Business

Truck drivers ‘greatly needed’ in Okaloosa County, grant funding available to students

FleetForce Truck Driving School and Northwest Florida State College are seeking individuals interested in careers in supply chain, logistics and transportation. Commercial truck drivers are greatly needed across the Florida […]

Jared Williams

FleetForce Truck Driving School and Northwest Florida State College are seeking individuals interested in careers in supply chain, logistics and transportation.

Commercial truck drivers are greatly needed across the Florida Panhandle to support businesses and the growing regional economy, according to FleetForce Truck Driving School.

With support from the state, over $900,000 in grant funding is available for aspiring commercial driver’s license students seeking financial assistance to complete the program.

“The average starting salary for commercial truck drivers in Florida is nearly $80,000, and the demand for drivers continues to grow,” said Tra Williams, CEO of FleetForce Truck Driving School. “The entire region needs truck drivers to support local businesses, the workforce and the economy. Like the rest of the nation, the panhandle relies on truck drivers to bring basic everyday items that get more and more expensive when drivers are scarce.”

Northwest Florida State College receives $1.5 Million for the expansion of CDL Program

In addition to competitive salaries, FleetForce says graduates often receive health care and retirement benefits, paid vacation and more. Class A programs last four weeks, and new classes begin every Monday.

Pre-hire opportunities that match students with businesses prior to program completion are often available thanks to support from the Florida Trucking Association.

“The economic benefits of recruiting more certified commercial truck drivers in our region is immense,” said Jason Shoaf, District 7 member of the Florida House of Representatives. “Our community is crucial for the rest of our state, and nation’s, supply chain and logistics operations. Okaloosa County and its surrounding towns have an opportunity to build on its workforce, support businesses, and see our economy thrive.”

In partnership with Northwest Florida State College, FleetForce is licensed by the Florida Department of Education, the Committee for Independent Education and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

For more information on enrollment, visit www.fleetforcetruckdrivingschool.com or call 850-772-4235.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

School

Collegiate High School student named National Merit Scholarship Finalist

How I Work

HOW I WORK: An inside look at how Lori Shaak leads Collegiate High School with empathy, consistency, and a focus on student growth

Public Safety

24 cadets graduate from Northwest Florida State College Law Enforcement Academy in Niceville

Giving Back

Local families walk to raise Alzheimer’s awareness, funds in Niceville

Joanne jordan commented on $10 million beach renourishment project in Destin to begin soon

“I thought originally they were starting on at Reach 1 then moving to Reach 2? Has this changed?”

Respond

Diane Walbeck commented on 7 must-try dessert spots in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

“You forgot the Ice Cream Laboratory.”

keoms commented on Fort Walton Beach honors Dr. Paul Hsu with ‘key to the city’

“He is a great man!”

Jeff commented on $10 million beach renourishment project in Destin to begin soon

“It brings thousands of people and millions of dollars to the Destin economy and helps support the values of numerous properties paying local ad valorem taxes.”

Mary Marino commented on Okaloosa’s Pineview School construction enters final stretch with August opening on horizon

“What is the location of the school?”

Lisa Lethcoe commented on Fort Walton Beach Chiropractor flies rescue dogs to their forever homes

“Hey, Scott! I am delighted to hear your story! This is wonderful news!”

Stan King commented on $10 million beach renourishment project in Destin to begin soon

“Interesting that west of the east pass can go ignored, the survey indicates that those beaches are critically eroded also.”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 13, 2026

“3 min 42 sec”

Nancy commented on $10 million beach renourishment project in Destin to begin soon

“I will never understand the logic behind spending millions on adding sand that will continue to wash out with every storm and if a storm hits us this year it’s...”

Violet commented on $10 million beach renourishment project in Destin to begin soon

“Wow...$10,000,000 for sand.”