Paid CDL training is an alternative to private truck driver training schools, for those of you who are thinking about getting your CDL license but are put off by the high cost of tuition at a private CDL training program.
After all, it always feels a little crazy to have to pay a boatload of money to get a job.
One way to get your CDL license is to get go through a Company Sponsored CDL Training Program.
Several of the mega carriers have CDL schools where they offer these specialized programs.
It may sound too good to be true.There are definitely advantages to getting company-sponsored CDL training. But like everything in life that’s good, there is often a downside.Overall, a paid CDL training program can be a good way to become a truck driver.
What Trucking Companies Will Pay For CDL Training?
These trucking companies offer paid CDL training with a job, upon completion of their program.
What’s The Best Part of Paid CDL Training?
The best part of getting your CDL training this way, is there is little or no money upfront to get started.
However, there is a strict commitment to the trucking company that trains you, at the end of the training time.
Taking advantage of one of these programs can be a decent way to get your CDL license, should you not have the money to go to a private training program. (But note, there are alternatives!)
How Does Paid CDL Training Work?
It’s like a 2-For-1 deal….. training AND a job.Sounds pretty good, right? It can be, but you need to make sure your contract is very clear from the start
Are no cost Truck Driving Schools Really no cost?
That depends.Some programs do not have upfront fees. Others do.Some trucking company-sponsored CDL training programs have a plan where the company deducts the training fee from their monthly pay and some will reimburse the training fee to the driver, should they stay with the company for an extended time period.no cost trucking school programs/company sponsored training are probably the most cost-effective way to get a CDL, with the least amount of money paid to the training school.
However, after factoring in the low wages during the first year or so as a driver, while fulfilling the contractual agreement for receiving the no cost training, a private training program may be the better choice. (So in reality, it’s really NOT no cost.)
It all depends on your personal situation.
It’s really important to ask lots of questions before signing on to make sure that you know full and well what you’re getting yourself in to.
Do I Qualify For Paid Truck Driver Training?
Here’s what is required to qualify for most of the company sponsored programs.
- Good, squeaky clean driving record
- Good squeaky clean criminal record
- Able to pass the physical (required by D.O.T.)
- Able to pass a drug screen test (required by D.O.T.)
- 21 years old +
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License
- U.S. Citizen
- Solid work history for at least the last 36 months (AND must be able to prove this work history is valid and true)
- Commit to employment with the trucking company for 1 year (more or less, depending on the company)
Why Choose a Paid CDL Training Program?
Training programs vary from company to company.
- Affordable Commercial Driver’s License Training
There are a few distinct advantages in enrolling in one of these truck driving schools.
Most of them do not require any money upfront, as compared to the private truck driving training schools which can be very expensive. We’re talking thousands and thousands of dollars for private CDL school tuition.
- Guaranteed Job As a Truck Driver
At the end of the training program, the trainee will work for the carrier. So a truck driving job is waiting at the end, when the trainee gets their CDL.
The carriers have the benefit of hiring a new driver, so it’s a win-win situation for both the company and new driver.
A guaranteed job at the end is something worth having.
- Learn On Company Equipment
It’s also an advantage to learning on company equipment. Chances are, as a new driver, you’re bound to have a few little bang-ups here and there as you learn to maneuver and navigate the truck in tight spaces.
So, it’s best if you’re going to ricochet off something, to do it in a truck belonging to a mega carrier.
These huge trucking companies are very accustomed to equipment damage, so it’s more likely the penalties for the driver won’t be so severe. Or maybe no penalties at all. But always good to learn on big company equipment first.
Another advantage of running for one of the big carriers is that they generally have the easiest equipment to drive.
Generally, they’ll have drop nose trucks with great visibility and automatic transmissions. You will have enough to think about when you’re learning so you don’t want to be worried about whether you’re hitting the right gear or not.
- Many Carriers Are Looking To Train New Drivers
Another perk is there are lots of these companies around the U.S. which have implemented this style of training. They ALL want you to come to their driving school and hire you!
Many of the mega carriers have branches in many different parts of the country, so you won’t need to travel far to attend one of their schools.
- Earn Money While Training
You won’t get rich will training, but there will be some pay will you are training.
