.isaacinstruments.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-simard-54589584/



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The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.com

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

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In the latest episode featuring Christy Choice from Tenstreet, Christy shared her journey from healthcare software to the trucking industry, highlighting her passion for the field's regulation and continuous learning opportunities. She discussed Tenstreet's comprehensive fleet management solutions that support the entire driver lifecycle, along with exciting new features introduced at their annual user conference. Christy also emphasized Tenstreet's commitment to industry growth through initiatives like the Truck School Network and the Driver Pulse app, which facilitate connections between schools and prospective drivers. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of promoting trucking careers to younger generations, advocating for clear career paths and resources that can attract Gen Z talent to the industry. Schools are encouraged to contact Christy for access to Tenstreet's free dashboard, while young individuals exploring trucking careers should connect with the Next Generation in Trucking for valuable insights and opportunities.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-choice-ab608249/
christy.choice@tenstreet.com
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https://www.ryder.com/en-us
https://sambasafety.com/
https://truckparkingclub.com/
https://www.uti.edu/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.com

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In this episode of NGT Talks, host Lindsay Trent engages with Brad Klepper and Marilyn Surber from Driver's Legal Plan, who share insights into their 35-year history as a national law firm dedicated to defending CDL drivers and motor carriers. The discussion covers the company's affordable legal services, wherein drivers pay a flat fee of $100 per case for traffic violations, with a 95% success rate without requiring their presence in court. They highlight the importance of maintaining a clean motor vehicle record (MVR) for employability and clarify common legal misconceptions, such as the mistaken belief that paying a ticket erases it from one’s record. The conversation also emphasizes Driver's Legal Plan's commitment to driver education by collaborating with trucking schools and sponsoring young leadership programs. For drivers and carriers interested in legal assistance, resources are available through their website or by phone.

https://www.driverslegalplan.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-surber/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-klepper-20ba5322/

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The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.com

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