Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
For the week of May 11–15, 2026, in recognition of National Transportation Week, West Central Development Council/LWIA 21 will be highlighting careers in Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (TDL), along with the educational institutions and local businesses that support these industries and related career pathways across Greene, Macoupin, Montgomery, Morgan, Scott, and Shelby Counties.
West Central Development Council/LWIA 21 Success:
James Bagwell
James came to the Job Center in May 2024 after being laid off and struggling to find employment. After spending 18 years in prison, he faced significant barriers to finding stable work, but he remained determined to rebuild his future. During conversations with staff, James shared that he had previously earned his CDL and enjoyed truck driving before his incarceration.
Through the WIOA program, James enrolled at 160 Driving Academy in June 2024 and quickly excelled in training. By July 25, 2024, he had earned his CDL license, and just weeks later he secured full-time employment with Parrish Trucking in Freeburg, Illinois, working year-round while still being home on weekends.
James’ story is a powerful reminder that no matter someone’s past, hard work, determination, and opportunity can lead to a fresh start and a successful future.
Logan Fernandes
Logan first contacted our office in August 2024 seeking WIOA funding after struggling with inconsistent union work that required a 3-hour daily commute from Greene County to Wood River. With a growing family at home, including newborn twin girls and a 3-year-old daughter, Logan needed a more stable career path.
Through WIOA and the Quest 2 Grant, Logan enrolled in CDL night classes at Lincoln Land Community College in October 2024. He successfully completed the program and earned his CDL on January 2, 2025, passing every test on the first attempt.
Today, Logan has gained a valuable skill that opens the door to steady, year-round employment and a financially sustainable future for his family.
Jacob Foiles
Jacob came to the Job Center in March 2024 after facing uncertainty with his family’s tree trimming business following the loss of his stepfather. Wanting a more stable future, Jacob enrolled in the Truck Driver Training program at Lincoln Land Community College through WIOA funding.
Jacob started training in April 2024 and quickly excelled, finishing at the top of his class with a 99% score. He earned his CDL license on May 29, 2024, and immediately began pursuing employment opportunities.
Jacob’s determination, strong work ethic, and commitment to success have put him on the path toward a stable and rewarding career.
Casey Phillips
As a 22-year-old father of two, Casey, came to our office in January after being laid off and looking for a better career path. With a strong work ethic and support from his family, Casey pursued his CDL through the WIOA Dislocated Worker program at 160 Driving Academy.
Casey excelled in training, passing both his permit and CDL testing on the first try. Within weeks of earning his Illinois CDL license, he secured employment with United Contractors Midwest, a family-run construction and road crew company offering strong pay, benefits, and the opportunity for stable, year-round employment.
Casey’s dedication, communication, and determination made him a true WIOA 21 success story and helped create a stronger future for his family.
Nathan Phillips
Nathan came to our office seeking a better career path after being laid off from seasonal work and relying on unemployment. Determined to build a more stable financial future, he pursued his CDL through WIOA Dislocated Worker funding and enrolled at 160 Driving Academy in Springfield in February.
Despite missing a week of training after contracting COVID, Nathan stayed focused, returned to class, and successfully completed the program. After earning his CDL, he quickly secured employment and soon accepted an even better position with Western Asphalt Company, gaining higher pay and improved benefits.
Nathan’s determination and perseverance have led him to a sustainable, year-round career and a promising future.
Cameron Upchurch
LWIA 21 is proud to share the inspiring story of Cameron Upchurch, whose determination and perseverance led him to success.
After enrolling in the WIOA program in November 2024 to pursue his CDL through 160 Driving Academy, Cameron faced unexpected personal challenges that temporarily delayed his journey. Instead of giving up, he stayed committed and worked with LWIA 21 staff to get back on track.
By July 2025, Cameron returned to training with focus and determination, graduating at the top of his class in just three weeks. Less than a week after earning his CDL, he was hired by a local trucking company in Morgan County starting at $25 per hour.
Cameron’s journey is a powerful reminder that persistence, support, and hard work can turn obstacles into opportunities.
Training Partners:
CDL Truck Driver Training Program
For click here more information:Â Â LLCC – CDL Truck Driver Training Program
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For more information about other programs offered at Lincoln Land Community College please visit the following website: www.llcc.edu
Lewis and Clark Community College - Godfrey, Illinois
Lewis and Clark Community College (LC) is a two-year higher education institution with multiple campuses, a river research center, a training center and Community Education Centers located throughout it’s more than 220,000-person college district, which reaches into parts of seven counties. It was founded in 1970 on the historic campus of Monticello College, the second-oldest all-female college in the nation.Â
In addition to offering associate degrees and certificates in nearly 40 career programs and numerous transfer options, the college has something for just about everyone – including College for Kids, a nationally accredited dual credit program for high school students, high school diploma (formerly GED®) completion and a robust Workforce Education and Safety Solutions and Training program. Several colleges and universities also offer bachelor’s degree programs on Lewis and Clark’s campus.
CDL – Truck Driver Training
 Lewis and Clark Community College offers a Truck Driver Training (CDL) program designed to prepare individuals for in-demand careers in the transportation and logistics industry. The program provides a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on driving experience, giving students the skills needed to safely operate commercial vehicles.
Students receive training on Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and CDL requirements, along with behind-the-wheel experience on both training ranges and public roads. Upon completion, participants are prepared to take the Illinois CDL Class A or Class B licensing exam.
The program can typically be completed in as little as 8–16 weeks and offers flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of working individuals.
For click here more information:Â Â LC – CDL Truck Driver Training Program
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For more information about these programs and Lewis and Clark Community College please visit the following website:Â www.lc.edu/discoverÂ
For click here more information:Â Â MTI- CDL Truck Driver Training Program
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For more information about these programs and Lewis and Clark Community College please visit the following website:Â www.midwesttech.edu
Job Center Locations
Macoupin & Greene
County Office
116 South Plum
Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone: 217-854-9642
Fax: 217-854-8082
Montgomery
County Office
311 South State Street
Litchfield, IL 62056
Phone: 217-854-9642
Extension 1258
Shelby
County Office
515 North Cedar
Shelbyville, IL 62565
Phone: 217-854-9642
Extension 1007
Morgan-Scott & Greene
County Office
409 Hardin Avenue, Suite 204
Jacksonville, IL 62650
Phone: 217-854-9642
Extensions 1003 or 1004
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
