Karen Smerchek, President and Owner of Veriha Trucking, will join CVTA’s Spring Conference this May. With nearly two decades of leadership in the truckload sector, Smerchek has become a recognized voice on safety, workforce development, and operational excellence, helping shape conversations that impact carriers and professional drivers nationwide. As the leader of Veriha Trucking, a company built from a one-truck operation into a respected national carrier, Smerchek has prio

Southwest Truck Driver Training has reached another milestone, earning a 2026 BusinessRate Award based on the experiences and feedback of its students. Unlike traditional recognitions, this award reflects direct input from those who have gone through the program, offering a clear signal of how training translates into real-world impact. At its core, the recognition speaks to consistency. Students are not only completing training, but leaving with the confidence, skills, and s

As the landscape of workforce training continues to expand, clarity for students and job seekers has become increasingly important. The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) is supporting the bipartisan Credential Repositories and Transparency in States (CREATES ) Act, introduced by Representatives Lucy McBath (GA-06) and Burgess Owens (UT-04) , which aims to help states develop centralized, accessible credential data systems. By improving how information on trainin

Alix Miller, Senior Principal at TSG Transportation Advisors, will join CVTA’s Spring Conference this May. CVTA is pleased to welcome Miller, who brings a policy-driven perspective shaped by her experience leading statewide trucking advocacy and her continued work across the broader transportation and supply chain ecosystem. In her current role, Miller advises on transportation policy, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder engagement, helping organizations navigate an increasi

Washington, D.C . The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) appreciates 60 Minutes’ recent investigation highlighting safety risks within the commercial trucking industry, including the existence of chameleon carriers, substandard training and gaps in enforcement. Increased public attention to these issues underscores the importance of maintaining strong oversight and accountability across the system. CVTA recognizes the important role high-quality CDL training organ

Artificial intelligence is already transforming training providers' ability to recruit students, improve retention, and operate more efficiently, making real-world impact today—not in the distant future. During CVTA’s recent Technology Committee Webinar, industry leaders discussed the practical applications of AI across commercial driver training. Topics included in-vehicle coaching, recruiting automation, permit preparation, retention, and operational efficiency. The convers

On Friday, April 10th, FMCSA Extended the National Registry Integration Initiative until October 11, 2026. The waiver allows " interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, and motor carriers to continue relying on a paper copy of the medical examiner’s certificate as proof of a driver’s medical certification for up to 60 days after the date the medical examiner’s certificate is issued. The exemption is in effect April 11, 20

Emily Clayton, Economist at the American Trucking Associations, will be part of CVTA’s Spring Conference this May. Clayton brings a data-driven perspective shaped by her work supporting the association’s Chief Economist in analyzing freight trends, economic conditions, and the trucking industry's health. In her role, Clayton conducts statistical analysis, manages key industry datasets, and contributes to the development of reports and presentations used by industry leaders an

In a recent op-ed, CVTA Vice Chair Samantha Greenberg addresses what this moment means for commercial driver training. Her message is direct. Strong enforcement is not a disruption. It is necessary to protect safety and restore integrity across the system. Leveraging three generations of safety-focused truck driver training, Sam makes clear that higher standards do not hinder the industry; they elevate it by ensuring quality training providers lead and that students enter th