Estes, the largest, privately owned freight carrier in North America, donated two 2019 Freightliner trucks to Southside Virginia Community College’s (SVCC) Truck Driver Training Program. Estes President and COO Webb Estes and Corporate Vice President Trish Garland met with SVCC President Dr. Quentin R. Johnson and Program Director Duncan Quicke to formally bestow the keys Monday afternoon. 

“The future and success of our industry depends on new, qualified drivers entering the profession,” said Webb Estes. “Virginia is fortunate to have such a robust driver training program throughout its community college system, and Estes is honored to help these efforts.” 

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) has driver training programs across the state. These programs are part of VCCS’ FastForward initiative, which offers low-cost, short-term training courses to help individuals get the requisite experience for high-demand jobs like commercial truck drivers. In FY2022, the program saw 2,469 enrollees in its CDL course with a 99% completion rate. 

“Since our inception in 1996, Estes Express Lines has been dedicated and steadfast in helping with our equipment needs,” said Quicke. “The Estes family has donated many pieces of equipment to the Truck Driver Training School and the generosity of the family has continued with a recent donation of two late model Freightliners. The trucks will help with training our students and the contributions could not have come at a more opportune time.” 

“Estes has always been a company that invests in and gives back to its local communities,” said Garland. “Estes started in 1931 in Chase City, Virginia, so it means a lot to remember our roots and support this region and opportunities like the driver training program, which gives so many individuals a path to a successful, impactful career.” 

Garland was named Clarksville Citizen of the Year in 2013 and was the recipient of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy in 2011.