Experience has, over the years, been a crucial factor for many human resources managers when hiring. And, undoubtedly, this can be relatively frustrating, especially for newbies.
This applies to the trucking industry, too. Hence, the need to find companies offering training programs leading to permanent jobs. This way, you can effortlessly bypass the need for ‘x’ years of experience, or whatever the case may be.
Thankfully, several big companies offer such programs. This review of best trucking companies that offer paid CDL training will help you choose the right company to start your trucking career.
Quicklook: Best trucking companies with CDL training paid
- Best for long haul trucking: Roehl
- Best for zero experience: Wil-Trans
- Best for team-based trucking: CRST Trucking School
- Best for driving practice: CR England Truck Driving School
- Best for low driver turnover: Carter Express
5 best trucking companies that offer paid CDL training
Below is a detailed analysis of the best trucking companies that offer CDL paid training. This review includes their individual requirements, training costs, job placement opportunities and more.
Roehl Transport
Current winner of the American Trucking Association’s President’s Award, Roehl prides itself on safety, community outreach and fair payment practices. As one of the 100 largest trucking companies in the country, there are nearly 2,000 tractors, over 5,000 trailers and more than 2,500 employees at Roehl. This nationwide outfit focuses on not only delivering the goods but delivering on its word, too. Enrolling in the Roehl driver training program involves learning from and training with some of the top drivers in the country, all while being paid! Roehl offers a wide range of CDL programs for drivers with different levels of experience.
Best for: Long haul trucking
Location: Marshfield, Wisconsin; Neenah, Wisconsin; Conley, Georgia; Gary, Indiana; and Phoenix, Arizona
Requirements
- Age 21+ (or 18-20 with special program)
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug test
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Speak, read and write English sufficiently
- Meet minimum vision standards and physical capability requirements
- Commit to a 7-month or 12-month truck driving employment contract
Paid training: Yes
Program features
- Hired and paid as an employee immediately
- 3-6 weeks of CDL training
Benefits
- Paid training
- Premium benefits
- Referral program
- Passengers allowed
- Pets allowed
Disadvantages: Customer service
Wil-Trans CDL Training
Wil-Trans heavily focuses on behind-the-wheel training, offering various potential drivers success opportunities. They arguably provide the longest on-the-road training amongst several other trucking companies that offer CDL training. Wil-Trans CDL training program is designed mainly for persons with zero experience but a strong desire to become professional truck drivers.
Best for: Zero experience
Location: Missoula, Montana and Springfield, Missouri
Requirements
- Only 21+ old persons can apply
- A valid social security card
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must have an active driver’s license
- Ability to speak, read and write the English language
- No driving convictions in the last five years
Paid training: No
Program features:
- Three-week training duration
- Retirement planning is available
- Driver referral bonus
Benefits
- Friendly rider policy
- Top-quality, hands-on-training
- An excellent option for those with no experience
- Friendly pet and rider policy
- Small class sizes
- Multiple route options for drivers
Disadvantages: Average health plans
CRST Trucking School
CRST Trucking school features team trucking. Understandably, some persons enjoy driving as a team, while some do not. Therefore, you must consider your preference before applying for this CDL training program.
Best for: Team-based trucking
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa; contracts with other driving schools across the U.S.
Requirements
- Only 21+ old persons can apply
- Must have no DUI/DWI or open container violations in the last five and three years, respectively
- Must have an active driver’s license
- Excellent driving record
- Must not be handicapped or suffer medical conditions, such as pectoris, angina, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
- No criminal history
- Must be non-alcoholic
Paid training: Yes, CRST CDL training costs $6,500 in exchange for a 10-month trucking commitment at the company
Program features
- Three to four weeks’ training duration
- Upfront payment
- Up to four students per truck
Benefits
- Guaranteed home time
- CRST has multiple training centers across the U.S.
- Free health insurance
- Per diem tax benefit
Disadvantages
- Relatively low mileage pay during the first six months
- More costly than competing schools
CR England Truck Driving School
The CR England Truck Driving School heavily prioritizes driving time over classroom time. Although tuition is considerably high, CR England offers their student a nine-month driving session to help them settle their tuition fees fully.
Best for: People who want driving practice
Locations: Salt Lake City, Utah; Colton, California; Laredo, Texas; Valparaiso, Indiana
Requirements
- Only 21+ old persons can apply
- Must possess a clean driving record and employment record for at least three years
- Driver’s license
Paid training: Yes
Program features
- Supports upfront payment
- Rider policy
- Retirement planning is available
Benefits
- Guaranteed job immediately after graduation
- New and properly-maintained equipment
- Competitive training wages
- Short driving commitment period to repay tuition fee
Disadvantages
- Relatively expensive
- Meals not provided during schooling
- No pet policy
Carter Express
This relatively small company offers CDL training to potential drivers with more time spent in the classroom than on the road. They offer solo driving opportunities during training, with a dedicated trainer on stand-by to provide assistance whenever trucks are in motion. Owing to their family feel, focus on safety and goos benefits, their driver turnover rate is 60% less than the industry average.
Best for: Low driver turnover
Location: Anderson, Indiana
Requirements
- Only 21+ old persons can apply
- Must possess a satisfactory employment history for last three years
- Must possess current Motor Vehicle Report
- Capability to acquire hazmat endorsement
- No criminal record
Paid training: Yes
Program features
- Six weeks on-road training duration
- Up to 80 hours of classroom time
- One week of paid vacation time
Benefits
- Multiple regional routes for new drivers
- Good driver turnover record
- Great company culture
- Competitive pay for students
- Great home time
- New and well-maintained equipment
Disadvantages
- No pet policy
- Students aren’t provided meals
What is company-sponsored CDL training?
Company-sponsored CDL training is an educational offering from trucking companies. Such programs typically require no or little upfront money, as the companies intend to hire graduates upon completion.
How does company-sponsored CDL training work?
Company-sponsored CDL training programs work like this:
- Companies that need CDL drivers, such as trucking companies, partner with truck driving schools or have their own in-house training programs.
- The company sponsors and pays for the CDL training for candidates they have recruited or hired.
- The training typically includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, covering topics such as vehicle inspection, safety procedures, road rules, and driving techniques specific to commercial vehicles.
- The duration of the training can vary but usually ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the program and the type of CDL license being obtained (Class A, B, or C).
- During the training, the students receive instruction from certified CDL instructors and get hands-on experience driving practice vehicles.
- Upon successful completion of the training program and passing the required written and skills tests, the students obtain their CDL from the state’s licensing agency.
- In exchange for sponsoring the training, companies often require the newly licensed CDL drivers to work for them for a specified period, typically six months to a year, to recoup their investment in the training.
The primary benefit of company-sponsored CDL training is that it provides aspiring truckers with a chance to receive comprehensive instruction at little or no cost. It also secures employment for the driver with the sponsoring company upon completion of the program.
What to consider with company-sponsored CDL training?
When it comes to trucking companies that help you get your CDL, you have several options to choose from. However, you must consider a few factors to ensure you choose the trucking companies with schools that best suit your preferences and needs. Below are a few of these crucial factors:
CDL classes
You need a Commercial Driver’s License, CDL, to drive a commercial motor vehicle, such as semi trucks, tractor trailers, passenger buses, etc. Different companies offer different classes of CDL. Generally, there are three classes; Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Ensure you research and identify the CDL class a company offers before enrolling in their training program. This way, you can be sure of finding the best free CDL trucking companies that support the type of vehicle you want to drive.
Time
The training duration is another essential factor to consider. A CDL training program shouldn’t be too short. Apart from creating unnecessary pressure, some employees do not consider hiring persons with just a few weeks of formal CDL training.
It doesn’t matter if you have the license or not. Similarly, the program shouldn’t be excessively long. This might generously waste your time under the guise of adequately training you.
Background checks
Trucking companies must conduct multiple background checks for their prospective students before being admitted into their CDL training program. These background checks include alcohol and drug screening, DOT background check, driver’s history, and others.
Requirements
You should also consider the various requirements that you must meet before enrolling in any company-sponsored CDL training program. It is entirely unwise to enroll in training programs that require credentials that you do not have.
Finding a job
The ultimate goal of going to a driving school is to become a truck driver. Therefore, you must consider a company’s job placement opportunities before enrolling in their CDL training programs. Confirm if they have a considerably high record of employing their drivers after graduation, their payment structure, and so on.
Contracts
Company-sponsored CDL training programs typically want their students to work for them after graduation. You must consider the contract details for such a company’s employment before enrolling for their CDL training. This includes the amount of time required to work for tuition repayment, their various policies – pet policy, rider policy – and bonuses.
Ready to start a company-sponsored CDL training program?
Ready to start working for an elite safety and operational excellence team, get on the road with Roehl Trucking! With 60 years of experience, Roehl is known as one of the most successful and safest trucking companies in North America. Apply today and get a truck driving job locally, regionally, dedicated, or OTR with Roehl Trucking. And keep reading to find out which companies are known for having the best benefits in the industry.
FAQ
Some intensive CDL bootcamps advertise courses as short as 2-3 weeks, though most reputable programs run 4-6 weeks to thoroughly cover all material needed to pass the exam and drive safely. Accelerated programs often require full-time commitment with very long training days.
Prime Inc. is currently one of the highest paying major carriers for student drivers still in training, with the potential to earn $700-1,000 per week through their company-sponsored CDL school before even finishing. Schneider National also advertises high first year pay potential approaching $50,000 for new drivers.
The majority of tractor-trailer driver training courses at carrier academies and private schools range from 4-8 weeks in length, with 6 weeks being the most common duration to progress through classroom, yard skills, and on-road driving to prepare for the CDL test.
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