Starting Over After a Layoff? How a CDL Can Steer You Toward a Brighter Future

Layoffs Are Tough—But Your Next Chapter Starts Here

It’s been a brutal year for American workers. UPS recently announced 20,000 job cuts and the closure of 73 facilities, including in Tennessee, due to a sharp reduction in Amazon shipments. Meanwhile, Bridgestone Americas is shutting down its LaVergne tire plant, laying off 700 local workers. Nissan is also slashing jobs across its Tennessee plants in a global restructuring effort.

These aren’t isolated events—they’re part of a larger trend. Global corporations, from logistics to auto manufacturing, are rapidly shedding jobs in the name of “efficiency” and profit. If you’ve been impacted, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.

At Truck Driver’s Institute (TDI), we help displaced workers like you pivot into a stable, essential industry that isn’t going away anytime soon.

Why Trucking?

Let’s cut to the chase: Trucking is one of the few industries where demand outpaces supply. Right now, carriers across the U.S. need 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade. Why?

• 11.84 billion tons of freight moved by trucks last in 2019, —that’s everything from hospital supplies to your morning coffee.
• 80% of U.S. communities rely solely on trucks for goods.
• $60,000+ average starting pay for drivers—with benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

As UPS CEO Carol Tomé put it, “The macro environment may be uncertain, but with our actions, we will emerge stronger.” At TDI, we believe you can too—with the right training and support.

From Layoff to Launchpad: How TDI Helps You Pivot Fast

At TDI, we specialize in turning uncertainty into opportunity. Here’s how we do it:

1. Train in Just 3 Weeks—No Experience Needed

Forget years of school or debt. Our accelerated program gets you behind the wheel on Day 1. You’ll learn:

• Real-world driving on multi-acre training ranges (no simulators!).
• Safety skills that keep you—and everyone else—protected.
• Manual transmissions, backing, shifting—everything carriers require.

2. Job Placement Assistance Before You Graduate

Over 80% of our students have job offers lined up before they finish training. How?

• 20+ carrier partners (like Walmart, Schneider, and Swift) hire directly from our schools.
• Local and regional routes so you can choose home time that fits your life.
• Lifetime job support—even years after graduation.

3. Financial Flexibility When You Need It Most

We get it: Money’s tight after a layoff. That’s why we offer:

• Scholarships for single parents, veterans, and displaced workers.
• GI Bill®-approved training (VA benefits eligibility).
• Payment plans so you can start earning before you pay a dime.

UPS, Bridgestone, Nissan Layoffs: What You Should Know

These mass layoffs aren’t just statistics—they’re stories of hard-working people caught in the corporate crossfire:

• UPS’s 20,000 job cuts impact 4% of its workforce and stem from Amazon scaling down their partnership, a move that could cost UPS $3.5 billion in lost revenue by 2026.
  
• Bridgestone’s closure of its LaVergne plant ends a 50+ year legacy, affecting 700 employees and threatening the economy of an entire city.
  
• Nissan’s voluntary buyouts and shift cuts affect key plants in Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee, and are part of global job reductions ahead of a planned merger with Honda.
  

The pattern is clear: big corporations are protecting their bottom line. It’s time for you to protect yours.

“But I’ve Never Driven a Truck Before!”

You don’t need experience. You just need grit. Our instructors—many of whom are former drivers themselves—break down every skill step-by-step. From pre-trip inspections to highway merging, we’ll prepare you to pass your CDL test and thrive on the road.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

A layoff can leave you feeling stuck. But here’s the reality: The road is wide open. In 15 days, you could be:

• Earning a paycheck that supports your family.
• Gaining skills that can’t be taken away.
• Joining an industry that’s essential to every American.

Ready to shift gears?

1. Call (800) 848-7364 to chat with an advisor (no pressure—just answers).
2. Train risk-free: Many carriers cover tuition if you drive for them.
3. Graduate and go: Hit the road in weeks, not years.

About TDI

Since 1973, the Truck Driver’s Institute has helped over 100,000 Americans launch careers in trucking. With 10 campuses nationwide, 3-week CDL programs, and job placement assistance, we’re here to help you steer life forward—no matter what detours you’ve faced.