Washington, D.C. — Fastport disclosed on September 9, 2026 that its registered apprenticeship roster has climbed past the 27,000 mark, a milestone that underscores the program’s rapid expansion across transportation sectors.

The surge matters to trucking firms because apprenticeships translate directly into qualified CDL‑A drivers ready to fill the chronic labor gap. Fastport’s model blends on‑the‑job training with classroom instruction, giving participants hands‑on experience in trucking, rail, maritime and related logistics roles. That blend helps carriers avoid costly turnover and meet FMCSA regulations that increasingly demand documented skill development.

Since launching in 2017, Fastport has partnered with more than 300 industry groups, including the American Trucking Association, Truckload Carriers Association, The Trucking Alliance and Next Generation Trucking. The network now spans 35 distinct occupations, from long‑haul OTR truck driver to rail yard technician. Executive Director Dave Harrison praised the achievement, saying, “We are thrilled to celebrate Fastport’s exceeding 27,000 registered apprentices and acknowledge the great work of all of our great industry association partners.” Jacob Szabo, a registered apprentice with Garner Trucking, highlighted the mentorship component that helped him earn his CDL‑A faster than traditional routes.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A drivers eyeing advancement, the growing apprenticeship pool offers a clear path to higher wages and specialized certifications without leaving the road. Owner‑operators can tap the program to upskill crew members, ensuring compliance with safety standards and reducing downtime during peak seasons. Fleet managers gain a reliable pipeline of vetted talent, cutting recruitment costs and shortening the onboarding cycle for OTR truck driver positions. Moreover, apprentices receive industry‑backed credentials that improve their marketability when trucking companies are hiring en masse.

Industry Reaction

Carrier groups greeted the news with optimism, noting that a steady flow of trained drivers eases the pressure of driver shortages that have plagued the sector for years. The American Trucking Association called the milestone “a testament to collaborative workforce development that directly supports trucking companies hiring today.” Smaller fleets echoed the sentiment, pointing to the program’s hands‑on approach as a way to retain talent in competitive markets.

Key Points

• Fastport’s apprenticeship count topped 27,000 as of September 9, 2026.
• The program has engaged over 300 partner organizations since 2017.
• Apprenticeships now cover 35 occupations, including truck driver, rail, and maritime roles.
• Industry leaders such as the ATA and Truckload Carriers Association publicly endorsed the achievement.

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