Randall-Reilly Business Media & Information recently launched its Trucking’s Top Rookie program designed to increase pride and professionalism among new drivers, and to promote truck driving as a career choice during a severe driver shortage.

“For the past two years, industry experts have projected a ‘perfect storm’ of factors that will lead to a driver shortage,” said Scott Miller, Randall-Reilly vice president, recruiting. “An aging workforce, rising freight volumes, and tightening driver requirements from the federal government’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program, make this the perfect time to work with our association partners to launch this program.”

Partners include the Truckload Carriers Association and its new school committee, the American Trucking Associations, the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools and the Professional Truck Driver Institute.

Any commercial driver’s license holder who has graduated from a PTDI certified, or NAPFTDS- or CVTA-member driver training school within the past year and has been employed by a trucking company for less than one year, is eligible for the award.

Nominations may be made by motor carrier employers, training organizations, the general public and other interested parties. The nomination form can be completed online at www.truckload.org/rookie until June 30.

A panel of judges, which includes representatives from motor carriers, schools (both public and private), suppliers and trade associations, will identify 10 finalists. More than $20,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to these drivers.