December 11, 2015 – Washington, D.C. – In order to educate, inspire and hire the next generation of great American professional truck drivers, FASTPORT coordinated with leading trucking industry employers from around the country to display the industry’s continued dedication to our nation’s heroes and to publicly affirm that its employers are ready and able to stand as First Responders in Veteran employment.

 The trucking industry has a current shortage of 48,000 professional truck drivers and needs to attract nearly 100,000 new driver each year for the next decade to satisfy the shortage, demand growth and retirements. “By helping the talented men and women of the Reserve and Guard join the trucking industry, we are creating a safer, more secure transportation industry that will have a resounding impact on the American population,” said Brad Bentley, President of FASTPORT.  “That is not only an exciting proposition, it’s a an essential one.”

Named an “historic event” by ESGR’s Employment Outreach Chief Tom Bullock, over 40 transportation companies were represented in addition to esteemed attendees such as Dr. Susan Kelly, the Director of Transition to Veterans Program Office and Governor Bill Graves, ATA President. Many joined FASTPORT in signing Statements of Support including:

Alex Baird, ESGR Executive Director said, “Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s efforts to gain and maintain employer support of employee service in the Guard and Reserve.”

“The intent of this program is to increase employer support by encouraging employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military,” Baird continued. “FASTPORT is setting a high standard for all trucking and logistical employers to follow the lead in providing above and beyond support of America’s Veterans, many of whom currently serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s efforts to gain and maintain employer support of employee service in the Guard and Reserve.

“As a former Reservist, I know how important it is to work for an employer that understands the value of military experience, especially one that empowers Reservists as they fulfill their military duties,” said Bill McLennan, FASTPORT CEO. “It is a proud day for me on a personal and professional level to sign the ESGR Statement of Support for FASTPORT alongside these dedicated employers. As a united industry, we are going to employ tens of thousands of citizen Soldiers in careers that allow them to serve the nation in a new context.”

“It is amazing to see our industry work in lockstep to hire our military as the next generation of great American professional truck drivers,” added Bentley. “Our industry-wide collaboration will ensure that members of the Guard and Reserve will have easy access to educational content and career opportunities, which will lead to trucking employers attaining and retaining the nation’s best and brightest.”

For original U.S. Department of Defense Press Release, read more here.
 

About FASTPORT

FASTPORT develops user-friendly technology to improve motor carriers’ selection, qualification and hiring process for commercial drivers, ultimately providing better careers for drivers and growth for motor carriers. FASTPORT’s core product JobMaps™ revolutionizes traditional job posting, empowering motor carriers to efficiently find the best qualified drivers for their unique driving jobs. FASTPORT is committed to leveraging JobMaps™ to help enable over 150,000 veterans, and transitioning military service men and women find great driving careers with great employers in the trucking industry. For more information visit http://fastport.com and http://truckingtrack.org/

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service.  ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach initiatives and volunteer opportunities is available at http://www.ESGR.mil or by contacting Jacqueline Leeker, 571-372-0690 or by email at jacqueline.n.leeker.civ@mail.mil.