Trainer of the Month: Nakia

For Nakia, trucking isn't just moving freight, but about moving people forward. His career in the industry started like many others, with a desire for stability and better opportunities. But over time, his focus shifted from simply driving to making a lasting impact on the next generation of truckers.

“Two of my cousins were actually working for Knight, and they just encouraged me to switch because Knight had better pay and better opportunities,” Nakia shared. “With [my past employer], they didn’t really have a terminal in Vegas, but Knight does, and that made a big difference.” That decision set Nakia on a path that shaped his success and allowed him to help others find theirs. Six years later, he’s not just a driver: he’s a trainer, a mentor, and a leader on the road.

Nakia didn’t have the best training experience when he first started trucking. That experience stuck with him, fueling his desire to become a trainer himself. He wanted to become a trainer who would ensure new drivers received the guidance and preparation they truly needed. “I didn’t have a great training experience at [my past employer], so I became a trainer to make sure new drivers don’t go through what I did,” Nakia explained.

For Nakia, being a trainer isn’t solely about teaching someone how to drive, but also about setting them up for long-term success. He emphasizes patience, adaptability, and communication, tailoring his approach to each student’s learning style. “A good trainer keeps the lines of communication open. Students should feel comfortable reaching out even after training,” he said. And they do. Many of Nakia’s trainees stay in contact with him long after their training ends, reaching out for advice, support, and friendship.

If there’s one thing Nakia instills in every trainee, it’s the importance of safety. He doesn’t just teach the mechanics of driving. He teaches responsibility. “Safety is the biggest thing. You can’t control what other people do, but you can control what you do,” he emphasized. From proper trip planning to defensive driving, Nakia ensures that every driver who trains under him understands the weight of their role. “One of the reasons I like training is that you get to break a lot of bad habits that people have, even from driving regular cars. It makes them better drivers overall, not just in semis.”

Like any trainer, Nakia faces challenges: long hours, time away from home, and the responsibility of shaping new drivers. But for him, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. “Building relationships with students has been the most rewarding part. Some of my best friends today are people I trained,” he shared. He finds fulfillment in watching his trainees grow, succeed, and build careers of their own. It’s not just about getting them through training but also setting them up for a lifetime of success.

Beyond training, Nakia takes immense pride in his work. From maintaining a clean truck to maximizing fuel efficiency, he believes in leading by example. “Having pride in what I do is what sets me apart. I keep my truck as clean as possible because it reflects who I am, and I want my students to take pride in their work too,” he said.

For Nakia, trucking is a career, a responsibility, and a source of pride. And as a trainer, he’s passing that mindset on to the next generation of drivers.

“If you stay with this company, you won’t just be a driver. You can be a trainer, a dispatcher, even a terminal manager. The opportunities are there,” he said.

Thanks to trainers like Nakia, the future of trucking is in good hands.