Rank | State | Average Wage |
---|---|---|
1 | North Dakota | $53,720 |
2 | Wyoming | $49,210 |
3 | Indiana | $45,870 |
4 | Illinois | $46,970 |
In some instances the cost of CDL training can be prohibitively expensive. But the good news is there’s more than just a few ways to not only pay for truck driver training. But in some cases, you can get the whole deal paid for! There are plenty of options that don’t require taking on exorbitant debt or a big outlay of cash.
As part of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, the Adult and Dislocated Worker Program provides employment and job training assistance to eligible workers, and help employers find skilled employees like truck drivers.
Many people don't realize it’s possible to use credit cards or personal loans, in addition to payments made by cash or check. We accept any combination of these payment methods that’s comfortable for you.
Your employer may offer a tuition reimbursement program where you will be compensated for school costs based on certain criteria. Typically, this means you cover costs up-front and the company pays you back later. Rules are different for different companies though, so ask the HR Department or your Supervisor for details.
National and regional transportation companies needing more solo and team drivers often sponsor training for current or future employees. Ask about this at work if it makes sense for you, or ask us if we can connect you with an employer who could help pay for training.
A variety of government agencies and non-profit organizations offer financial aid for CDL training. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis, and American Job Centers offers resources to help access programs such as:
The Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill both provide members of the military with federal funding for CDL training programs, if certain qualifications are met. These aren’t loans, so you won’t need to pay anything back and up to 36 months of financial assistance is provided. Check to see if you and your preferred location qualify.
Some CDL.com partner school locations offer payment plans for students. An Education Consultant can tell you if your school location has this kind of a program, as well as help you figure out if you qualify.
Earn extra income while you train for your CDL with a company offering flexible part-time schedules, like Uber.
Another benefit of company paid CDL training is that you’ll receive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a company match 401 (k) savings plan, paid vacation, and other valuable benefits, once you’re hired by the company as a full-time truck driver.
A CDL is a commercial driver’s license that will allow you to operate and drive semi-trucks and other large automobiles. Without the proper truck driver training, you won’t be able to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Some trucking companies will only reimburse your tuition. Just as with many other paid training courses and vocational training, there are things that you may have to settle for, but it can also depend on the company that you choose.
In order to qualify for most free CDL training programs, you will need to have a clean driving record, a clean criminal background check, pass both a DOT physical and a DOT drug test, and be at least 21 years old. If you are a responsible and focused individual, company paid truck driver training may be the “education” that you have been waiting ...
You must work for the trucking company for at least 1 year (some require 2 years commitment). If you meet these ten requirements, you can be sure that you have a good chance of getting accepted into the company’s free CDL training program and getting out there on the road as soon as possible.
1. Workforce Training Funding for CDL Schools. Most states operate a workforce training system that is designed to help people who are unemployed get back to work under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Truck driving school can be a great way to improve yourself with a skill that is transferrable all over the country. It can mean a high-paying job for life, but learning how to drive a truck takes time and resources.
Scholarships usually require an application and are provided based on whether the applicant meets the requirements of the scholarship. For example, scholarships may be for women, veterans, low income families, association members, or residents of a certain geographic area.
Upon completion of your paid CDL training, you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time. This is how they recoup the time and money they’ve invested in your CDL training, which is a very fair deal for both sides.
Company-sponsored or company paid CDL training programs are truck driving jobs with training. You will attend a truck driving school that is owned and operated by a trucking company. These trucking companies that train drivers will sponsor a student’s CDL training by paying for the up-front cost of the training.
Darrel Wilson bought his first tractor in 1980 at age 20, but, being too young to meet OTR age requirements, he leased the truck out and hired a driver. Through growth and acquisition, Wil-Trans now employs over 200 drivers, and has a long-standing partnership with Prime, Inc. to haul their refrigerated freight. The family of businesses also includes Jim Palmer Trucking and O & S Trucking.
Jim Palmer Trucking is located in Missoula, nestled in the beautiful mountains of Montana. Family run and oriented company, regular and frequent hometime. Jim Palmer Trucking offers a $10,000 longevity bonus to drivers who are safe, dependable and remain with the company for 5 years. Open pet and rider Program.
Majority of drivers are offered a regional or dedicated position within months after training. CDL school lasts 3 to 4 weeks followed by 3 to 4 weeks of company training. Liberal rider and pet policies. No payroll deductions for tuition and a guaranteed job upon successful CDL school completion.
Founded in 1985 and employing over 4,000 associates worldwide, Celadon Group Inc. (NYSE: CGI) is one of the largest and most progressive transportation and logistics companies in North America with revenue exceeding $600 million.
Truck drivers, especially OTR ones, are often paid by the mile, and you should be given the full amount guaranteed by your contract at this point. As mentioned, you may be paid less during your contract's duration than independently-trained drivers or have money taken from your paychecks to reimburse the company.
The length of company-paid CDL training varies by state and company. Some can last as little as two weeks, while others last up to six weeks or so. The shorter the program, the longer the days will likely be. But, shorter programs mean you'll probably earn your CDL sooner.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a trucking company training program. These include, but aren't limited to: 1 The type (s) of license training offered 2 Their CDL exam pass rate 3 The company's reputation 4 The details of their contract, including work commitment and any costs to you 5 Salary after completing the program 6 The company hub's location, especially if you're required to go there frequently
The CDL A allows you to drive vehicles that are very large, with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001+ lbs. with a towed portion weighing more than 10,000 lbs. Companies providing this training include those using:
CDL B programs allow you to drive smaller trucks weighing more than 26,000 lbs. with a towed portion of fewer than 10,000 lbs. This license also applies to certain types of passenger vehicles. You're most likely to see company-paid CDL B training options through school bus or less-than-truckload companies, though others offer this training as well.
When it comes to tuition costs, some companies fully cover training costs. Others require nothing upfront, but they'll give you a lower paycheck during your initial contract period. Or, they may mandate you repay them once you're working—usually via a set amount removed from each paycheck.
This amount is often due immediately, though if you're leaving for reasons out of your control, perhaps a company will work with you on a payment plan.
A good CDL training curriculum includes a mix of classroom time, range, and on-the-road training in a truck with an instructor. By the end of your training, you should be skilled in driving, turning, backing up, maneuvering, map reading, managing logbooks, the rules of the road, and state and federal regulations.
CVTA focuses on advancing the interests of trucking’s workforce providers and employers, CVTA advocates for policies that enhance safety through commercial driver training, enable students to secure employment within the trucking and bus industries, thus further advancing driver professionalism.
Inspected by a third-party company to ensure that the school meets additional training standards (i.e. the school is a member of The Commercial Vehicle Training Association ) Graduates must pass US Department of Transportation standards for the trucking industry.
For example, the state of Colorado offers the Colorado Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Programs like this help individuals get the job training they need to find meaningful careers. -Carrier Sponsorships: Some trucking carriers will sponsor individuals to go through truck driver school programs.