Robeson Community College recently added a new course to its lineup of transportation courses – Behind the Wheel B to A. The class was added as an attempt to get more truck drivers in the pipeline, as the American Trucking Association estimates that there is a shortage of 80,000 drivers nationwide, which is expected to double by 2031.

The Behind the Wheel B to A class is a 4-week program for those who have a valid commercial learner’s permit. The class includes the pre-trip inspection, range and road driving portions of the Truck Driver Training program at RCC. It is recommended that those who enroll have experience with manual transmissions and towing.

A Class A license is considered the “universal” CDL, providing the opportunity to drive multiple types of commercial trucks and tractor trailers, whereas Class B allows operation of different types of vehicles, such as straight trucks and dump trucks, but is more limiting than a Class A. 

Four students graduated from the class – Bo’queishia Anderson, Tyreek Hall, James Knox, and Phil Wilson – all who completed the requirements necessary and will enter the workforce as truck drivers.

“A huge congratulations to our very first B To A Class Graduates at Robeson Community College,” Braxton Ballard, the CDL Academy Coordinator, stated in a press release. “They completed the 4-week course, which offers Class B drivers the ability to seamlessly transition to Class A.”

Classes for truck driving are popular at Robeson Community College. Registrations are currently being accepted for additional B to A classes, as well as the full, complete Truck Driving program. Classes have been scheduled out for a year in advance to better meet the needs and schedule of students.

To learn more or to register, contact Braxton Ballard at 910-272-3661, bballard@robeson.edu or visit the college’s website: https://www.robeson.edu/coned/transportation/