With the rumble of a diesel engine echoing across the dusty training yard, a nervous young student eases a 53-ft. trailer into place. Watching from the sidelines, Alex Blevins smiles and says, “That’s pretty good for his first time behind the wheel of a truck!”

It’s a milestone for a young aspiring driver – exactly the kind of transformation Blevins built One Stop CDL Training to deliver.

Mr. Blevins, who founded One Stop CDL earlier this year, is driven by a passion for providing opportunities in trucking. The 20-year veteran of the construction and transportation industries empowers individuals to build thriving careers while enhancing industry safety and raising standards.

After working for a leading construction business, the former Navy veteran earned a CDL to diversify his skills and open new career options. Along the way, he discovered a greater purpose: using his experience, skills, and network to help recruit new drivers, particularly those facing financial struggles or other barriers to employment.

His first teaching role was at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, where he helped expand its CDL program. There, he worked with leaders of the Alabama Community College System to build training rooted in safety and professionalism before starting One Stop CDL with the mission of preparing skilled new drivers to take the wheel.

“My philosophy is to provide the building blocks for success to anyone who wants more for themselves, and I can do that through my experience and network,” Mr. Blevins says. “I want to give back to the community and the industry that means so much to me and my family.”

Industry Backing

Mr. Blevins credits many influential figures in Alabama’s transportation community for helping him launch the program through guidance, donations and resources.

Chris Strickland, who manages Dunn University at Birmingham’s Dunn Construction, was instrumental early on. The two worked together for years, and when Mr. Blevins decided to take his step, Mr. Strickland’s support “meant the world.”

His connection with the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) expanded his network, introducing him to a group of leaders who shared his passion for creating a well-trained, sustainable future workforce. ATA President Mark Colson met Mr. Blevins two years ago through his own workforce development initiatives. “I saw Alex’s passion for the industry and that he has a gift to bring many new people into it,” Mr. Colson says.

Mr. Colson welcomed him into the Association and provided a new platform for Mr. Blevins to network and spread his message. 

ATA safety advisor Tim Frazier also became a valued partner. He helped refine One Stop’s training curriculum to better meet the average carrier’s needs. “Tim and Mark’s advice, confidence, and support have been so important for me,” Mr. Blevins says.

But as he connected more deeply with others in the ATA network, he found more support than he imagined.

Association member Steve Weil, President and founder of Weil Wrecker Service, offered the use of a company facility in Bessemer that held a large yard and building where Mr. Blevins could set up training courses and classrooms. “Mr. Weil told me not to stress about the rent at the start – just to sort out my finances first, and we’d figure out the lease later.”

Another member, Doug Kitchens, Director of Safety, Recruiting & Risk Management at Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, first met Mr. Blevins at an ATA event and was impressed with his approach. “I made a point to introduce myself to Alex because I was intrigued to learn more about his process of preparing individuals for a career in our industry,” Mr. Kitchens says. After visiting the school and attending a graduation program, he hired one of Blevins’ graduates in August 2023. 

“That student is still driving for our company and has been very successful,” Mr. Kitchens says. Wiley Sanders also donated a trailer for the program, adding, “I am always very confident in hiring a student from Alex’s training school because I know they truly know what to expect in the trucking industry. His students are prepared far beyond being able to operate the equipment.”

Even the equipment dealership community stepped up. Southland International Group assisted Mr. Blevins in acquiring the school’s main training vehicle. Ronnie Stephenson, a long-serving ATA board member and former Chairman of the Board, played a pivotal role in helping the school secure a vital asset for its program—a truck. “The team at Southland has been incredible in supporting our school,” says Mr. Blevins. “They provided invaluable assistance with costs, financing, and maintenance, which has ensured the continued success of our program.”

Other ATA members – including Scott Smith of PS Logistics and Brian Shupe of Wood Fruitticher Food Service – have contributed equipment, resources, and job opportunities for graduates.

Rooted In Safety

One Stop CDL instructors equip new and experienced drivers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the road safely. The curriculum covers beginner driver training, defensive driving, and advanced techniques, such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and customer service and relations.

Classes run weekdays, with Saturdays reserved for company-sent drivers, managers, service technicians, and sales teams.

Looking ahead, Mr. Blevins sees workforce development as one of trucking’s biggest challenges and greatest opportunities. “Whether you’re starting a career, advancing skills, or enhancing your CDL credentials, our program focuses on safety and conflict management first,” he says. “If we can keep building talent, we’re not just filling seats — we’re strengthening the entire supply chain.”

With One Stop CDL, he’s betting on a simple formula: invest in people, uphold safety, and the industry will thrive.For more details or to enroll, contact One Stop CDL at (205) 729-4200 or visit www.onestopcdl.training