Alaska Trucking Association to pilot Share the Road Alaska with Anchorage schools; highlights training and pay differences

Jamie Benson, president and CEO of the Alaska Trucking Association, announced that ATA will pilot a state-specific version of the national "Share the Road" school outreach program with the Anchorage School District, bringing a trailer and classroom materials to teach truck-student safety and to introduce trucking as a career option.

"We're gonna start with the school district, go in there as kind of a pilot program, and bring a trailer in, talk about trucking, being safe around trucks," Benson said, adding the program aims both to reduce danger around trucks and to promote vocational pathways into trucking, diesel mechanics and logistics.

Benson and ATA members described training pathways in Alaska, including apprenticeships and employer-based training. She named Northern Industrial Training and mentioned that many carriers provide on-the-job training. Joey Crum of Northern Industrial Training introduced himself during member introductions and was cited as an example of local training providers.

During a question-and-answer exchange, Darren Kessler of Odyssey Logistics explained that last-mile delivery work is typically paid hourly and cited wage ranges of approximately $25 to $45 per hour depending on truck class and experience. Kessler contrasted last-mile, hourly-paid delivery with long-haul or mine-site freight models.

Benson said the pilot will begin in April and encouraged communities to invite the program. The presentation closed with a video and website referral for more information; no formal funding or legislative commitments were made during the session.