ATA Welcomes Trucking U Students to 2025 MCE

San Diego, CA - Today, the American Trucking Associations welcomed 15 college students from around the country to the 2025 ATA Management Conference & Exhibition as part of ATA's Trucking U program.

"Trucking U is an incredible way to show college students just how many doors the trucking industry can open," said Ben Banks, president of TCW. "Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to present at Georgia Southern University and meet one of this year's Trucking U students, which reaffirmed how important this program is in connecting today's industry leaders with the next generation. As a member of the Trucking U committee, I'm looking forward to presenting 'Trucking 101' to this year's class and sharing insights about the diverse and rewarding career paths our industry offers."

ATA's Trucking U program is a dynamic and educational initiative designed for students at the nation's top business schools and universities, including six new colleges represented in the 2025 class: Brigham Young University, Georgia Southern University, Kansas State University, Northwood University, University at Buffalo, and Western Illinois University.

"The program offers a unique opportunity to explore the trucking industry through networking with experts and mentorship from current leaders," said Nikki Thomas, ATA's vice president of industry affairs. "Students gain valuable connections and insights into the latest industry challenges and advancements, while discovering the wide range of career paths within trucking. By preparing future business leaders with the knowledge and experience they need, ATA's Trucking U helps build a sustainable and successful future for all participants."

"PGT Trucking is a proud supporter of ATA's Trucking U program," said Gregg Troian, president of PGT Trucking. "Through this initiative, ATA provides a unique experience for students to witness the dynamic nature of the trucking industry, helping to shape the next generation of business leaders. We congratulate the Class of 2025 and look forward to connecting with these talented individuals about the numerous opportunities in transportation."

ATA's Trucking U Class of 2025 is attending ATA's Management Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, where they will have the opportunity to meet and network with the trucking industry and executives from across the country. The class will also observe ATA policy committee meetings and educational sessions, attend general sessions with keynote speakers, and attend panel discussions on important industry topics. Students will be able to meet with ATA leaders, officers, staff professionals, and professional truck drivers.

"Trucking U was such a rewarding experience, providing the opportunity to meet fellow passionate students and hear firsthand accounts of how vital and impactful the trucking industry is," said Caden Weaver, a Trucking U Class of 2024 student. "It has shaped my career goals in a meaningful way - no matter where I end up, I know I want to work with truckers and be a positive contributor to the supply chain."

This year's participants in Trucking U are:

1. Naman Agarwal, The University of Texas at Dallas
2. Justin Carpenter, Kansas State University
3. Alec Cousino, Wayne State University
4. Damon Fernandes, University at Buffalo
5. William Forrester, Northwood University
6. Collin Giudice, University of Rhode Island
7. Angelica Johnson, Georgia Southern University
8. Drew Kilburg, Western Illinois University
9. Haley Luther, Western Washington University
10. Davin Nickle, Brigham Young University
11. Sophie Perrigin, Mississippi State University
12. Jade Phan, Western Washington University
13. Kayla Sines, Mississippi State University
14. Thomas Tonsmeire, Auburn University
15. Logan Wilmot, Northwood University

ATA's Trucking U is made possible by the following sponsors: Alabama Trucking Association, Boyle Transportation, Colorado Motor Carriers Association, FedEx, Georgia Motor Trucking Association, Hoffman Transportation, LLC, Michigan Trucking Association, Mississippi Trucking Association, Noregon, Northen Industrial Training LLC, PGT Trucking, Inc., Rhode Island Trucking Association, TCW, Inc., Tennessee Trucking Association, Total Transportation of MS, LLC, Trucking Association of New York, TrueNorth Companies, and Washington Trucking Association

Additional information on ATA's Trucking U can be found on the official Trucking U website.