Local event, partnership helps insurance professionals connect with the trucking industry

This story first appeared in The Long Haul 2025, an annual special section that celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week by looking at Eastern Iowa’s trucking industry.

They say walking a mile in someone’s shoes is the way to better understanding. So perhaps driving a mile in someone’s truck could do the same.

Earlier this summer, one Corridor event took this idea and put it to the (road) test.

“Day in the Life of a Driver” was a collaboration with Kirkwood Community College and TrueNorth Companies, meant to provide training for TrueNorth employees to gain a better understanding of what it takes to be a commercial truck driver.

“The event allows those working in the insurance industry to get a better understanding of what commercial truck drivers must navigate in their day-to-day operations,” said Curt Wheeler, program developer with Kirkwood Community College, who oversees Mandated and Transportation Programs.

“This event gave colleagues a chance to truly see the world through a driver’s eyes,” added Kori Hesser, senior project manager at Kirkwood Continuing Education who worked alongside Wheelery and TrueNorth to help coordinate the event. “It’s one thing to talk about the job, but experiencing a day in a driver’s shoes builds real understanding and empathy for the job.

Wheeler and Hesser provided the trucks and the commercial driving instructors, and TrueNorth brought along 30 participants, the majority of whom were from the company’s Transportation division. Manny Hoyt, director of growth marketing at TrueNorth Companies, noted a few of the company’s valued industry associates joined as well, which added additional perspective to the experience.

“The day is built around hands-on experiences like going for a ride in one of our large semis to see a variety of scenarios that drivers need to deal with, and some time on a truck and bus driving simulator so participants could truly appreciate the focus and pressures that drivers face while driving their routes,” said Hesser.

“They also had the opportunity to receive some brief instruction while trying to back a large truck into a space,” added Wheeler. “And we had a representative from the Highway Patrol talking about what they see.”

While the participants were not evaluated on their performance, Hoyt noted they created a point system to add a layer of fun to the learning experience. “The simulator was designed strictly as a learning tool — there were no formal grades or performance records tied to the results,” Hoyt said. “But points were used to add a fun, competitive element to the experience. It gave participants immediate feedback and encouraged engagement, but it was all about growth, not evaluation.”

TrueNorth Companies is a risk solutions and insurance brokerage firm that offers a full suite of coverages tailored to the transportation industry. Hoyt explained this includes third-party liability, physical damage, cargo, occupational accident, workers’ compensation and more.

“We proudly support both motor carriers and independent contractors, offering flexible programs that align with their unique business models and risk profiles,” Hoyt said.

Hosting this kind of event was an overwhelmingly positive experience for their team, Hoyt said. “Many participants said they walked away with a newfound respect for professional drivers and a better grasp of what it's like behind the wheel. The backing and turning exercise left a lasting impression, as did the simulator experience — participants noted how it highlighted the mental focus and split-second decisions drivers must make. I heard one colleague say, ‘I’ll never look at a wide turn the same way again.’”

“The day was a lot of fun and ran smoothly,” agreed Hesser. “It was inspiring to see such strong collaboration between instructors and colleagues, and we’re especially grateful for our partnership with TrueNorth. We’re so grateful for their vision and collaboration in making it a success.”

Wheeler agreed. “I was pleased to see that attendees seemed to enjoy the event. Hopefully, this was a fun way to learn.”

“This is not our first year doing this event, and will certainly not be our last,” said Hoyt. “The value is determined through both colleague feedback and the noticeable increase in empathy, understanding and connection to our clients’ day-to-day challenges continues to be of value. TrueNorth is committed to continuous learning and staying close to the industry we serve, and this program aligns perfectly with that mission.”

While the TrueNorth-Kirkwood partnership continues, the event may also inspire others like it.

“This is something that we would consider on a small scale with others, for sure,” said Hesser.

Truck driving is still an in-demand occupation,” said Wheeler, noting that Kirkwood Commercial Trucking Driving school provides training to assist students in obtaining their Class B CDL. “We also provide a variety of refresher trainings that can assist drivers in improving their skills, can assist companies in retaining drivers that need help addressing mistakes, and can assist drivers in elevating their CDL from a Class B to a Class A.”

For more information about Kirkwood’s program, visit kirkwood.edu/programs/continuing-education/driving/truck-driving.