Nebraska Trucking Foundation Scholarships Support Aspiring Drivers

A family-owned truckload carrier company based in Nebraska, Seward Motor Freight hauls general commodity freight for companies across several states. In recognition of the company’s unrelenting commitment to safety, Seward Motor Freight has consistently received Safety Program awards from the Nebraska Trucking Association.

As part of its effort to create a strong, capable work force, the Nebraska Trucking Association offers a number of scholarships for individuals aspiring to careers in the fields of commercial drivers licenses (CDL) and diesel technology. Scholarship applications are judged on experience and goals, which should be outlined in clear, 100- to 200-word essays submitted with the applications.

Applying students must be enrolled at Northeast Community College, Southeast Community College, Metropolitan Community College, or Central Community College. Applications are reviewed by the Nebraska Trucking Foundation Board of Directors, who notify scholarship recipients within 30 days of receipt. For more information or to apply for a scholarship online, visit www.nebraskatruckingassociation.growthzoneapp.com.

Prevailing Myths about Truck Drivers

460893239

Incorporated in 1969, Seward Motor Freight has a long history of providing reliable and safe transportation services across much of the United States. Seward Motor Company acquired several smaller carriers during the 80s and now calls a 6.5-acre facility it’s home in Seward, Nebraska. Facing a significant decline in the number of truck drivers, carriers such as Seward are eager to dispel some common misconceptions about the trade.

1. A persistent myth about truck drivers is that they’re all male. In fact, more than 6 percent of drivers in the US are women, and they tend to be much less likely to be cited for safety regulations and more likely to pass their CDL certification.

2. Truck driving is a low paying job. This is one of the most misleading myths to those considering a career as a driver. The average income for a truck driver in 2019 was $59,098, according to Indeed.com.

3. Truck driving is for people who don’t have or want an education. Again, around 6 percent of truck drivers in the US are college-educated, and many companies offer reimbursement plans for drivers who want to go to college.

Nebraska Trucking Driver of the Month Award

 

Nebraska Trucking Association
Image: nebtrucking.com

For more than four decades, Seward Motor Freight, Inc. has delivered exceptional freight services across the U.S. East Coast, Southeast, Midwest and the South. Employing a huge team of professionals, the company has also invested in technology to reduce pollution and conserve the environment. Seward Motor Freight, Inc. has received numerous awards from the Nebraska Trucking Association for having an outstanding safety program.

Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA) is a statewide trade association that represents the interests of commercial truck, bus operators, and affiliated businesses. NTA empowers its members with key knowledge, services, contacts, partnerships and political representation for them to efficiently deliver goods to Nebraska communities and the entire North America. Nebraska Truck Driver of the Month is an NTA initiative that recognizes drivers who perform their duties with a high degree of professionalism, courtesy, and safety demonstrated by excellence in their records. The award is selected by a panel of independent safety professionals. Winners are invited to attend the monthly Safety Management Council meeting to receive their award and recognition items. In addition, the Driver of the Month is also featured in Nebraska Trucker, an NTA magazine.
During the fall NTA conference the last 12 Driver of the Month recipients are once again reviewed for their outstanding performance in the industry and a Driver of the Year is then honored.

Travel the Country as a Licensed Trucker

Seward Motor Freight is a trucking company that transports freight throughout the Midwest, South, Southeast, and East Coast. It has grown considerably since its beginning in the 1940s. As a part of its commitment to the industry, Seward Motor Freight is always looking to attract and recruit prospective drivers. The trucking industry provides many opportunities for those interested in traveling the country, once a person has received the appropriate license.

The license required to drive a truck is called a CDL, or commercial driver’s license. This type of license covers a number of areas depending on the type of vehicle driven. Before applying, read the guidelines (which can be found online or at the testing site) to get information related to minimum age and physical requirements. The actual license is earned after passing a written exam, which varies by state. Prospective truck drivers can also receive specialized certifications such as Hazmat, but some of these endorsements might require a background check. Finally, the applicant must submit to a driving skills exam.

For applicants who have no or little experience driving trucks, a CDL school can be a much easier way to get licensed. Driving a semi can be very difficult for those unfamiliar with maneuvering a vehicle of that size. However, a CDL class can provide prospective truckers with hands-on skills needed to pass the skills test.