NextGen Trucking at Mercer: A Look at the Road Ahead

They Didn’t Show Up Uncertain

The future of trucking showed up to Mercer Transportation ready to learn, but it didn’t arrive uncertain.

It came with questions, yes, but also with direction. A group of students from NextGen Trucking stepped onto campus during our annual pre-truck show celebration, the Mercer Jamboree and immediately immersed themselves in an environment that, for many, had only existed in theory up to that point. What they found wasn’t just an introduction to the industry. It was a clearer picture of what their future could look like.

From the start, what stood out most was their level of awareness. It’s easy to assume that young people exploring trucking are still figuring out whether it’s the right path. That wasn’t the case here. These students had already begun mapping out their futures. They understood the opportunity in front of them, not just in terms of driving, but in terms of building a career, creating stability, and carving out a life on their own terms. They were eager to learn, but they weren’t starting from zero.

That awareness only deepened once they stepped into the middle of the Jamboree.

More Than Just Machines

With trucks spread across campus, the students were able to see firsthand just how diverse the equipment in this industry can be. What surprised them most wasn’t just the scale, although that certainly made an impression. Some of the trucks were so large they compared them to the size of a garage. It was the combination of form and function that caught their attention. These weren’t just machines built to do a job. They were well-maintained, detailed, and in many cases, visually striking. The realization that something could look that good and still be responsible for moving freight shifted their perception in real time.

That moment matters more than it might seem. For many people outside the industry, trucking is often viewed through a narrow lens. Functional, necessary, but rarely something that sparks interest beyond its purpose. What these students experienced was something broader. They saw an industry with depth, personality, and pride behind the wheel.

That perspective continued to evolve when they sat down with one of Mercer’s own.

What You Can’t Learn in a Classroom

The students had the opportunity to speak with owner-operators Mike Ricouard and Charles Crume, who offered something that no classroom or online resource can fully replicate: lived experience. They spoke openly about what it’s like to get started, what challenges to expect early on, and what priorities can make the difference between simply getting by and building something sustainable. Their advice wasn’t theoretical. It was rooted in time on the road, in real decisions, and in lessons learned firsthand.

Just as important as what they shared was how they approached the conversation. Mike and Charles were genuinely grateful for the opportunity to speak with them. There was an energy to it, a visible excitement about being able to connect with the next generation of drivers. That kind of interaction carries weight. It shows that the industry isn’t just something you enter. It’s something people take pride in being part of, something they want to pass on.

As the conversations unfolded, another theme began to take shape.

Already Thinking Ahead

These students weren’t just absorbing information. They were actively connecting it to their own plans. They asked thoughtful questions, listened closely, and showed a clear understanding of how trucking could fit into their futures. They spoke about the opportunity to drive, to earn a living, and to build something meaningful for themselves. There was a level of intention behind their interest that stood out.

It was also encouraging to see the diversity within the group. Young men and women were equally engaged, equally curious, and equally invested in what they were learning. That kind of representation reflects a broader shift in how trucking is being perceived and who sees themselves as part of it. The pathway into the industry is becoming more visible to a wider range of people, and moments like this reinforce that progress.

The experience extended beyond Mercer’s campus as well.

Stepping Into the Industry

The students attended the Mid-America Trucking Show where they visited Mercer’s booth. A day prior, they stepped into an even larger cross-section of the industry while attending the Jamboree. There, they had the opportunity to connect with Charles Gracey, host of Trucking Sense, on SiriusXM during his live broadcast. Known as one of the most recognizable voices in trucking radio, Charles brought his usual energy to the conversation, but what stood out was his genuine enthusiasm for engaging with young people who are actively preparing to enter the field.

It created a unique moment. On one side, a seasoned voice with years of experience and perspective. On the other, a group of individuals preparing to take their first steps into the industry. The exchange wasn’t one-sided. It was a conversation, and that distinction matters. It reinforces the idea that the future of trucking isn’t something distant. It’s already taking shape through interactions like these.

Something That Felt Familiar

At its core, NextGen Trucking is focused on creating those opportunities. Their mission centers on educating and exposing young people to the realities of the industry, helping them understand not just what trucking is, but what it can offer. That includes opening doors to career pathways, providing access to real-world experiences, and playing a role in shifting long-standing perceptions about the profession.

Spending time with this group made it clear how impactful that work is. When students are given access to environments like Mercer’s campus, when they’re able to speak directly with drivers, and when they can see the industry up close, it changes how they think about their future. It replaces uncertainty with clarity.

And in a way that doesn’t need to be overstated, there’s a natural alignment between that mission and the culture at Mercer. The belief that relationships matter. That experience should be shared. That success is built by investing in people and giving them the tools to move forward with confidence. Those ideas aren’t presented as statements. They show up in moments like this, in conversations that feel genuine and in opportunities that are given freely.

That’s what made this visit meaningful.

Already On Their Way

Programs like NextGen Trucking play a critical role in shaping the future of the industry. They are helping redefine how trucking is introduced to younger generations, making the pathway more visible, more accessible, and more intentional. They are building connections early and giving students the confidence to pursue a career that offers both opportunity and longevity.

We’re grateful to have been a part of that experience. Grateful for the students who brought their curiosity and focus to our campus. Grateful for the work NextGen Trucking is doing to support the future of this industry.

Because if this visit showed us anything, it’s this:

The next generation isn’t waiting to find its place.

They’re already preparing for it.