The Diesel Technology Program at Centralia College in Washington has been named a recipient of the Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) Trucks for Training programs.
Sponsored for the donation by Freightliner Northwest, Centralia College will be presented a 2013 Freightliner Cascadia to use in its technical education program.
As the oldest, continuously operating two-year public college in the state of Washington, founded in 1925, Centralia’s Associate in Applied Science – Diesel Equipment Technology program prepares students with technical knowledge and hands-on skills for high-demand careers in the logging, construction, mining, agriculture, and trucking industries. With a mixture of in-class instruction and hands-on training, students receive comprehensive training in welding and in the preventative maintenance and repair of diesel engines, electrical systems, hydraulics, transmissions, and HVAC systems. Centralia College is also one of four schools in the U.S. to currently offer a Bachelor of Applied Science – Diesel Technology.
The Trucks for Training program offered by DTNA enables qualifying schools to take advantage of a used Freightliner vehicle at a reduced price. DTNA, the sponsoring dealer, and the school participate in a three-way cost split, providing a used, DOT compliant, Freightliner truck for a school to train with and learn today’s modern technology.
“This program is dedicated to training some of the best technicians in the trade. With support from industry partners such as Freightliner Northwest, we are able to put our students in the best possible position for an advanced technical education. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to work with Freightliner Northwest and DTNA and look forward to utilizing this truck as a proper training aid across multiple programs,” says Tyson Lucas, Centralia College Diesel Equipment Technology.
Adds Freightliner Northwest Corporate Used Truck Manager Scott Cowger, “I’d like to thank DTNA for involving us in this opportunity to give back to the technical schools that are training the up-and-coming technicians for our industry.”
Eric EstradaFreightliner Northwest also has selected Eric Estrada as the next Continuous Improvement Coordinator for its Pacific, Wash. branch.
Estrada began his career at Gordon Trucking Inc. (GTI) servicing trucks and trailers in the trailer shop. He expanded his knowledge and shared his passion for learning and development by assisting in the creation of training processes and procedural tests for equipment, He worked in the GTI shop for nearly 17 years while taking on many challenges including a role as Maintenance Team Leader. He eventually moved to the GTI over-the-road breakdown department where he gained first-hand knowledge of real-time truck issues and the value of uptime, the company says.
From OTR, Estrada transferred to his current role at the Freightliner Northwest Pacific Body Shop. He has seen many changes during his career including the sale of GTI to Heartland Express in 2015 and the re-branding of Valley Freightliner to Freightliner Northwest under the parent company, Gordon Truck Centers, Inc. (GTC) in 2017. Each progressive change has encouraged Eric’s goal to continue learning and growing within the GTC family-owned operation.
“I am excited and ready to take on the new challenge of CIC at our Pacific Branch and to help others reach full potential when it comes to continuous improvement and process sustainability,” Estrada says.
“Dealership CICs have specific duties and training requirements from Daimler Trucks North America as well as daily obligations to the entire branch,” says Dan Greenwood, operations director, Freightliner Northwest – Pacific. “Eric will lead the charge in challenging the Pacific location to increase involvement and discipline for sustained continuous improvement.”
