Investing in the Future of Freight: Trailer Bridge’s Commitment to Workforce Development

As the transportation and logistics industry continues to evolve, building a skilled, adaptable workforce has never been more critical. At Trailer Bridge, we recognize the future of our business—and the communities we serve—depends on our ability to cultivate talent at every level. That’s why we’re proud to participate in conversations about workforce development alongside fellow industry leaders, educators, and port partners.

Tony Kvasnicka, President of Ocean at Trailer Bridge, recently joined a panel discussion held at the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) to discuss how our industry can better connect with students, educators, and job seekers. The discussion was part of the Regional Educator Externship hosted by EarnUp and JAXUSA Partnership.  

With a career that began in the U.S. Coast Guard, Tony understands firsthand how transferable skills and on-the-job learning can lead to success in the transportation and logistics sector.

“This industry thrives on people who are willing to learn, adapt, and get their hands dirty. You don’t need a four-year degree to make a big impact here—you need grit, strong communication skills, and a hunger to grow,” said Kvasnicka.

The lively discussion covered a variety of topics including technology and the depth of opportunities available. The key takeaway for all was the importance of conversations like these to raise awareness among our young people about the variety of roles available in this sector. 

Trailer Bridge embraces innovation to enhance operations while keeping people at the heart of the work. From fraud detection tools and pricing bots to advanced yard management systems, these technologies support—not replace—the human expertise that drives logistics forward.

“Technology is transforming how we operate, but it’s also elevating the human side of logistics,” said Tony. “Tools like yard management systems are increasing visibility and efficiency for our customers while freeing up our teams to build stronger relationships—like the ones we value deeply with JAXPORT and our partners in Puerto Rico.”

The panel agreed that AI is shaping the way the industry moves forward supporting the need to process a wealth of data to make smarter decisions to support business success.

Transportation and logistics offer a broad range of careers, many of which are accessible without a college degree. “Some of our top team members came from service-industry jobs like restaurants and retail,” added Kvasnicka. “They bring energy, adaptability, and customer-first mindsets that are essential for what we do.”

At Trailer Bridge, entry-level roles in logistics sales, operations, and port services are open to individuals from all backgrounds. While secondary education is needed for some technical roles, there are certainly opportunities where students can come in with minimal experience and grow on the job, earning certifications and on-the-job training within niche skill sets.  

Tony and the group discussed the importance of trade schools providing training for hands-on roles like welders, electricians, and such which are essential to supporting the future of freight. These roles keep equipment like containers and chassis up to industry standards and safe for use.

One of the challenges our industry faces is awareness. Many people don’t realize that logistics careers include everything from accounting and marketing to cargo planning and port operations. Part of building the workforce of the future means showcasing these diverse paths.

“We need to tell the stories of the crane mechanic, the cargo planner, and the person directing operations on the dock. These are great-paying, stable careers that people don’t hear about enough. The more we spotlight those roles, the more we inspire the next generation to see themselves in this industry,” said Tony. "We also can't forget about the supporting roles like human resources, marketing, or accounting, that are necessary for the industry."

Tony emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with educators to align classroom learning with the needs of today’s logistics companies.

“Our door is always open to educator and students. Come see how we work, talk to our teams, and build those insights into your programs. The worst thing we can do is build curriculum in isolation. The best thing we can do is keep the conversation going all year long.”

At Trailer Bridge, we’re committed to growing an inclusive and resilient workforce. Whether you're a student exploring your future, an educator shaping tomorrow’s curriculum, or someone looking for a fresh start, we invite you to discover the opportunities that transportation and logistics have to offer.