Next Gen Trucking Talk with Lindsey Trent

Lindsey Trent
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The Next Gen Trucking Association is a membership-based advocacy group solely dedicated to advancing the trucking industry as a career choice for the next generation through nationwide education and awareness initiatives. As a leading national nonprofit trade association, Next Gen Trucking Association (NGT) inspires, educates, and provides resources for young people and schools and promotes opportunities within the trucking industry. This podcast is all about steering the next generation towards careers in trucking. Who is doing it, how, and best practices. For more information contact Lindsey Trent at info@nextgentrucking.org.

  1. 4D AGO

    Breaking Stereotypes: The Diesel Queen Inspires the Next Generation of Technicians

    In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey interviews Melissa—known online as The Diesel Queen—whose journey into the diesel technician field is as authentic as it is inspiring. Growing up around diesel engines and heavy equipment, Melissa discovered her passion through hands-on classes in high school before attending WyoTech and launching a successful career with John Deere. As one of the few women in the field, she shares how supportive mentors, hard work, and a willingness to learn shaped her career. Melissa emphasizes that strength isn’t what defines a great technician—problem-solving, perseverance, and curiosity do. Melissa also sheds light on the opportunities available in today’s diesel industry, from strong starting wages and constant technological evolution to nationwide demand for skilled mechanics. She speaks candidly about the realities of the job, the importance of reliability, and why more young women should see themselves in this field. Now an influential voice on social media, she aims to encourage students—especially girls—to explore diesel technology as a viable, rewarding career. With dreams of opening her own shop and mentoring the next generation, Melissa proves that passion, grit, and authenticity can carve out a powerful place in the industry. https://www.diesellaptops.com/ https://www.instagram.com/the.diesel.queen/ Thank you to our Champion Sponsors!!! https://www.pfgc.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://www.act1trucking.org/members https://driverwages.com/ https://nationalapprenticeship.org/ https://www.xpo.com/ https://www.atstrainingsystems.com/ 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 Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

    38 min

  2. NOV 20

    Building Tomorrow’s Diesel Techs: Inside Lincoln Tech with CEO Scott Shaw

    In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey sits down with Scott Shaw, President & CEO of Lincoln Tech, to explore how one of the most established technical schools in the country is preparing the next generation of diesel technicians. Scott shares his unexpected journey from banking and private equity into skilled trades education, and how 25 years at Lincoln Tech has shown him the life-changing impact of hands-on training. He walks through Lincoln’s history—from its post-WWII beginnings to its growth into a national network focused on transportation, diesel, skilled trades, and healthcare—and explains why right now is the most exciting moment he’s ever seen for the trades. Scott and Lindsey dig into how Lincoln Tech keeps its diesel programs relevant: blending 30% online with 70% hands-on shop time, using tools like Electude’s gamified curriculum, training aids, and a block-format program that students complete in about 13 months. Scott highlights their 90% job placement in-field, shares success stories like UPS fleet leader and Lincoln grad Carlton Rose, and stresses how employer partnerships, advisory councils, and on-campus career fairs keep students aligned with real-world needs. They also tackle retention—why mentorship and clear career paths matter—and look ahead to Lincoln’s expansion plans, including new campuses in Atlanta, Houston, and North Texas. Scott closes with a message to students, parents, and employers alike: the diesel and skilled trades fields offer stable, AI-resistant, high-opportunity careers where motivated people can truly go “all the way to the top.” https://www.lincolntech.edu/ https://info.lincolntech-usa.com/campus/nashville-tn/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&network=g&utm_campaign=&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=nashville%20auto% Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.pfgc.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://nationalapprenticeship.org/ https://driverwages.com/ https://www.xpo.com/ https://www.atstrainingsystems.com/ 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 Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

    32 min

  3. OCT 23

    Fewer Grads, More Demand: Winning the Talent Predicament with Brett Pawlowski from Roundhouse

    In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Brett Pawlowski of Roundhouse Partnerships to unpack his new white paper, Investing in the Future, and why employers must treat early-talent development as a measurable, strategic investment—not a nice-to-have. Brett explains the “black box” between education and employment and lays out a practical, three-phase model—Awareness → Engagement → Recruitment—that any company can start using with limited budgets. The conversation hits major workforce headwinds (retirements, shrinking birth rates, rising skill demands) and shows how coalitions—associations, chambers, and industry groups like Next Gen Trucking—can create leverage. You’ll also hear surprising ROI wins from employee volunteerism (higher satisfaction and retention) and simple, high-impact actions: guest speaking, facility tours, job shadows, advisory boards, and CTSO support (FFA, SkillsUSA). Brett closes with a call to build shared metrics with local CTE partners and points listeners to his resources and papers at roundhousepartnerships.com. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-pawlowski-96b0441/ https://roundhousepartnerships.com/ Thank you to our Champion Sponsors!!! https://www.pfgc.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://www.act1trucking.org/members Thank you to our Advocate Sponsors!!! https://www.averittcareers.com/ https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/supply-chain.html https://fusionnow.io/ https://www.gfs.com/en-us https://www.kkwtrucks.com/ https://www.kkwtrucks.com/ https://loupaving.com/ https://www.tenstreet.com/ https://transfrinc.com/ https://transportation.trimble.com/ https://www.ushertransport.com/ 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 Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

    43 min

  4. OCT 2

    Building the Next Generation of Diesel Technicians with Jeff Arledge from J&M Tank Lines

    In this special edition of NextGen Talks, host Lindsey Trent sits down with Jeff from J&M Tank Lines to discuss how his company is tackling the diesel technician shortage by partnering with Wallace State Community College through the innovative Diesel by Distance program. Jeff shares his personal journey from mechanic to director, the steps J&M has taken to invest in young talent, and how their unique apprenticeship-style model blends on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Listeners will hear how J&M mentors young technicians, covers training costs, and even encourages CDL certification as part of technician development. Jeff also highlights the pride that comes from seeing employees grow—from wash bay to lead technician—and even how his own son chose diesel technology as a career. This episode is a powerful look at how schools, companies, and individuals can work together to build sustainable career pathways in trucking and logistics. https://jmtank.com/ https://www.wallacestate.edu/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-arledge-747ab3251/ Cool Videos! https://www.wallacestate.edu/dieselbydistance/index.html https://www.wallacestate.edu/programs/technical-division/diesel-mechanics/womendiesel.html Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.pfgc.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://nationalapprenticeship.org/ https://driverwages.com/ https://www.xpo.com/ https://www.atstrainingsystems.com/ 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 Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

    23 min

  5. SEP 4

    Building Careers, Not Jobs: How High Schools Are Preparing the Next Generation for Logistics with Dr. Gina Smith

    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/ Thank you to our Champion Sponsors!!! https://www.pfgc.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://www.act1trucking.org/members Thank you to our Advocate Sponsors!!! https://www.averittcareers.com/ https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/supply-chain.html https://fusionnow.io/ https://www.gfs.com/en-us https://www.kkwtrucks.com/ https://www.kkwtrucks.com/ https://loupaving.com/ https://www.tenstreet.com/ https://transfrinc.com/ https://transportation.trimble.com/ https://www.ushertransport.com/ 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. Follow us on socials here: https://www.facebook.com/nextgentruckers/ https://www.instagram.com/nextgentruckers/ https://www.youtube.com/@nextgenerationintrucking https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseytrent/ https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgentruckers Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.com Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

    38 min

  6. AUG 26

    How Gen Z is Finding a Place in Trucking: Addison’s Story

    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/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.averittcareers.com/ https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/supply-chain.html https://fusionnow.io/ https://www.gfs.com/en-us https://www.kkwtrucks.com/ 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 Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

    31 min

  7. AUG 7

    From Setback to Solution: Nicole’s Journey and the Rise of AAWTA

    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 Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.benekeith.com/ https://www.beyondtrucks.com/ https://www.christensontrans.com/ https://www.cleanharbors.com/ https://www.dottransportation.com/ https://www.driverslegalplan.com/ https://www.fastenal.com/ 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 Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

    31 min

  8. JUL 24

    From Shop Floor to Strategy: Bryan Boyd on Building Talent and Bridging Gaps in Trucking

    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/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!!!! https://www.act1trucking.org/members https://www.pfgc.com/ https://nationalapprenticeship.org/ https://www.longhaultrucking.com/ https://www.lytx.com/ https://www.odfl.com/ https://www.republicservices.com https://drive4roehl.com 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 Follow us on socials here: Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn TikTok

    28 min
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About

The Next Gen Trucking Association is a membership-based advocacy group solely dedicated to advancing the trucking industry as a career choice for the next generation through nationwide education and awareness initiatives. As a leading national nonprofit trade association, Next Gen Trucking Association (NGT) inspires, educates, and provides resources for young people and schools and promotes opportunities within the trucking industry. This podcast is all about steering the next generation towards careers in trucking. Who is doing it, how, and best practices. For more information contact Lindsey Trent at info@nextgentrucking.org.

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