MARINETTE, Wis. — Veriha Trucking is scaling its internal training initiatives as of September 2026, utilizing new state grant funding to lower the barrier to entry for prospective CDL-A drivers. The company’s dedicated academy, which has been operational for nearly a decade, now offers a structured path that includes significant tuition reimbursement for Wisconsin residents, aiming to stabilize the workforce pipeline amid a national shortage of qualified personnel.

Mike Hallada, a veteran of the Veriha system for nine years, transitioned from the driver’s seat to a lead trainer role to mentor the next generation of haulers. The program emphasizes a dual-track curriculum: classroom theory coupled with rigorous, real-world operational training. Unlike high-volume tech schools, the academy focuses on the practical mechanics of the job, including load securement, road survival tactics, and the daily realities of life in the sleeper berth. This personalized approach is designed to produce drivers who are prepared for the operational challenges that often cause high turnover rates in the first year of employment.

Tim Kordula, director of safety, training, and development at Veriha, noted that the state-backed financial support is a critical component of their recruitment strategy. Wisconsin residents can receive a 50% tuition reimbursement upon completion of their training, with the remaining half covered by the company after the driver completes a one-year commitment. This financial incentive is bolstered by a four-week paid training phase that follows the initial six-week academy program, ensuring new hires are compensated during their transition to solo operation.

What This Means for Drivers

The academy model serves as a direct pipeline for those seeking CDL-A driver positions without the burden of massive student debt. By integrating classroom instruction with an extended paid mentorship phase, Veriha is attempting to resolve the common "experience gap" that leaves many graduates feeling unprepared for the complexities of OTR truck driver life. Prospective applicants should note that the training is not limited to long-haul candidates; local business owners and regional operators have utilized the program to secure necessary credentials for their private fleets, proving the training has broader applications than just standard line-haul work.

Industry Reaction

The industry continues to grapple with a chronic deficit of skilled operators, with hundreds of thousands of vacancies projected annually across the United States. While many trucking companies hiring today rely on third-party CDL schools, carriers that invest in proprietary academies often see higher retention metrics because the training is tailored to their specific fleet equipment and safety protocols. By bridging the gap between student status and full-time employment, Veriha and similar carriers are attempting to prove that the solution to the driver shortage lies in better onboarding and long-term financial support rather than just recruitment marketing.

Key Points

• The Veriha Driving Academy curriculum spans six weeks of intensive classroom and hands-on instruction.
• Wisconsin residents are eligible for a 50% tuition reimbursement grant, with the remaining 50% covered by the company after one year of service.
• Graduates enter a four-week paid mentorship program following their initial training to ensure road readiness.
• The program has seen success with both aspiring OTR drivers and local business owners looking to obtain a CDL for specialized operations.

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