From Kotra Truck Driving School Student to Trainer.

This is the kind of story we’re truly proud to share at Kotra Truck Driving School.

One of our graduates, Adalberto Figueroa, a U.S. veteran, came to Kotra looking for a real opportunity and a stable career. What made the difference for him was simple: GI Bill® approved training, a flexible schedule, and a local school where he could focus on building his future without putting his life on hold. From the start, he found a supportive environment. As he put it, “Everyone was helpful, and the instructors really wanted you to succeed.”

After graduation, Adalberto joined MC Express as a driver, and within just six months, his discipline, organization, and attention to detail, strengthened by his military background, helped him stand out. Today, he is already a trainer, working with new drivers and helping them succeed from day one. 

He’s honest about what it takes to succeed. His advice is simple: work hard, gain experience, stay disciplined, and do your research before choosing a company. Look beyond pay — pay attention to support, equipment, dispatch, and work-life balance. “Be prepared for anything.”

What keeps him going? The freedom of the road, traveling, and seeing different places — building a career on his own terms.

Today, Adalberto is coming back to hire directly from Kotra, helping others get the same opportunity he had. “If it worked for me, it’ll work for you. Trust me, I started exactly where you are.”

His company offers real opportunities, including 27% of gross pay to start, flexible work options, and weekly earnings where his own experience ranged from about $1,400 on slower weeks to as high as $4,300 on strong ones.

Like any career, there are challenges: especially adjusting to life on the road and time away from family, but for him, it’s all part of building something bigger.

We’re especially proud to support our veterans, and at the same time, proud to help every student who is ready to take that first step toward a better future. When asked why Kotra, he kept it simple: “Local business, flexible schedule, good instructors, and you can take your final tests right at the school.”

Interested in employment? Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to Adalberto at (224) 772-3947.

Your journey can start here — and we’ll be proud to be part of it.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).