Seeking a way to kick-start your truck-driving career with minimal upfront costs? Paid CDL training in Louisiana is the perfect choice to earn your Kentucky CDL while getting paid to learn. This program allows aspiring truck drivers to sharpen their skills, gain hands-on experience, or even get placed into a top-tier company. Some outstanding companies that offer this program are PAM Transport, Schneider National, XPO, and much more. To help you find the most suitable option, this post will list the top companies in Kentucky paying for your CDL training, providing a comprehensive benefits and requirements checklist. Dive in for more!
The 5 paid CDL training in Louisiana
The following are top companies offering paid CDL training in Louisiana, helping you jumpstart your trucking career with little to no costs:
1. Schneider National

Schneider National has been a leading force in the trucking industry since 1935. From its humble beginnings with a single truck, it has grown into a nationwide leader operating over 10,000 trucks and moving nearly 19,400 loads daily. Building a solid reputation for offering competitive compensation packages and career growth, Schneider’s paid CDL training program gives back to potential drivers with the ability to gain a CDL and continue building a secure future in trucking.
Benefits
- Intensive paid CDL training in 5-6 weeks
- Competitive salary package:
- The average first-year driver earns $50,180 and has the opportunity to make up to $71,000 in three years.
- Tanker drivers can make up to $79,500 per year.
- $8,000 sign-on bonus for Van Team drivers.
- Extensive benefits:
- Roth 401(k) savings plan with a 6% company match.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid time off, six paid holidays, and several volunteer options for insurance.
- Flexible work options: Weekly hometime and a variety of route types, including but not limited to OTR, regional, local, and team driving.
- Advancement opportunities: Dedicated and specialized route options are available for experienced drivers.
Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must have U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the U.S.
- At least one year with a valid U.S. driver’s license.
- No more than one DUI/DWI conviction within the previous five years and no suspensions within the last three years, with an otherwise clean driving record.
- All work history for the past three years must be verifiable.
- Pass DOT medical examination and drug screen.
- Physically and mentally able to stay out on the road for at least seven days consecutively.
- Complete Schneider’s paid CDL training program and obtain your CDL.
- Agree to drive for Schneider National for at least one year after completing training.
2. PAM Transport

Founded in 1980, PAM Transport has become a leader in dry-van freight. PAM specializes in “just-in-time” delivery solutions for the automotive industry. Along with automotive freight, PAM hauls many different types of commodities including air conditioners, cosmetics, and paper. To assist new drivers in getting started with their trucking careers, PAM has partnered with Driver Solutions to offer a free CDL training program. This program pays for tuition, so it is pretty affordable to get started driving while job stability is ensured.
Benefits
- Paid CDL training with zero out-of-pocket costs:
- Tuition of $5,995 is fully paid with no payroll deductions.
- Lodging is included during training.
- No CLP is required to enroll.
- Weekly income while training on the road: $300–$350 per week while training on the road with an experienced mentor.
- Job guarantee upon completion: Immediately hire on as a PAM driver.
- Competitive pay structure: Base pay of $0.26–$0.28 per mile with frequent increases.
- Opportunities for regional or dedicated runs after six months to one year of service.
- Comprehensive benefits package:
- Medical, dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility after just three months.
- Paid vacation: One week after the first year, two weeks after three years, and three weeks after a decade.
- Late-model trucks with advanced electronic logs and APU units for driver convenience.
Requirements
- Must be at least 22 years old and authorized to work in the U.S.
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least one year.
- Maintain a clean driving record:
- No DUI/DWI convictions within the last five years.
- No speeding violations over 20 mph in the past three years.
- Pass a DOT medical exam and drug test at the beginning of the program.
- Physically and mentally able to be on the road for at least seven consecutive days.
- Agree to drive with PAM Transport for at least one year or pay back the tuition.
3. XPO Logistics

XPO Logistics is a global powerhouse in transportation and logistics, known for innovative solutions and investment in the development of new talent. With over 91,000 employees working at 1,444 locations worldwide, XPO Logistics ships out thousands of pounds of freight each day. To train future truckers, the company offers a paid CDL training program that prepares candidates for a fulfilling transportation career.
Benefits
- Tuition-free CDL training: No tuition cost for any of the trainees who commit to the program for 12 continuous months.
- Living expenses covered:
- Paid double occupancy lodging during training.
- Receive three meals per day.
- Comprehensive training structure: 12-week program including 3 weeks of truck driving school and 9 weeks of OTR training.
- Get paid while training:
- $600–$650 a week while in the classroom and driving school.
- $.26 per mile during OTR training.
- Competitive first-year earnings: Average pay in the first year of $38,000 – $41,000, with frequent increases in pay and the possibility of bonuses.
- Benefits package which is effective after 60 days of employment:
- Health insurance for only $14 a week.
- Dental and vision coverage after one year of employment.
- 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing program.
- Paid time off.
- Modern equipment access such as Qualcomm eLogs, Sirius XM radios, and power inverters.
- Veterans’ support: Military Apprenticeship Program for veterans in transition to civilian trucking careers.
Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- A clean driving record: No DUIs within the last five years.
- Verifiable work history for the previous three years.
- Pass DOT physical, DOT drug test (urine and hair follicle), and post-offer fitness screening.
- Agree to drive a minimum of 7,500 OTR miles and participate in part-time dock work during and/or after training.
- Provide necessary documents at the orientation time.
- Willing and able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
4. Coastal truck driving school

Coastal Truck Driving School is one of the most trusted names in Louisiana for CDL training, focusing on its mission to produce competent and professional drivers. With several locations throughout the state, Coastal is known for its excellence and offers a paid CDL training program that merges classroom instruction with hands-on experience. The tuition-free program is designed for those seeking a debt-free path to attaining their CDL. It prepares individuals for success in the trucking industry by providing the training and confidence they need, while partnering with reputable trucking companies that offer employment opportunities.
Benefits
- Tuition-free training opportunities:
- CDL training costs are completely covered for qualified candidates through sponsorships by partner trucking companies.
- Financing options are available for those trainees not covered by sponsorship programs.
- Comprehensive training curriculum:
- Classroom education in safety, regulations, and vehicle operation.
- Hands-on driving practice with extensive use of state-of-the-art equipment.
- Flexible training schedule: Both day and evening classes depending on different individual needs.
- Job placement assistance:
- Partnerships with leading trucking companies to offer employment after graduation.
- Career advisors help trainees to find the best opportunities.
- Earning potential: Competitive starting salaries assurance with wonderful growth opportunities.
Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or above.
- Obtain a valid U.S. driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Pass a DOT medical examination and drug test.
- Be physically and mentally able to handle the demands of a trucking career.
- Agree to drive for a sponsoring trucking company upon completion of training (if tuition is sponsored).
5. ABCDL Truck Driving Academy

ABCDL Truck Driving Academy is one of the leading CDL training academies in the country, committed to producing the next generation of professional truck drivers. Based in Louisiana, this academy is widely recognized for its quality instruction, state-of-the-art facilities, and personal approach to training. The partnership of ABCDL with some leading trucking companies has provided ways by which students can have tuition paid for to have the license without any financial distress. This program is built to prepare the trainee to take the CDL examination for possible long-term success in this trucking industry.
Benefits
- Tuition-free options for training:
- Complete sponsorship by the company for qualified candidates, in partnership with certain companies.
- Financing plans are available if a candidate prefers to independently fund their training.
- In-depth training program:
- Comprehensive classroom instruction in safety, regulations, and operational techniques.
- Extensive hands-on driving experience with late-model trucks and equipment.
- Job placement:
- Immediate employment with sponsoring companies after graduation.
- Career advisors to help find the best routes and job roles.
- Competitive pay:
Requirements
- At least 21 years of age.
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Obtain a clean driving record with no serious violations within a certain period.
- Pass DOT physical and drug test.
- Must expect a very physically demanding job with long periods on the road.
- Agree to at least one year of employment with the sponsoring company if your tuition is paid.
FAQs
1. Does every company have paid CDL training in Louisiana?
Not all companies in Louisiana offer paid CDL training. While several reputable companies like Schneider National, PAM Transport, and XPO Logistics, do have this program, other companies ask candidates to pay for their CDL training upfront. Some companies partner with a training school, such as Coastal Truck Driving School or ABCDL Truck Driving Academy, offering tuition reimbursement, or even full sponsorship, in exchange for a work commitment. It is recommended that you research the training options available from each company and choose the one that best suits your financial needs and career goals.
2. How do I qualify for paid CDL training in Louisiana?
Each company has its own requirements for its training programs. However, to be eligible for paid CDL training in Louisiana, you typically have to meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years of age. A few programs accept candidates as young as 18 years old, but only for intra-state driving.
- Have a valid US driver’s license and a clean driving record.
- Pass the DOT physical examination and drug screening test.
- Have a stable work history, usually 3 years verifiable.
- Agree to continuous employment with the sponsoring company after earning your license.
Final thoughts
Starting a trucking career with paid CDL training in Louisiana is a smart and affordable way to learn and acquire a license without any financial burden. With many renowned companies and schools in the state, you will definitely receive quality training, practical experience on the wheels, and an assurance of employment afterward. Carefully review and select a suitable paid training program to step closer to your trucking career in Louisiana. Good luck!