The first step to getting a commercial driver’s license is by looking for a CDL training school. The specialized program is ideal for people looking to obtain a license and start as truck drivers with their preferred company. There are two types of CDL training near me options available in your search, paid, also known as sponsored, and private CDL training.
Private CDL training
Private CDL training is training a student undertakes offered by a reputable training company to get a commercial license at your own expense. Experienced licensed instructors give students the skills and expertise for a successful career. An ordinary licensing course takes about 17 days to 6 weeks to complete the entire CDL training.
Paid CDL training
The search for CDL training schools near me starts online by searching for reputable trucking companies stating you would like to be trained to drive a truck. It works as the companies usually offer the training in exchange for working for them under the stipulated contracted times until the end of the contract. Due to the enormous demand for truckers, large trucking companies operate their training schools. It’s ideal if you are looking for a CDL training license without incurring the massive costs of private training schools. Some of the best company paid CDL training near me are:
1. Crete Carrier Corp.
2. Shaffer tracking
3. U.S. Xpress, Inc.
4. Schneider National
5. Werner Enterprises
6. JB Hunt
7. TMC Transportation
8. Prime Inc
9. Con-way Truckload
What does the free CDL training mean?
Free CDL training costs mean that the payment does not occur upfront in the course of the training. In most paid CDL training, the trucking company plans to deduct small percentages of the fees applicable after graduating as you work. Depending on how long you will work for the company after paying the total amount, some reimburse it back to you. However, in most CDL training companies, the training is entirely free for drivers, and no payments are made in the future. However, in the first year of working with the company, expect the standard low entry fees stipulated in the contract. After which, a revision of the terms and conditions is necessary to get a better pay rate.
Qualifications for a sponsored CDL training
When looking to get CDL-sponsored training from one of the companies, there are minimum requirements that you need to have to be taken on board. Some of them are;
• 21 years old
• Valid U.S driver’s license
• Clean driving record without DUI’s
• No criminal record
• Physically and mentally fit
• A clean drug test when needed
• Verifiable work experience of at least 36 months
• Commitments to tracking company for a minimum of 1 year
Advantages of sponsored CDL training?
Depending on the trucking company you want to sign up for, some advantages are found across the board. For all the paid CDL training near me, some of these are:
1. Affordability
The most distinct advantage is a free truck driving training course. None of the sponsored training programs require any amount of money upfront when compared to private training companies.
2. Employment opportunity
After taking the rigorous course for a few weeks, the other advantage is getting a job with the trucking company. It is vital to get a company that offers at least one-year contract since getting a job trucking may be difficult if the company you have trained for is less known. Also, companies usually prefer candidates with some experience in trucking instead of a graduate with no experience from a not well-known school.
3. Hands-on experience
After graduating from the training, the first few months are usually hard when you venture on your own, and accidents are bound to happen. When learning to maneuver and navigate the roads, the trucking company equipment is ideal for learning as they are customized to withstand harsh conditions and cannot easily be damaged. The difference is that since it’s a learning curve, you may suffer no consequences or penalties up to a certain percentage, as the damage is already accounted for as opposed to privately training.
4. Open slots
Many trucking companies have adopted the train first hire later attitude and usually want you to get the necessary skills and knowledge in training before handing over equipment to graduates. In this case, there is always an open job opportunity, and all you need to do is sign up and train to get hired.
5. Easy equipment
Big truck companies have simplified equipment and are generally easier to operate and drive. It is made to avoid time and money wasted trying to learn or improper means of operation causing breakdowns.
6. Earn money
Some companies usually pay for training courses offered for CDL. Although it’s unlikely you will get all experience necessary to work as a fully experienced trucker in a few weeks, the pay is motivation enough to push you to get the needed knowledge to drive well.
What to expect when entering a CDL training school that is sponsored?
Before signing up to one of the numerous company sponsoredCDL training near me for a license, there are some aspects you have to consider
• Travel for training
Training programs are usually held away from the company’s main premises. It means that the programs can be further from where you live even though the headquarters may be located a few minutes away and might cause tremendous inconveniences.
• Expenses
The training for CDL is free of charge. However, everything else has to be out of pocket. There are trucking companies that offer accommodation and cover meals while some do not. Investigate what is being provided during training to ensure that it aligns with what you can afford.
• Long training days
The training period for a CDL by companies is usually short. However, the day times for the course are incredibly long, and you can have 12+ hour days in class. Be mentally and physically prepared for the long stretches of lesson times.
• Contract commitment
Trucking companies offer free CDL training to ensure that you work for them for at least a year. If there are legitimate reasons why you cannot satisfy the contract as stated, you have to pay them for the program. It makes it impossible to look for another job since you are legally bound to the contract.
Private truck driving vs free paid CDL schools
There are numerous differences between private trucking companies and free sponsored schools.
- Private training schools require an upfront payment upon registration before the training begins while the sponsoredCDL schools do not require payments
- Accommodation on private training is at the expense of the student while paid training costs is usually born by most trucking companies offering the courses
- Private training schools offer governments grants and other financial aid deemed necessary while sponsored schools are not eligible for any financial aid.
- After private training, you can work for any trucking company while sponsored training students have to work for the company for at least a year so that the company recoups and makes a profit from its initial investment training students.
- Private training schools work independently and offer no job guarantee after completing the training-sponsored CDL schools to come with a job guarantee for the company in question after graduating.
- Private training is expensive while sponsored training is free and some offer payments while training.
Choosing the best CDL training free schools
After considering personal aspects and circumstances before signing up, take a closer look at the schools offering the free courses.
• Repayment period
The repayment period on the course provided is vital to consider. Review all aspects and fine print details to establish how it works and how much is expected. Be sure to check on how much you will be receiving on each payment after deductions if they arise to consider if it is worth it.
• Legality
Every contracted aspect of the training should be in writing so should the prospect job aspects applicable in the future. It makes the whole prospect legal and binding, and if it is notrequired, look for another company to avoid being scammed.
• Past experienced
Only persons having gone through the training will tell you about their experience and knowledge of the company. Talk to some graduated truckers from the company and get information on how much they could learn and skills acquired in the process. Askabout time-off and leaves and emergencies to see if the company culture suits your standards.
• Work
The most important aspect is finding out what the trucking company transports and specializing in long-hauls or short-hauls. Investigate if the truckers are placed in teams for long hauls or have to work on their own.
Before signing up for one of the CDL training schools near me online, be confident that trucking is the right career as a contract will be written and bound by law. Driving a truck can be stressful and lonely, with most days spent on the road. If you find that the trucking company is not ideal, be patient until the end of the contract before signing up to work with another trucking company to avoid legal battles. Consider the money factor and calculate whether it will be able to cover your expenses and other things, as some companies pay better than some. Consider the location of the training and terms of the accommodation offered by the different companies, before deciding one that is best suited for you. Although training programs are short, some companies involved in specialized trucking goods usually take longer and can last months. Investigate and check whether this is a suitable offer for you. However, getting in touch with reputable training programs is the necessary step to start your training career.