Are you interested in a trucking career, but worried about the cost of training for a CDL? Don’t worry! Most trucking companies have paid CDL training programs that will get you a license without paying anything out of pocket. These programs cover tuition, offer job placement, and even pay while you are training.
This post walks you through the best companies that provide such training and other considerations before making up your mind. For a quick answer, some company names that can be listed are Roehl Transport, CR England Truck Driving School, Wilson Logistics, and more. Scroll down for more details!
How do trucking companies pay for your CDL training?
If you are looking for a way to receive a CDL without an out-of-pocket expense upfront, you will be pleased to know that several trucking companies will offer various types of financial assistance. Each company has its own sponsored structure, but they generally fall into four categories:
Employment contract
Most paid CDL training programs require you to sign an employment contract, whereby you commit to driving for the company for a certain time after completing your CDL training. They, in turn, cover your training costs. In that case, if you quit before the contract expires, you have to reimburse a portion of the cost covered by the company for your training.
Loan forgiveness
Loan forgiveness programs are the second most popular option. In this scheme, the trucking company lends you money to pay for your CDL training. As you work for the company, portions of your loans are forgiven, meaning you do not have to repay the full amount. The longer you stay with the company, the more your loan is canceled. This is a great way to avoid out-of-pocket expenses but not be obligated to a long-term contract immediately.
Direct sponsorship
Direct sponsorship is when the trucking company offers its internal program instead of sponsoring your training at a certified school. When you finish the training and secure your CDL, you immediately start working for the. The trade-off here is that you are required to sign a contract where you are obliged to work for the company for a certain time. This is a great option if you are looking to avoid loans or out-of-pocket expenses.
Reimbursement programs
Some companies would rather reimburse you for your CDL training than pay for the cost of it outright. In a tuition reimbursement program, you pay for the cost of your CDL. Once you have been hired, the company reimburses you for the cost of your training in phases over a set time. The reimbursement is usually given in installments added to your normal paychecks. This program is less restrictive compared to direct sponsorship. You are given room for flexibility, but you have to be able to pay the initial cost of training.
The 10 best trucking companies that pay for CDL training
Several well-known trucking companies offer the best-paid programs for CDL training. The following is a top 10 list of the best companies, along with their program features and requirements:
1. Roehl transport
Roehl Transport is known for its paid training program that hires and pays students from day one. You will have a combination of classroom instruction with on-the-road training handled by experienced drivers.
- Best for: Long-haul tracking
- Location: Marshfield, Wisconsin; Neenah, Wisconsin; Conley, Georgia; Gary, Indiana; and Phoenix, Arizona
- Requirements:
- Pass DOT physical and drug test.
- Clean driving record
- Must commit to a 7-month or 12-month truck driving employment contract.
- Pros:
- Immediate hiring and first-day pay
- Premium CDL training for 3-6 weeks by top instructor
- Long-haul opportunities available
- Passenger and pet policies are available
2. Wil-Trans CDL training
Wil-Trans has all-inclusive paid CDL training with the possible outcome of professional drives. Their program includes classroom sessions, hands-on driving practice, and mentoring by experienced truck drivers.
- Best for: New drivers seeking regional and long-haul routes
- Location: Missoula, MT & Springfield, MO
- Requirements:
- Pass DOT physical, background check, and drug screening.
- Active driving license for 3 years
- No convictions in the past 3 years
- Pros:
- Competitive pay through training
- Job placement directly after training
- Advanced driving possibilities.
3. CR England truck driving school
CR England is one of the larger entities within the trucking industry that provides a good CDL training program to bring new drivers into their fleets as quickly as possible. The paid training they offer is among the largest training programs in the nation and boasts some of the fastest job placements following completion of the training program.
- Best for: Team driving and refrigerated transport
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT; Burns Harbor, IN; Dallas, TX; Fontana, CA
- Requirements:
- Pass a drug test, background check, and physical exam
- Commit driving for 9 months
- Pros:
- One of the latest programs
- An extensive support network for new drivers
- Full paid tuition
4. Carter Express
Carter Express offers paid training in exchange for driving with them once you have your CDL. Their program is highly rated to focus on safety training and be friendly to new drivers.
- Best for: Regional driving
- Location: Indianapolis, IN; Dayton, OH; Knoxville, TN; Detroit, MI; Cincinnati, OH; Laredo, TX; NE Arkansas/SE Missouri/Memphis, TN
- Requirements:
- Pass a DOT physical and background check
- Have a satisfactory employment record
- Have an acceptable MVR
- No more than 2 moving violations in the past year
- No alcohol-related offenses in the last 5 years
- Pros:
- Paid training
- Safety-focused training
- Long-term employment opportunities.
5. Maverick Transportation
Maverick Transportation has built a reputation for the best in flatbed and glass hauling. Their CDL training is very comprehensive, and they provide a trainee with everything they need to hit the road to success in their profession.
- Best for: Flatbed training
- Location: Portage, IN; Madison, IL; Green Bay, WI; Laurinburg, NC; Fort Smith, AR; Church Hill, TN, and Burkburnett, TX.
- Requirements:
- Meet physical, vision, and safety standards
- Clear criminal background
- Must live in Maverick’s hiring area
- Pros:
- Paid training
- Safety-oriented
- Excellent benefits package such as housing, prepaid card, meals
- Competitive first-year salary
6. PAM Transport
PAM Transport provides CDL training with a focus on dry van and expedited services. Their program is intensive and speedy, providing job placement right after completion.
- Best for: Expedited freight
- Location: Nearly 30 states across the country such as Alabama, Florida, Texas, etc.
- Requirements:
- Pass the drug test, physical exam, and background check
- Have a valid US driver’s license
- No convictions for a DUI offense in the last 5 years
- Pros:
- Paid training
- Short training
- Job placement immediately
7. Schneider Trucking
Scheneider’s CDL training program combines classroom education with hands-on driving experience. Being one of the largest trucking companies, a variety of driving routes and opportunities are afforded to their drivers.
- Best for: Drivers driving opportunities, solo, and team driving
- Location: Charlotte, NC; Chicago, III; Green Bay, Wis; Indianapolis, Ind; Wilmer, Texas.
- Requirements:
- DOT physical and drug screening
- Have Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least the past 12 months
- Pros:
- Paid training
- Classroom instruction
- Compensation during training
- Opportunities nationwide
- Strong job stability
8. Wilson Logistics
Wilson Logistics pays for in-house CDL training in return for the driver committing to being their employee. They boast a superior mentorship program by pairing the best driver with an experienced driver for on-field mentoring.
- Best for: Regional and long-haul trucking
- Location: Missoula, MT, & Springfield, MO
- Requirements:
- Pass a DOT physical and drug test
- Have an active driver’s license for at least 3 years
- No DWI, or DUI convictions within the last 5 years
- Verify past 3 years of employment history
- Pros:
- Paid training
- Mentorship program
- Flexible job routes.
9. TMC Transportation
TMC is a flatbed trucking company that works to provide top safety ratings. Their paid CDL training program emphasizes safe driving and supports you throughout your career.
- Best for: Flatbed trucking
- Location: Des Moines, IA and Columbia, SC.
- Requirements:
- Pass a DOT physical and background check
- Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit
- Pros:
- No upfront cost
- Safety training
- Competitive benefits package
- Job placement guaranteed
10. Knight Transportation
Knight Transportation offers paid CDL training with flexible scheduling and competitive pay. They have training locations throughout the country, so you can ensure that finding a location to fit your needs is easy.
- Best for: Drivers seeking flexibility
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Requirements:
- Pass a drug test, background check, and DOT physical
- Pros:
- Paid training
- Small training class sizes
- Mentoring with experienced instructors
- Flexible scheduling
- Full benefits package.
What factors should be considered with paid CDL training
When considering enrolling in paid training provided by companies, it is important to take these factors into account, ensuring that you are making the right decision:
- Background checks: Most sponsored training companies require a clear driving record to get started, a background check, and drug testing before you take their programs.
- Requirements: Most programs have minimum requirements regarding age, education, and physical capacity. Ensure you meet at least the minimum requirements before application.
- Job opportunities: Consider job opportunities at the company. Whether it provides regional, over-the-road, or specialized hauling. Choose which fits best with your goals.
- Contracts: Understand what you are signing, and know exactly what the agreement states. Make sure you are happy with both the commitment and cancellation fee/penalty associated with early release.
FAQs
1. What trucking companies will pay for CDL training in Georgia?
Companies such as Roehl Transport and Shnieuder offer tuition-covered CDL training programs in Georgia in exchange for a guarantee by the graduate of a job.
2. What trucking companies will pay for CDL training in Wisconsin?
One of the best companies in Wisconsin that offer paid CDL training is Roehl Transport, with several locations and states. The company is the best option for local and long haul.
3. What trucking companies will pay for CDL training in Florida?
As mentioned in the best 10 companies with paid CDL training, PAM Transport offers paid CDL training in Florida and will place you in a job upon complaint of your training. Additionally, you can review the paid CDL training of Prime Inc. or Jim Palmer according to the recommendations of TruckingTruth.
4. Do trucking companies provide paid CDL training with housing?
Yes, several of them, such as CR England and Roehl Transport offer paid CDL training programs that provide housing at a reduced rate or as part of the deal.
Final thought
This post has provided you with the list of “What trucking companies will pay for CDL training”. Paid CDL training is an excellent avenue to start your trucking career without financial burden. Whether you prefer long-haul driving or regional driving, there is a program tailored to your needs. It is recommended that you carefully review the companies and programs listed above, consider their benefits and contract terms, and come to a decision that best fits your career goals. If you need any help, do not hesitate to leave a comment or contact us. We are always willing to address all your concerns. Good luck with your CDL training and driving career!
