On this episode of Education Station with host Jimmy Mac, we dive into the future of driver training and education in the trucking industry.

Our guest is Tony Diaz, Program Coordinator for the Amarillo College Truck Driving Academy and board member of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS). With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Tony shares insights into how reputable schools are preparing the next generation of professional drivers—and why not all CDL training programs are created equal.

We’ll explore:

The challenges around CDL “mills” and low-quality training providers

How the FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule is raising national training standards

The importance of integrity, compliance, and safety in driver education

How public institutions like Amarillo College are shaping careers and lives

Tony’s mission is clear: to transform lives by equipping drivers with the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to succeed on the road—while raising the bar for training nationwide.

Resources & Links:

Amarillo College Truck Driving Academy: actx.edu/ce/logistics-training-center-truck-driving-academy

National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS): napftds.org

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.

Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...

Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...

We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...

Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...