If you want to enroll in a paid CDL program but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Joining a paid CDL training program is an excellent way to start your truck driving career. Unlike private programs, these often cover tuition and guarantee employment upon completion, though they may come with certain conditions.

Below, we’ll outline the essentials of paid CDL programs, including types, benefits, and the training process, and recommend top trucking companies with reliable programs to consider.

Overview of CDL and its Importance

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) opens the door to various careers in the transportation industry. It is required to legally operate commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs. or more, or those designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver. This includes trucks, transit buses, and other public service vehicles.

Many people pursue a CDL for the financial stability that comes with commercial truck-driving jobs. Entry-level drivers typically earn around $30,000 per year, with earnings increasing as they gain experience in the industry. Experienced professional truck drivers can earn over $60,000 annually.

You can join a private CDL school or participate in different types of paid CDL training programs for your CDL.

Types of Paid CDL Training Programs

Several types of CDL training programs exist to help you launch and pursue your truck driving career with ease. Let’s look at the most common types.

Company-sponsored training programs

In company-sponsored CDL training programs, trucking companies pay or offer free CDL training to potential truck drivers.

In return, the drivers commit to driving for the trucking company for a specific period once they complete the training. They can also agree to have the company deduct a portion of their paycheck as reimbursement for the training costs.

These programs work in 3 different ways:

• You receive free CDL training and sign a contract to work for the trucking company that pays your training costs for a certain period (usually 6 to 24 months).
• You receive free CDL training and get paid during training, but you must work for the company for a set period (often 6 to 24 months).
• You receive free training, but the trucking company recovers its training costs by deducting a portion of your paycheck afterward.

There are two kinds of company-sponsored training programs: in-house and external programs. In-house programs mean a trucking business owns and runs its paid CDL program. In this case, the company controls the program and will customize the curricula to prepare drivers for various business operations.

An external company-sponsored program involves a paid partnership between a trucking company and a third party, often a private truck driving school. The trucking company pays the school to train its drivers. Here, the training focuses on completing the CDL exam successfully and may not include training drivers on the company’s systems or operations.

Tuition reimbursement programs

Tuition reimbursement programs work almost the same as external company-sponsored programs, where a trucking company partners with a third-party driving school. The difference is the company will only cover the tuition fee for your training. You may also pay for your tuition and then get reimbursed after graduation.

Independent driving schools

Some independent driving schools offer paid CDL training by partnering with trucking companies. They cover most of your tuition, allowing you to pay the remainder through a payment plan. While there are no upfront costs, you must commit to working for a partner trucking company after graduation to repay the investment.

Benefits of Paid CDL Training

Training programs vary from one trucking company to the next. But most paid CDL training offers several benefits, including the following:

Earning while learning

Some companies offer compensation during training, either as a flat rate or other benefits. For instance, Hirschbach provides trainees a weekly payment of around $475, while Pam Transport offers new drivers a $100 Walmart gift card each week.

Reduced financial burden

Private CDL training schools charge approximately $4,000 to $12,000 for the course. This might be a high amount to raise, especially if you’re getting started. But, with paid programs, you won’t have to worry about such costs since the company takes up the financial burden.

Job placement assistance

With paid CDL programs, you’re assured of employment at the end of the training. It’s different from private training schools, where you’ll have to hunt for jobs after graduation.

Support resources for trainees

Most programs provide additional support resources for all trainees. These may include – free practice tests, full scholarships for veterans, and networking opportunities that’ll help you thrive within the industry.

Drawbacks of Paid CDL Training

While there are many benefits to a paid CDL course, it’s important to be aware of the downsides.

• Additional expenses while in training: Not all companies will pay you during training. You may have to cover your travel, accommodation, and meal expenses during the training period if the training school is far from your home state. Always confirm the terms of your contract to ensure there are no hidden costs before you commit to it.
• Short training period: Some company-sponsored CDL programs are rushed and may not cover the required curricula in-depth within a few weeks. This can put you at a disadvantage with some employers as they’ll doubt your competence.
• Less flexibility: With paid CDL, you’re locked into an agreement with one company for 6 to 24 months and cannot leave even if it’s not a good fit for you.
• Wages in the first year of employment may be average.

Key Steps to Obtain a CDL

CDL licenses come in three classes—A, B, and C—each allowing you to operate different types of commercial vehicles based on size and weight. Higher weight limits open more trucking and career opportunities.

To obtain a CDL, you must complete key steps: secure a commercial learner’s permit, fulfill training requirements, and pass the CDL exam. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of becoming a semi-truck driver.

Training Process in Paid CDL Programs

The training process in paid CDL programs involves three main parts:

• Classroom Instruction: Begin with classroom learning led by a certified instructor, covering the theoretical aspects of truck driving.
• Hands-On Driving: Gain supervised, on-road experience using your CDL permit to practice essential skills for the CDL exam.
• Safety and Compliance: Learn safe driving practices. For over-the-road (OTR) trucking, many programs require at least 30,000 miles of supervised driving before solo hauling.

Major Companies Offering Paid CDL Training

Here is a list of a few reputable companies running some of the best-paid CDL training programs in the transportation industry. Almost all of them will pay you nearly $475 – $600+ during training and an above-average wage upon completion. Also, their employment opportunities include several employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with company match, paid time off (PTO), and paid vacations with family.

• Schneider
• Roehl Transport
• Knight Transportation
• Maverick USA
• TMC Transportation
• Halvor Lines
• Swift Transportation

Conclusion

Paid CDL training remains the simplest and most affordable way to get your trucking career going. You have to choose a program that best suits you for it to work well, though, since CDL training programs are not created equal.

Carefully review the terms and conditions of each program before committing. Breaching a contract can lead to serious consequences, such as repaying the full training cost, additional fees, or even being barred from working with other trucking companies. The penalties depend on the contract’s terms and the severity of the breach.

If you fulfill your contract and aspire to become an owner-operator, Mission Financial Services is here to help. Contact us for tailored commercial vehicle loans and financing options to make purchasing your first truck simple and stress-free.