Coastal Truck Driving School prepares truck drivers for career in demand

WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — It's trucker appreciation week and NBC 10's Joel Massey has more about the profession that is vital to the nation's economy. Chrissy Powell with Coastal Truck Driving School loves her profession.

"Driving a truck there's so much freedom behind that wheel. You get to travel the country and get paid to do it not to mention there is a lot of money to be made in the trucking industry right now."

Chrissy Powell

She says it's not easy and it goes beyond simply getting from A to B.

"Truck driving is a very hard profession. Most people think that we just drive trucks but actually we are worried about our safety and the safety of everyone around us."

Chrissy Powell

Janen Francois is a student trucker and says that driving appeals to him.

"Just came from me loving driving. I've always loved driving, anything with an engine in it. I get to travel the country see different places around the country."

Janen Francois

Phillip Henry is a new student who is excited about his career change.

"I've been in the oil field for about 27 years working on drilling rigs and I just wanted a change of scenery."

Phillip Henry

Powell says that she's proud to be a part of a company that is changing lives.

"We're not only boosting the economy by putting more truck drivers out there. We're taking people and giving them, some of them a second chance on life. We're starting new careers every day Coastal has definitely been changing many lives since the early nineties."

Chrissy Powell

There are 8 Coastal campuses throughout the South providing a key component of the workforce.