Paid CDL Training in Washington State: Get Started Today

Ready to kick-start a career in trucking? Paid CDL training in Washington State is a great opportunity to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License without having to bear upfront costs. Whether you are a greenhorn in the trucking industry or looking for higher-tier positions, the programs blend quality training with job placement to get you behind the wheel with confidence. In the article below, we will look into the best-paid CDL training options available within Washington State, the benefits accruable from such programs, and how to get started on one today.

The 8 paid CDL training in Washington State

Some of the top companies in Washington State offer no-cost CDL training, competitive pay, and great benefits to get you licensed for your Washington State CDL. Here are the top 8 companies that shine for their paid CDL training opportunities and commitment to new driver support.

1. First Student

First Student is the leading transportation company that safely and reliably transports over 5 million students and passengers every day. As the largest provider of student-based transportation in North America, First Student’s family of over 60,000 employees operates under a legacy of renowned brands such as Transco, Total Transportation, Maggie’s Paratransit, and GVC II. Safety and innovation are top priorities, training and equipping each team member with the cutting-edge tools to set the industry standard. At First Student, it’s all about creating a culture of excellence where every trip is safe and reliable.

paid cdl training washington state — First Student

Offers and benefits

Competitive pay: Starting pay of $31.62 to $37.33 hourly, based on experience, with annual pay increases in recognition of your commitment and value to the role.
Comprehensive benefits: Take advantage of medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a 401k retirement savings plan to secure your future.
Paid CDL training: Offers paid CDL training to help you obtain the skills and certifications needed to be successful in your new career.
Child-ride-along program: This is a great benefit for working parents. Your children can come along for the ride during your workday.
Flexible schedule: Work part-time with a split shift to allow for early morning pickups and afternoon drop-offs, leaving a few hours free during the day for errands or spending time with family.
Extra hours: Opportunities to pick up additional hours via available trips and charters, if desired, provide extra flexibility.
No nights or weekends: Since most shifts are during school hours, night and weekend work will not apply unless you opt into additional hours.

Requirements

Age requirement: 21 years is the minimum age limit.
Valid driver’s license: You must have held a valid driver’s license at least for 5 years for considering you for the position.
No formal education required: A college or high school diploma is not necessary for this position, so candidates from a wide array come into the eligibility criteria.
Ideal candidates: The ideal candidate would be someone who’s looking for a new career-path: military veterans, retirees, people getting back into the workforce, or seeking a second job.
DOT drug testing: Since this is a safety-sensitive position, all applicants are subject to DOT drug testing in accordance with Federal law.
Safety regulations: The candidates should follow safety precautions designed for each state. In particular, the state of Washington has stringent safety regulations at each driving position, including drug and alcohol testing regarding cannabis.
The commitment to safety involves: First Student’s need to have drivers who can accord with DOT standards for the protection of employees and students while transporting them.

2. Schneider

Schneider National is the leading provider of premium, truck-led, multimodal transportation and logistics services. With a vast presence in North America and more than 18,000 trucks in its fleet, Schneider has developed a comprehensive array of services that include: truckload, intermodal, logistics, and last mile. Schneider has built its reputation for safety standards, technological advancements, and quality customer service.

Schneider values their employees as well by offering competitive pay, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. From the experienced driver to the new, Schneider has great opportunities for anyone wanting to grow in the transportation industry.

Offers and benefits

Average weekly pay: $1,050 to $1,290, in performance-based addition to pay.
Sign-on bonuses: $3,000 for experienced drivers, $1,000 for inexperienced, and to be paid via 12 monthly installments.
Paid orientation: All drivers have paid orientation to help them get started with orienting.
Paid time off: Paid time off after employees have completed six months of employment, with an attachment of six days’ holiday pay per year.
Annual bonus: Earn up to 2% each year and add it to your annual gross pay.
Mileage pay & hourly pay: Get paid for miles driven and get paid while also being on duty but not driving.
Paid CDL training: Schneider has offered training programs for first-time drivers to be company-trained to become certified.
Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, and vision, a 401(k) savings plan with company match.
Tuition reimbursement: Up to $200 per month, maximum $7,000, for qualified drivers.
Unlimited referral bonuses: Earn bonuses for each qualified driver referred to Schneider..

Requirements

Permit to Hazardous material handling: This is needed but preferred not required.
Other licenses: Passport, FAST card, or enhanced CDL will add more opportunity.
Location: Must be living 75 miles to Vancouver, WA, while also being a resident of Washington.
Experience: It covers all holders of CDL; both experience and novice drivers are included.
Company sponsored CDL training: Available even for those without a CDL.
Military veterans: Military experience will be credited and has special apprenticeship in a different program.

3. MV Transportation

MV Transportation, the largest private provider of transportation services to transit authorities and others in North America, meets the needs of hundreds of Transit Authorities, Departments of Transportation and other public and private transit providers. Their fleet includes coaches, buses, shuttles, paratransit, and specialty vehicles serving an array of transit needs for municipal, provincial, and state transit authorities or private companies in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Safety, customer satisfaction, and innovation with the help of new technology form the pillars of their corporate culture. MV Transportation supports its people with a stimulating work environment that provides career-building opportunities for professional development; therefore, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue one’s career in the transportation industry.

Offers and benefits

Compensations and benefits: $28.33/hour as entry level salaries.
Full benefits with medical, dental, vision, and life insurance services for eligible employees.
Paid CDL training: The company offers paid CDL training and permit assistance for those who do not possess a CDL
Personal Protection Equipment – PPE: The PPE is provided to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and passengers.
Welcoming work environment: The opportunity to join an award-winning team, providing transportation services to prestigious tech companies.

Requirements

Age requirement: 21 years old (Federal Regulation)
Valid CDL
WA driver’s license requirement: Must have a current state driver’s license from Washington.
Clean driving record: Clean driving record, along with a safe driving history.
Must be exceptional in customer service skills and professionalism in a customer-oriented environment.
Lingual proficiency: Must speak, read, write, and comprehend the English language (Federal Regulation).
Prior to employment: All applicants must pass a drug screening and complete the DOT physical.
Communication and decision-making: Must possess excellent communication skills and decision-making capabilities.

4. PSESD Transportation

PSESD Transportation is a department of the Puget Sound Educational Service District, dedicated to safely and dependably providing quality transportation services for students throughout the Puget Sound region. The purpose of the PSESD Transportation Department is to support education and service to the community by ensuring students have access to varied resources that promote success. It is committed to safety, efficiency, and professionalism to play a vital role in fostering student success and well-being.

Offers and benefits

Highly competitive pay: Starting wages vary from $19.11 to $27.47 per hour.
Great flexibility: A part-time schedule free from weekends, plus holidays and summers off.
Paid CDL training: Provide free CDL training and a paid apprenticeship at $19.11 hourly.
Retirement plan: Secure your future with access to the retirement plan.
Paid training: Very thorough orientation training for newly hired employees.
Commuter: Make a real difference in the lives of early learning and McKinney-Vento students by transporting them.

Requirements

Driving record: Must have an acceptable school bus-driving abstract.
License tenure: Drivers must hold a valid driver’s license for at least 5 years.
Background check: Must pass a criminal background check.
Drug testing: Pre-employment drug testing must be successfully passed.
Relocation: Relocation in Pacific, WA 98047 be able prior to employment in the area.

5. TransWest Mobility

TransWest Mobility is a leading accessible transportation service provider, focused on non-emergency medical transportation and mobility solutions. With safety, reliability, and customer care in mind, TransWest Mobility offers its services to people with various mobility challenges, helping them travel to and from doctor’s appointments, daily activities, and other needs. The company is committed to high-quality service delivery with the comfort and well-being of passengers in mind.

Offers and benefits

Weekly schedules: Available in Seattle; shift availability may vary by location.
Annual raises: Salary increase based on performance and time of year.
Quarterly safety performance bonuses: Maintain safety standards and get a bonus.
Referral bonuses: Refer a new driver to the company, and get a bonus.
Holiday pay: Get paid for recognized holidays.
Structured pay: Your pay is based on your experience.
Paid time off: Begins accruing on your date of hire and increases with length of service.
Opportunities for advancement: Career growth opportunities; many supervisors started as drivers.
Benefits package: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
401k with Matching: Company matching into your retirement plan.
Paid DOT medical card & physicals: Coverage for obtaining/maintaining your medical certifications
TransWest culture: Small tight knit team, with fun events like summer BBQ’s, holiday parties and contests.

Requirements

Age: A person must be at least 21 years old.
Driving record: A valid acceptable driving record is required.
Drug testing: Pre-employment DOT drug testing is required as a condition of employment.
Communication: Must demonstrate general proficiency in English.
Independence and direction: Ability to work independently and take directions when required.
Background check: Must pass a criminal history background check.
DOT medical card: Must have a current/active DOT medical card (may be obtained during the hiring process).

6. Swift Transportation

Swift Transportation is one of the biggest and most popular trucking companies in North America, offering a surefire way for aspiring drivers to enter the industry through its paid comprehensive CDL training program. With decades of experience in the transport industry, Swift is determined to equip new drivers with skills, knowledge, and confidence for successful over-the-road driving.

Swift Transportation provides a low-cost CDL training program through its Swift Academy, tuition assistance, and can put beginners with no prior experience on the road to a rewarding trucking career. Swift Transportation is an exceptional choice to get started on a career in transportation, boasting competitive pay, extended benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

Offers and benefits

Paid CDL training: Swift Academy offers affordable CDL training with tuition assistance to help you obtain your Class A CDL with little to no upfront costs.
Competitive pay: While out on the road with a mentor, enjoy competitive weekly pay, with opportunities for increased pay upon completion of the training program.
Comprehensive benefits package: Medical, dental, vision, prescription benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, and more.
Career advancement opportunities: Swift offers a wide range of driving opportunities, including dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, dedicated, intermodal, and many more.

Requirements

Age: Be at least 21 years old.
License: Have a valid driver’s license.
Driving record: No DUI in the past 10 years if CDL-A holder; no DUIs in the past 5 years if non-CDL holder. On-road or DOT preventable incident, no more than one in the last two years.
Background check: A criminal background check and drug screening are required.

7. Wilson logistics

Wilson Logistics is a family-owned transportation company that provides an in-depth paid CDL training program for aspiring drivers to enter into the trucking industry. From on-the-job training to personal, one-on-one instruction, Wilson Logistics makes sure trainees receive the experience and support they need to become successful professional drivers.

Offers and benefits

Wilson Logistics offers a company-sponsored CDL training program. It covers training costs for all its trainees upon completion of a one-year contract. The program includes travel, lodging, breakfast, and lunch during onboarding to keep out-of-pocket expenses minimal.
Following the passing of the CDL-A exam, the trainee is guaranteed $900 every week during the training period for financial stability while developing his or her skills.
Upon completion of training, the driver qualifies for insurance including medical, dental, vision, and life benefits beginning 60 days later; 401(k) employer matching, paid time off, and bonus opportunities to include a $10,000 longevity bonus every five years.
Wilson Logistics offers different driving opportunities and focuses heavily on promoting from within so that drivers can have long-standing career advancement with this carrier.

Requirements

Age: The applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
License: An active valid driver’s license for the last 12 months. Although a CLP is required prior to training for a CDL-A, Wilson Logistics will assist a candidate in obtaining one.
Driving record: No more than one traffic violation in the last 12 months and no more than three in the last three years. An acceptable driving record demonstrates past safe driving behavior.
Physical requirements: This position requires a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical Cost will be reimbursed upon completion of onboarding with Wilson Logistics.
Background check: The selected candidate shall undergo a criminal history background check and a pre-employment DOT drug test to show observance of safety.

8. Driver Solutions

Driver Solutions is a recruitment and training agency that specializes in placing individuals into trucking opportunities. For more than 25 years, they have teamed up with highly recognized trucking companies like PAM Transport to provide company-sponsored CDL training programs. Their method makes it possible for prospective drivers to acquire a Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, without having to pay any tuition up front, thereby making entry into the profession much easier.

Offers and benefits

Free CDL training: Get $5,995 in truck driver training for free without any payroll deductions.
Paid lodging: Tuition includes all lodging expenses.
No CLP up front: You are not required to obtain a CLP prior to attending school.
Training pay: Make $300 – $350 a week while training on-the-road.
Guarantee job: One full year of employment as a PAM Transport driver upon completion of training.
Competitive pay: Starting at 26-28 CPM and going up every 3 months all the way to 34 CPM in just your first year; After 2 years, 35 cents per mile; after 3 years, 36 cents per mile, with annual increases up to 42 cents per mile.
Comprehensive benefits package: After 3 months, medical, dental, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
Paid vacation: 1 week after 1 year of service; 2 weeks after 3 years; 3 weeks after 10 years.
Career advancement: 6 months to 1 year you can go into regional or dedicated runs.
Late model equipment: Kenworth, Freightliner, International, Volvo, Peterbilt all late model with electronic logs and APU’s

Requirements

Age and work eligibility: At least 22 years old with a current U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the U.S.
Driver’s license: You would need a valid U.S. driver’s license and held for one of the last one year period, no CLP is required to sign-up but it would be required within the program.
Residential address: You need to have a U.S. residential address within the recruiting area.
Driving record: No DUI/DWI in the past 5 years; No more than one DUI/DWI conviction in lifetime; No speeding tickets over 20 mph over the speed limit in the last 3 years.
DOT compliance: You will be required to pass a DOT medical exam and a DOT drug screening within the first few days of the program.
Dedication to carrier: You are required to commit to at least a year of working with PAM Transport as a condition of keeping the free CDL training benefit.
Time away from home: Mentally and physically prepare to spend no less than 7 days at a time away from home.

FAQs

1. Which company pays the most for CDL training in Washington?

Schneider and First Student are by far the most preferred firms when it comes to good pay during CDL training in Washington. While Schneider comes up with its paid CDL training program attached to its performance bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and benefits, First Student features similarly with its paid CDL training program, competitive starting wages, as well as extra perks like child ride-along programs. You must inquire directly from the companies concerned since pay differs from company to location and role.

2. How can I get my CDL for free in Washington?

In Washington, there are a variety of fruitfully free ways through which to get a CDL; these include extension programs by one’s employer, state-sponsored workforce programs, and individual scholarships from community colleges. Most transportation companies offer free CDL training to prospective employees in exchange for future employment after license acquisition as mentioned above.

Final thoughts

In the state of Washington, paid CDL training programs are an outstanding way to start a lucrative career in transportation. Enjoy great pay, comprehensive benefits, and even the possibility to obtain your CDL free of charge through company-sponsored training. You can create a bright future in this prosperous industry. Whatever you need, whether it’s starting your job with leading companies such as First Student, Schneider, or TransWest, this is the way to becoming a professional driver. Starting on a new career today! Join and feel the experience of best paid CDL training in Washington State and drive your future ahead.