Best Paid CDL Training In Arizona: Get Paid To Train!

Breaking into the Arizona trucking industry does not have to drain your savings! Paid CDL training in Arizona is a way for aspiring drivers to get into the profession without bearing a huge financial burden. These programs will cover your training costs, and hands-on experience, and even provide stable pay during the training time. Some leading trucking companies currently offering these programs in Arizona are Knight Transportation, Roehl, Swift, Maverick, and Schneider. The post today will walk you through the paid training programs of these companies, outlining all benefits and requirements covered to help you choose your best option. Let’s get started to kick-start your trucking career for free!

Companies that provide paid CDL training in Arizona

Here is the detail of companies offering paid CDL training in Arizona, attached with the benefit package and requirements:

1. Knight Transportation

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Knight Transportation is one of the most well-established and respected trucking companies. During over 30 years of operation, this company operates up to 4,000 tractors and over 10,000 trailers, moving a variety of freight including dry van and refrigerated across regional, dedicated, and OTR driving opportunities. Knight offers a paid CDL training program to equip students with the skills needed in a trucking career, covering extensive coursework at their Phoenix facility.

Benefits

Upfront costs are covered by the company.
Smaller class sizes allow for personalized instruction.
Classrooms are equipped with advanced technology and modern teaching methods.
Comprehensive 9-week program, which includes 6 weeks of hands-on, behind-the-wheel training.
One-on-one training with expert instructors.
No contracts are required to start the training program.
Receive a weekly stipend of $400 during the program.
Immediately transition to solo long-haul driving once you have your CDL.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least one year.
Must possess a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
Pass DOT medical examination, drug test, and background check.
Pay for your own lodging/transportation for the first 2-3 week training period.
Complete 4-6 weeks of OTR training with at least 30,000 miles driven.
Train with Knight Transportation for a full 18 months to complete the entire training cost payback.
Physically and mentally fit to perform your job as well as be out on the road for a minimum of 7 days in length.

2. Roehl Transport

Roehl Transport is well-known for its safety, dependability, and innovation within the transport industry. Founded in 1962, Roehl has grown into one of the largest and most trusted carriers in North America, with a variety of freight solutions and best-in-class training opportunities. Their “Get Your CDL Program” offers a unique opportunity for aspiring drivers to earn their CDL through paid training.

Benefits

Paid CDL training plus $500 per week during training.
On-the-job training will occur for 2-3 weeks with your own personal trainer, making $90 a day.
Training facilities across the country, including one in Phoenix, Arizona.
Opportunity to become a full-time employee as a long-haul truck driver after training.
Average weekly earnings are from $900 to $1,250 for full-time drivers.
Flexible schedule: 3 days off for every 11-14 days on the road.
Full benefits package: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Tax-free 401(k) retirement plan and profit-sharing options.
Paid vacation and holidays.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old.
Must apply to the program and sign a written agreement to meet a 15-month employment obligation minimum of 120,000 miles.
Must have passed a state medical evaluation, a drug test, and a background check.
Must be physically able to perform the job and deal with the demands of long-haul driving.
Be prepared to be away from home for at least 7-10 days at a time.

3. Swift Driving Academy

Swift Transportation, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the largest truckload carriers in the world. This company operates over 20,000 trucks throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Swift Driving Academy offers top-tier paid CDL training certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute. Training includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training, coming with tuition financing as well as housing and transportation. Swift’s comprehensive training prepares students for a rewarding trucking career with very good pay and benefits when hired.

Benefits

Tuition, housing, and transportation costs are all covered by Swift.
If financing the tuition, you will get $150 taken out of your paycheck each week for 13 months.
Full reimbursement of tuition of $3,900 after 26 months with Swift.
At least 40 hours of classroom instruction and equivalent hours behind the wheel, with no more than 4 students per truck.
Free online training is available before in-person training.
Competitive pay once hired, with opportunities for bonuses and incentives.
Great company benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off after one year of employment.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old.
Have a valid driver’s license for more than one year.
Pass a drug screen and a DOT medical exam.
A $150 seating fee on the first day of class is required
A $100 permit fee and $60 DOT medical and drug test will be required.
Agree to drive with Swift for 26 months to pay for the training in its entirety.
If the student leaves before the first 13 months, they must pay Swift $300 for every month remaining.

4. Maverick Transportation

Founded in 1980, Maverick Transportation has its core values intertwined into the company structure: Safety in all respects, innovative approaches, and commitment to integrity and excellence. Operating with almost 2,000 employees and more than 1,700 trucks, Maverick has become one of the largest flatbed and specialized transportation providers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Maverick has an excellent CDL sponsorship program for future drivers, offering a complete training course without any upfront costs. Students will be paid for their hands-on training in both the Flatbed and Glass Divisions, giving them the tools and experience needed for success.

Benefits

Paid comprehensive training: Get your CDL with no out-of-pocket expense by making a 12-month commitment to Maverick.
Onboarding process: Supportive, easy, and friendly.
Accommodation and meals (both breakfast and lunch) are paid when attending training.
A prepaid card is issued for permit fees and other expenses.
Make $600/week while training hands-on and OTR, plus $800 in graduation bonuses.
Competitive starting pay: Start at $0.52 – $0.53 per mile, plus performance bonuses and raises scheduled.
Comprehensive benefits after employment:
- Health insurance as low as $45/week for singles and $127.50/week for families.
- Paid vacation time (1 week in 1st year, increasing to 4 weeks after 10 years).
- Life insurance, dental and vision programs, and a 401(k) with a business contribution.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Have a current driver’s license from the U.S. and a clean driving record.
Originals of the following must be provided: Social Security Card, birth certificate, and a passport (in which case it is required for the Glass Division).
Pass DOT physical, urinalysis, and non-DOT hair follicle drug test.
Have a clean background.
Agree to sign a 12-month employment contract to cover training costs reduced monthly by $350.

5. Litchfield Elementary School District

Located in Litchfield Park, Arizona, Litchfield Elementary School District has a one-of-a-kind paid CDL training program for aspiring school bus drivers. With a focus on student transport service quality, this training program will provide all the necessary skills and qualifications a candidate needs to acquire a CDL while earning a salary. This is a great opportunity to start a career in the transport sector where you will be well paid with a generous benefits package. The training will involve both theoretical studies and practical training under the guidance of well-qualified tutors.

Benefits

Competitive pay during the training period: Paid training while obtaining your CDL.
No upfront fees for the CDL training course.
Full benefits package including paid time off, retirement plans, and health insurance.
Practical training with qualified instructors.
Opportunity to work with a respectable local educational district.
A flexible schedule aligns with school hours in providing life balance.
Job security with the possibility to work long-term at the Litchfield Elementary School District.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years of age.
Hold a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Pass the background check and drug screening.
Possess physical requirements to operate a school bus.
Have a strong commitment to working with children and ensuring their safety.
Be able to finish this training course and pass the CDL skills test.

6. Schneider National

Schneider National is the leader in logistics, offering an exceptional paid CDL training program. Being one of the largest companies serving over half of Fortune 500 companies, Schneider has proved their commitment to developing new talent by offering a well-rounded CDL Apprenticeship Training program. Attending Schneider’s training program, students will be able to develop the needed skills and confidence to be the best out on the road.

Benefits

Weekly pay: Take home a paycheck while you are training.
Classroom instruction: Learn important skills in logistics, safety, and industry regulations.
Behind-the-wheel training: Extensive driving time in the yard and on the road with instructors.
All-inclusive housing with food provided during the training program.
Job placement: After completing the training program, you can be eligible for full-time employment with Schneider – a well-renowned company with ample career opportunities.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Obtain a driver’s license for at least the last 12 months.
Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit before the beginning of the course.
Not have had a DUI/DWI in the last 5 years.
Take a DOT physical and drug screen.
Accept a 1-year employment contract with Schneider upon training completion.

FAQs

1. Do I always get paid for CDL training in Arizona?

Not all programs for CDL training in Arizona offer paid training, but most reputable companies do. However, the pay structure will vary from company to company. For instance, some carriers, such as Roehl Transport and Knight Transportation, give weekly stipends while in training, while some may wait until you start working as a truck driver by deducting the cost of training from your pay.

2. How do I qualify for paid CDL training in Arizona?

Each company sets its own qualifications for its paid CDL training programs, but generally, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Be at least 21 years old.
One year with a valid driver’s license, some companies require a CLP.
Pass DOT physical and drug test.
Have a clean driving record.
An employment agreement may be involved.

Final thoughts

Paid CDL training in Arizona is the ideal choice to get started in the trucking industry without out-of-pocket expenses for training. Top companies like Knight, Roehl, Swift, Maverick, Schneider, and Litchfield offer comprehensive training programs with hands-on and theoretical training. Moreover, these programs also come with competitive pay during the training period. Securing a CDL through a paid training program can be the long-term benefits that set you up for a successful and rewarding career. So why wait? Refer to our review of the above companies and choose the right place to start your career today!