In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, Jared Flinn sits down with Todd Vettel, founder of International Workforce Services (IWS) and Trucker Force, to tackle one of the biggest issues facing the freight and agriculture industries today: the driver shortage. Based in Columbus, Nebraska, Todd’s CDL training academy is helping bulk haulers and over-the-road carriers bridge the gap by training both domestic and legal immigrant drivers through an innovative, faith-based, and highly personalized program. With on-demand CDL training, housing for out-of-state students, and Department of Transportation certification, IWS provides fast, effective solutions for bulk freight carriers needing skilled, safe, and reliable drivers.

Todd shares how his military background, time at ADM, and entrepreneurial experience with fitness centers and Scooter’s Coffee shops helped shape a mission-driven approach to workforce development in trucking. He explains how legal immigration is being used to bring in experienced drivers from countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Colombia—drivers who are eager to work, adapt quickly to U.S. roads, and become long-term contributors to American society. The episode also dives into the importance of values-based leadership, safety in CDL training, and how small fleets and grain haulers can benefit from IWS's flexible program that accommodates night and weekend schedules.

If you're a bulk hauler struggling to find quality drivers or a logistics company looking for a dependable pipeline of CDL-certified talent, this episode offers practical, ethical solutions to growing your fleet and sustaining your operation. Learn how International Workforce Services and Trucker Force are filling a critical need in the trucking industry—only on BulkLoads.com.