Bailey Thompson – Central Valley Ag in O’Neill
February 17, 2022–Nebraska Trucking Association is proud to announce Bailey Thompson as the first graduate of the NTA Entry-Level Truck Driving Training program.
Thompson was raised in the agricultural-driven town of O’Neill, Nebraska. After high school, Thompson attended Wayne State College and completed a summer internship with Central Valley Ag in O’Neill. He graduated from Wayne State College in 2021 with a degree in Agriculture Business and upon graduation, Thompson accepted a full-time position at Central Valley Ag as a Field Sales Agronomist.
“For most summers I was able to have a seasonal CDL, however, now I want to start driving a gooseneck trailer and ¾ ton pickup to haul seed containers and seed boxes to customers which requires a Class A CDL, so I decided to start researching the ELDT programs available in order to get my license,” Thompson stated.
On February 7, the new Entry-Level Truck Driver Training (ELDT) rule went into effect imposing minimum training requirements for certain entry-level CDL drivers. ELDT is not administered by the State of Nebraska DMV so finding a company that does is now part of the process. After completing his research, Thompson found NTA’s ELDT program was very affordable and simple to complete with the online course program.
“After looking at options for completing my Theory Course, NTA was very affordable and one of the biggest benefits of their program was the online course. Many other companies were way too expensive, and some required in-class training; some went up to 10 days. With NTA, I was able to complete the course on my own time and maintain my regular schedule with work and home life. I started researching companies on February 10 and was able to complete registration, the coursework, and the final exam with NTA by February 16. That was completely at my own pace as well so I probably could have done it even faster,” said Thompson.
Thompson said the registration process was very simple with an easy online form, electronic copy of his driver’s license, and fast online payment so he could begin the course right away. Compared to other company’s offering the ELDT, he found that he could not afford to miss hours of work time as well as the high price tag some are charging.
“The fact that NTA has the online course was a big deal and I know that will be important to others needing the ELDT. I was able to complete the training required but still work and maintain my schedule,” Thompson raved.
Thompson also stated that the coursework offered through the NTA ELDT program was informative and the video was very accurate to prepare you for the final exam.
“Every question that was asked on the test was discussed in the video. There was not one question asked that was a surprise or not covered so I felt confident when taking the final exam,” said Thompson.
Kent Grisham, President and CEO of the Nebraska Trucking Association stated, “The Nebraska Trucking Association is dedicated to helping navigate the implementation of this Federal Regulation and trying to help ease the truck driver shortage by offering an affordable and convenient program. We are very proud of Bailey and know his future is bright with his charismatic personality and great work ethic. Congratulations to Bailey Thompson!”
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