Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) indicates that in Mexico there are just over 33 million registered motor vehicles , which travel on federal, state or municipal roads, as well as the country’s highways and roads.
The trucking industry must coexist with all these vehicles while simultaneously meeting customer service standards and conditions , all while vehicles increasingly incorporate new technologies. In this context, the training of trucking operators becomes even more crucial.
To address this reality, TDR Transportes established a strategic alliance in 2024 with the Mexican Institute of Freight Transportation (IMTC) to address one of the main challenges of the industry: the generation and professionalization of tractor-trailer operators .
TDR has developed a model that allows it to train talent according to the real needs of its operation, instead of depending exclusively on the availability of operators in the market, the company shared with T21.
One of the prime examples is the Trainee Program, which since 2024, and through seven generations, has trained 77 operators. The 8th and most recent generation began its activities on September 14th with 15 members.
It is a program that is not focused solely on the quantitative factor, but on building its own source of operational talent , with a structured, specialized training process aligned with TDR’s culture and needs.
“Developing operators from a specialized institute allows TDR to have a greater capacity to generate the talent it needs to sustain its operation and support its growth ,” explains the information shared by TDR.
Based on the above, the process allows for the development of technical skills, knowledge, practice, and culture from the earliest stages, generating operators who are familiar with the organization’s standards and the demands of the operation.
At TDR they are clear that the graduation of 77 operators fulfills their training objective, but that it is part of the process of joining, developing and building a career within the company.
While the Trainee Program is one of the pillars in the operator training strategy, together with IMTC, TDR promotes a comprehensive growth model that fosters internal mobility and talent specialization.
Mobility and career plans:
- Yard to single: Develops and promotes yard stevedores towards single tractor-trailer operation on the highway.
- Simple to full: Trains experienced operators to become certified and master double-articulated (full) configurations.
Continuous professionalization:
- Refresher courses: They reinforce technical, regulatory and road safety skills to maintain high operating standards.
Post-entry strategies and retention protection:
- “First 90 days” support ( onboarding ): Structured follow-up during the most critical adaptation stage to reduce early turnover.
- Retention and operational performance bonuses: recognition of commitment, productivity and stability on the road.
- Referral program: Attracting qualified talent supported by recommendations from our own employees.
“The scheme harmoniously integrates the development of new drivers with the retention and long-term advancement of those already part of the organization, providing them with a clear life and career plan within TDR. In this way, the strategy includes both the development of new operators and the specialization and development of those already part of TDR,” TDR representatives shared.
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