Start Your Trucking Career with Paid CDL Training in Arkansas

Ready to hit the open road and have a fulfilling career in trucking? Paid CDL training in Arkansas provides one of those unique opportunities to earn while learning the skills necessary to obtain a Arkansas Commercial Driver’s License. Whether you are breaking into a new industry or continuing an existing one, these programs stand ready to get you started in the trucking world of commerce. In this post, we look at paid CDL training benefits and some of the best programs in Arkansas, followed by how you take the first step toward a successful and decently paying job in trucking. Explore now!

The 6 paid CDL training in Arkansas

Paid CDL training in Arkansas, along with proper education, lays the foundation for any trucking career. Paid CDL training in Arkansas not only trains you for your Commercial Driver’s License but also provides you with an opportunity to earn while learning. To help you make a decision, we have put together a top 6 list of paid CDL training programs in Arkansas. These are programs that offer quality instruction, competitive pay, and excellent career opportunities. Let’s dive in!

1. Schneider

Schneider ranks among the most respectable names in the trucking business due to their inclusive paid CDL training. Their approach to safety, quality instruction, and career development enables Schneider to provide a strong basis on which the up-and-coming driver will ground his or her driving career. Paid CDL training in Arkansas, given by Schneider, combines the classroom with practical skills so that trainees can work and make money as they learn.

paid cdl training in arkansas — Schneider

Benefits

Paid training: Participants get paid while training; the pay is $80 per day. It helps you sustain your living as you learn new skills.
Full instruction: The training lasts for five weeks, in which the participants will go through classroom education, yard exercises, and on-the-road training under professional instructors.
Covered expenses: Schneider pays for transportation, accommodations, and some meals during the course of training.
Guaranteed employment: After successfully completing the program, students are guaranteed a driving job with Schneider. This means job security right after graduation.
Tuition reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement from Schneider is available for those who have already attended a truck driving school. It is up to $7,000, paid monthly.
Veteran support: Military veterans might be entitled to extra educational benefits. With Schneider paychecks, there will be an additional payout throughout the first 12 months of employment.

Requirements

Age and license: 21 years or older; have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
Commercial Learner’s Permit: The applicant must have been issued a CLP by his or her state of residence prior to the start of the program.
Driving record: Maintain a clean driving record and show responsible vehicle operation.
Work history: Provide stable and verifiable employment history, showing a record of reliability and consistency.
Residency: The applicants should be residents in proximity to the facility offering Schneider’s CDL Apprenticeship Training (CAT) program.
Physical and drug screening: The candidates will be required to pass the DOT physical exam and submit hair and urine drug screenings for safety clearance.

2. First Student

First Student is the largest provider of student transportation in North America, and for decades, its commitment to safety, reliability, and community service has been unmatched. Investing in the futures of future drivers, First Student provides a paid CDL training program to help people obtain a Commercial Driver’s License and become successful school bus drivers. It involves expert teaching and practical exposure so that the trainees may be able to drive confidently and safely.

Benefits

Paid CDL training: First Student offers paid training for a Commercial Driver’s License. No experience is necessary; that is what our training is for.
Competitive wages and benefits: Get competitive pay as a trainee, and competitive wages with access to benefits upon completion-medical, dental, and vision, and 401(k) retirement plans.
Flexible scheduling: Part-time programs include no required nights or weekends, which are perfect for retirees, stay-at-home parents, or military spouses.
Child ride-along program: First Student allows its drivers to bring their children on board for convenience in working parents’ busy lives.
Guaranteed hours, paid holidays: First Student guarantees its drivers a minimum number of hours per school day with paid holidays for consistent pay and predictable scheduling.

Requirements

Age and license: The applicants must be at least 21 years old and have had a driver’s license for at least three years.
Background checks: For the students’ protection, candidates will be subjected to background checks, drug screening, and physicals.
Communication skills: The applicant must have good verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with the students, parents, and school officials.
Training commitment: The candidate should be willing to participate in and complete the provided CDL training program.

3. TMC Transportation

Specializing in paid CDL training, TMC provides aspiring drivers with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the trucking industry. Their training program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, focusing on flatbed-specific techniques and safety protocols. With a reputation for high-quality equipment, professional development, and competitive pay, TMC Transportation offers a clear path to a rewarding career for individuals looking to join a leader in the flatbed trucking industry.

Benefits

Comprehensive training: TMC offers in-house, three-week CDL training that covers everything one needs to know to get a Class A CDL. This three-week program encompasses classroom, hands-on load securement, equipment familiarization, and behind-the-wheel driver training.
Paid orientation and training: The training period is paid, wherein apprentice drivers start receiving $650 a week through orientation and over-the-road training with certified flatbed driver trainers.
No upfront costs: No upfront costs for the trainees, as TMC pays for transportation to training, lodging during training, and some meals to lower financial barriers to entry.
Tuition reimbursement: For those who have previously attended a CDL school, TMC provides tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000, with payments on a monthly basis 30 days after the date of hire, provided the driver is employed with TMC as an over-the-road driver.
Competitive compensation: New drivers can make up to $100,000 annually with performance-based pay and additional bonuses. Paid vacation, health insurance, dental, and vision are a few of the amazing benefits that come with working here, along with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Quality equipment: TMC drivers drive late-model, well-maintained Peterbilt tractors, so drivers are in quality equipment.

Requirements

Age and licensing: The applicant should obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before attending the training program.
Driving record: The applicant should not have had more than three moving violations in the previous five years, with no DUI convictions within ten years from the date, reflecting safety and responsible driving.
Work experience: The candidate needs to have a good and stable work history, reflecting reliability and consistency in previous work experiences.
Physical requirements: Applicants must not have restrictions that would prevent them from performing the essential functions of the job, including those described below, considering the physical demands of flatbed trucking.
Additional qualifications: The following endorsements are not required, but obtaining your TWIC, HAZMAT, and passport before coming to TMC will increase your pay and driver opportunities with the company.

4. Wilson Logistics

Wilson Logistics is a well-established transportation company that offers a wide array of services, including one of the most prestigious paid CDL training programs. Known for its commitment to driver success, Wilson Logistics provides comprehensive training that equips one for a career in trucking, with a particular bias toward over-the-road and regional driving. It incorporates practical work experience along with classroom theory that trains individuals in the skills leading toward a Commercial Driver’s License and how to succeed within the industry.

Benefits

Small class size & 1-on-1 training: With small class sizes, personal attention is warranted, one-on-one with experienced trainers, for a more focused learning experience.
Paid expenses: Wilson Logistics covers travel to and lodging, and meals (breakfast and lunch), to help minimize your expenses during the onboarding process.
Weekly advances & guaranteed pay: Students will receive $200 in weekly advances during permit driving (average 3 weeks) and then a guaranteed $900/wk pay for 30,000 miles when on team driving (average 3 months).
Longevity and Incentives: On top of this, Wilson Logistics believes in rewarding long-term commitment. The company gives a $10,000 longevity bonus every 5 years, an incentive for clean inspections-$100, to maintain safety standards at the top.
Refrigerated and dry van freight: Haul both refrigerated and dry van freight to provide variety in your daily responsibilities and an opportunity to grow your experience.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must have an active driving license for at least 3 years.
Must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and obtain a valid medical card.
Must have a Social Security Card.
Must be a U.S. citizen or an Alien Registration Card.
No convictions within the previous 3 years for the following violations: speeding more than 15 mph over the limit; following too close; unsafe or erratic lane change; reckless driving.

5. Roehl Transport

Roehl Transport is a well-established trucking firm with a reputation for safety, service, and professionalism. Referred to as a place that builds careers and creates opportunity, Roehl Transport offers an industry-leading paid CDL training program to help launch truck driving careers. Their program incorporates extensive classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience, providing students with the means of becoming prepared for their Commercial Driver’s License and becoming successful professional drivers.

Benefits

Paid training from day one:

Trainees are employed from day one and get paid while earning their CDL.
There are no tuition fees, unlike at other CDL schools, and no time is spent without pay during training.

Comprehensive training program:

The three-week training for your CDL is held at various convenient locations.
Training consists of both classroom instruction and actual driving.

Covered expenses:

Roehl will provide lodging and most meals during this training period, adding convenience and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for you.

On-the-job training:

After getting your CDL, enjoy on-the-job training as a long-haul truck driver to continue your real-world experience.

Full benefits package:

Full benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and many other perks as part of our comprehensive benefits package at Roehl.
Invest in your future success and long-term career growth with the company.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Possess a valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license for at least two years.
Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
Pass the DOT physical and drug test.
Must have a good driving record in operating a personal vehicle.
Must have verifiable employment history.
Must be willing and able to be away from home for extended periods.
Exhibiting strong time management, with the ability to work independently.
Communicative and problem-solving skills.

6. Prime Inc

Prime Inc. is a premier transportation and logistics company committed to innovation, safety, and driver development. Backed by decades of industry experience, Prime Inc. offers an industry-best paid CDL training program for beginning drivers to kick-start their trucking careers. The combination of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training will give participants the skills and confidence they need to obtain their CDLs and have great success on the road.

Benefits

Since inception, students have been paid to train; during the first weeks of training, a $200 weekly advance is paid to them.
With a commitment to drive for Prime for at least one year after your CDL is issued, students only pay a $100 entry fee plus permit costs to get started with no additional tuition costs.
The program combines classroom learning with one-on-one over-the-road training by a certified Prime trainer and practical driving experience. This is a comprehensive preparation for the CDL exam.
Prime will provide lodging and three meals a day during orientation, not leaving the candidate with many expenses during this training period.
After the program and after obtaining a CDL, graduates are hired by Prime Inc. as company drivers, therefore guaranteeing immediate employment after the program is completed.
Health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, and many other benefits company drivers enjoy equate to long-term satisfaction in their careers.
Prime provides opportunities for drivers to further their careers, whether it be options to become an independent contractor or a team driver.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license from any state for the last 12 consecutive months.
Willingness and ability to obtain a US Passport, TWIC Card, and Hazmat Endorsement.
Verifiable work history and references.
Acceptable motor vehicle record in order to drive safely.
Must meet minimum medical qualifications for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration standards which includes but is not limited to a required Department of Transportation physical and drug test.
A 10-year driving history for all states of residence is required, including any tickets or traffic accidents.

FAQs

1. What are some of the best companies with paid CDL training in Arkansas?

Some of the top companies that offer paid CDL training in Arkansas include:

Schneider: Well-rounded training with great benefits.
First Student: Specializes in school bus driver training; flexible schedules available.
TMC Transportation: Flatbed training, hands-on, and competitive pay.
Wilson Logistics: Small class sizes, modern equipment, and all expenses covered during training.
Prime Inc: Paid training, lodging covered, long-term career growth opportunities.

These companies are well known for their strong training programs and support for new drivers entering the trucking industry.

2. Do I always get paid for CDL training in Arkansas?

Not all the CDL training programs in Arkansas are paid for. Even though many well-known companies have paid training where you get paid to learn, some of the independent CDL schools require tuition fees directly from the students. Paid CDL training programs are usually provided by trucking companies that hire trainees as employees right from day one. This company covers your training costs in exchange for a commitment to work over a certain period with the company. If you’re looking for paid training, then your search must focus on those companies that provide this explicitly.

Final thoughts

Paid CDL training in Arkansas is one of the best ways to get into trucking without the financial burden. Companies like Schneider, First Student, TMC Transportation, Wilson Logistics, and Prime Inc. are some of the best-paid training programs that pay you while learning, have excellent benefits, and prepare you for a successful career on the road. These programs encompass everything from flexibility to modern equipment, and even to long-term career opportunities to suit anyone’s fancy. Set yourself up for success in this rewarding industry by taking that first step: finding the right paid CDL training in Arkansas.