Dot Transportation Builds Careers and Community Through CDL Upskilling

Dot Foods, the largest food redistributor in North America and one of the largest privately owned companies in the United States, reshaped its workforce strategy through a CDL upskilling initiative that began in October 2014. Dot Foods connects suppliers and manufacturers with distributors like Sysco, U.S. Foods, and Gordon Food Service. But beyond logistics, the company is deeply committed to transforming lives through opportunity, training, and a culture rooted in family values.

A key part of Dot Food’s operations is Dot Transportation, Inc. (DTI), a wholly owned transportation subsidiary. While Dot Foods handles the sourcing and redistribution of food products, Dot Transportation manages the delivery, ensuring that products reach distributors efficiently and reliably. DTI employs thousands of professional drivers and serves as the primary career pathway for individuals entering DTI’s CDL upskilling program.

The upskilling program was born out of necessity when local driving schools began turning away DTI’s recruiters due to existing sponsorships. That’s when DTI Transportation Manager Becky Reynolds discovered grant funding through WorkOne that allowed DTI to support students financially while they trained. Today, candidates are interviewed before entering school, and if selected, they become DTI’s employees from day one, earning $800 per week during training. After passing their CDL exam, they enter a ten-week in-house training program and transition into full-time driving roles with DTI.

This approach has proven especially valuable for career changers, individuals uncertain about their next steps who find clarity and confidence through DTI’s support. Prospective drivers are even invited to spend a day on the road with a current DTI driver to ensure the lifestyle is a good fit. Because the program isn’t about filling seats; it’s about building sustainable careers. As a result, many participants experience dramatic wage increases, moving from hourly jobs to competitive cents-per-mile pay. DTI has also introduced flexible driving schedules, including guaranteed days off, to accommodate drivers who prioritize home time.

The result, an impact extending beyond financial gain. Thanks to DTI’s culture, built on openness and support, fostering a workplace where managers’ doors are always open.

“The environment is a family culture,” said Becky Reynolds, Transportation Manager at DTI. “Some people have a hard transition, they think, ‘Why is everybody so nice?’ And I tell them, ‘This is who we are. It’s not just because you’re new.’ That’s just our culture, we’re very open, and we help everybody succeed.”

DTI’s program has also helped grow the industry in an unexpected way, with an increasing number of female applicants entering driving school and thriving in roles traditionally dominated by men. Reynolds encourages women to take the leap, noting that they perform just as well and are helping reshape the industry’s future.

For other companies, considering upskilling, DTI’s’ experience shows that investing in people isn’t just good business, it’s a way to change lives, strengthen communities, and create a culture where everyone has the chance to succeed.

“I changed careers during a long time where most people aren't thinking about it,” said Dennis Rhee, Driver at DTI. “The training and the support systems they have are just second to none. I'm a product of that. It's been great.”

To learn more about Dot Transportation, visit DriveForDTI.com