Reefer carrier opens new driver training facility in Texas

KLLM Transport Services, a Jackson, Miss.-based temperature-controlled truckload carrier ranked 39th on “Commercial Carrier Journal’s” Top 250 ranking, recently opened a new location of its driver training school.

Company President and CEO Jim Richards cut the ribbon on the new two-story, 44,000-square-foot school in Lancaster, Texas.

New KLLM driver training school in Texas

The new academy offers an 18-day accelerated truck driver training program for Texas residents and features classroom, behind-the-wheel training, road and range instruction and driver safety education.

“This school represents an innovative partnership between KLLM and Cedar Valley College that will help fill key jobs in the nationwide trucking industry,” said Richards. “It leverages KLLM’s reputation as a leader in transport services with Cedar Valley’s strong commitment to providing quality education that leads to jobs and career pathways.”

The new facility features classrooms, an onsite physical lab, electronic log and refrigeration labs, a 4-acre backing range, a cafeteria, along with complete lodging facilities for 43 students in private hotel-like rooms. This new residence hall section of the school provides students with refrigerators, microwave ovens, cable TV, wifi, laundry facilities, computer labs and a study hall.

“Our Lancaster campus is specially designed to meet the needs of new driving students and help them as they start their new careers,” said Kirk Blankenship, KLLM’s Vice President of Driver Resources. “We will be training company drivers and independent contractors, helping them earn their permit and CDL-A and learn about accident prevention, professional driving techniques, D.O.T. regulations, cargo claim management, temperature control chain compliance, and CSA compliance, safety and accountability.”

Upon graduation and earning a CDL-A license, students will have the opportunity to be placed with KLLM/FFE.