Education Station: Cleaning Up CDL Training & What “Proficient” Really Means

Teaching Trucking as a Rhythm: Inside CDL Training at Bishop State | Education Station

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 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!

Education Station: Cleaning Up CDL Training & What “Proficient” Really Means

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 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!

What Makes a Properly Trained Truck Driver? | Education Station

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

Education Station: Inside CDL Training, ELDT Rules & What Makes a Great Truck Driver with Mike Moscinski

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

Education Station: Michael Lasko on Mission Specific Driver Training and Safety | Road Gang Radio

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/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbG51aTB2STZlN3FPUXFWeS0tMFNOclFRME9SUXxBQ3Jtc0ttbGFzcEYzNWpaSjlidmpLNlJOWGFqdWhldmVndmpfQ3Vuam1QVmZfcXdJQ3VPcXBqUlBleHdoS1k4MElhUmFCdmExaHpueGt6Zm5iOWM4MkdVSlUzWDJlV01JYXlPeVVhODd5bmdmS3djV0c0SjE1bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdriveboyle.com%2Fapply%2F&v=6MJ1GJotCb8] Visit Boyle Transportation online: https://www.boyletransport.com/ [https://www.boyletransport.com/] 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!