Florida Truckers Institute
The Florida Truckers Institute (FTI) is a newly formed 501c3, non-profit organization that is intended to serve as an educational institution to help develop a pipeline of new talent for workforce shortages in the trucking industry. FTI's target population are veterans and workers dislocated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Trucking Associations reported that this sector is headed for a shortage of 160,000 drivers by 2030, and the need for one million new drivers over the next 10 years. Even before the pandemic, long-haul driver turnover averaged 94% annualized.
Our Mission
The mission of FTI is to develop a hybrid training environment that will allow individuals to become CDL licensed to operate commercial trucks. FTI has incorporated the model of remote virtual training that allows for flexible schedules for individuals that have fulltime jobs while in training. People looking to change careers will be able to complete training hours without suffering financial hardships. Students will be able to gain confidence on the trucks at our spacious training yard.
Institutional Commitment to Educational Quality, Student Success, and Workforce Development
Florida Truckers Institute
A Division of Florida Trades Institute, Inc.
Florida Truckers Institute, a division of Florida Trades Institute, Inc., is committed to providing accessible, high-quality career and technical education that prepares students for successful employment in the commercial transportation industry. As a Florida independent postsecondary educational institution, we are committed to maintaining appropriate educational standards, promoting student success, operating with transparency and integrity, and responding to the workforce needs of Florida.
Our programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge, technical skills, safety awareness, professionalism, and practical training necessary to pursue entry-level employment and continued career development in the commercial motor vehicle industry.
Admissions Transparency and Merit
Florida Truckers Institute maintains clear and consistent admissions requirements applicable to students seeking enrollment in our programs. Admissions information, program requirements, costs, and other applicable enrollment conditions are communicated to prospective students before enrollment.
Admission decisions are based on established program requirements and applicable federal and state laws. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or other protected status in its admissions or educational programs.
We are committed to providing prospective students with accurate information so that they can make informed decisions regarding their education, training, and career goals.
Free Inquiry, Respectful Learning, and Campus Operations
Florida Truckers Institute is committed to maintaining a professional learning environment in which students, instructors, and staff are treated with dignity and respect.
Students are encouraged to ask questions, seek clarification, express appropriate viewpoints, and participate in constructive classroom and training discussions. Differences of opinion are to be addressed professionally and respectfully.
At the same time, the Institute maintains policies and procedures designed to prevent harassment, threats, intimidation, disruptive conduct, and interference with instruction, student learning, or normal school operations. The safety of students, instructors, staff, and visitors remains a fundamental priority.
Intellectual Pluralism and Professional Education
As a career-focused institution, Florida Truckers Institute's primary educational mission is to provide practical knowledge and occupational skills necessary for employment in the commercial transportation industry.
Instruction is focused on relevant industry standards, applicable laws and regulations, safety requirements, technical knowledge, professional responsibilities, and real-world workplace expectations.
The Institute encourages students to engage thoughtfully with information and differing perspectives while maintaining a professional educational environment. Instruction and employment practices are conducted consistent with applicable laws and institutional policies.
Affordability, Cost Transparency, and Student Outcomes
Florida Truckers Institute recognizes that students make significant financial and personal commitments when pursuing career training. The Institute is committed to providing clear information concerning tuition, fees, program requirements, and other applicable costs before students enroll.
The Institute strives to operate responsibly and to provide students with meaningful educational value through focused, career-oriented training.
Student success is measured through appropriate academic and practical performance, program completion, credential or licensing achievement where applicable, and preparation for employment.
Our goal is to provide students with training that leads to meaningful employment opportunities and supports their ability to establish sustainable careers in the transportation industry.
Academic Standards, Skills Competency, and Artificial Intelligence
Florida Truckers Institute is committed to maintaining appropriate academic and occupational standards within its programs.
Students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge and practical competencies required by their program of study. Instruction and assessment are designed to evaluate genuine student learning and the ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world occupational settings.
The Institute does not support academic dishonesty, falsification of work, or misrepresentation of a student's knowledge or abilities.
As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies become increasingly available, Florida Truckers Institute recognizes the importance of responsible technology use. Students may be expected to complete certain assignments, examinations, practical exercises, or skills demonstrations independently when necessary to accurately evaluate their knowledge and competency.
Technology, including artificial intelligence, will not replace the hands-on training, instructor evaluation, practical skills development, safety instruction, and competency assessment necessary for students to perform their occupational responsibilities.
Commitment to American Students and Florida's Workforce
Florida Truckers Institute is committed to preparing students for the workforce needs of Florida and the broader American commercial transportation industry.
Our programs are designed to provide career-focused education and training that can help qualified students pursue employment in an essential industry supporting the movement of goods, services, and people throughout Florida and the United States.
The Institute works to ensure that its educational programs remain relevant to employer expectations, applicable industry requirements, transportation safety standards, and the evolving needs of Florida's workforce.
Our focus is on preparing students to become safe, knowledgeable, responsible, and employable commercial transportation professionals.
Student Safety and Professional Responsibility
Safety is a fundamental component of our educational mission. Students receive instruction concerning applicable safety practices, professional responsibilities, and the standards expected of individuals operating commercial motor vehicles.
Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate conduct, responsibility, professionalism, and respect for instructors, fellow students, employers, members of the public, and the communities in which they operate.
The Institute recognizes that commercial transportation professionals have responsibilities that extend beyond obtaining a commercial driver's license. Our goal is to help students develop the habits and professional judgment necessary to contribute to a safer transportation system.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Florida Truckers Institute is committed to continually evaluating and improving its educational programs, instructional practices, student services, and workforce partnerships.
The Institute will consider appropriate feedback from students, instructors, employers, industry representatives, regulatory agencies, and workforce organizations when evaluating the effectiveness and relevance of its programs.
We remain committed to transparency, accountability, educational quality, student success, and the workforce needs of Florida.
Our Commitment
Florida Truckers Institute believes that career and technical education should provide students with practical skills, meaningful opportunities, and a clear pathway toward employment and long-term career development.
As a division of Florida Trades Institute, Inc., we remain committed to providing accessible, industry-focused education that emphasizes safety, professionalism, competency, integrity, and workforce readiness.
Florida Truckers Institute will continue working to serve its students, employers, and the transportation industry while supporting Florida's commitment to educational opportunity, economic mobility, and a strong workforce.
Florida Truckers Institute
A Division of Florida Trades Institute, Inc.
Effective Date: August 2026