Minority trucker job fair held - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Minority trucker job fair held

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Bennie Holmes has 25 years experience in the trucking industry but finding employment has been difficult.

"I've been looking now over three years with it now. Trying to get back in the trucking business. I haven't had any luck."

He's one of many searching for new opportunities in a tough job market.

More than 20 vendors were set up at the Jackson Medical Mall to talk with potential employees at the 2012 Transportation Career Expo.

Kevin Reid, CEO Of the National Association of Minority Truckers, says jobs in the transportation industry are without limits.

"There are opportunities for freight brokers, dispatchers, all over logistics. As trucking grows, all these other opportunities and jobs spur as a result."

The organization focuses mainly on trucking. It also helps folks get into school and find the resources needed to start their own business.

"Everything that's made moves by truck. So, it's an industry that's not going anywhere. These are jobs that can't be out outsourced, and there are thousands and thousands of opportunities and jobs spur as a result," says Reid. 

The average trucker's salary in Mississippi is the highest in the nation at $68,000.

Holmes hopes Saturday's fair will open another door, for a job he has always loved.

"I had a little set back, a little fall back, but you know all in the good lord's will, he kept on with me."

The minority truckers organization targets states for job fairs that have high unemployment rates.

The city of Jackson also helped host the event.

 Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.

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