When it comes to getting your CDL finding and paying for your CDL school can seem overwhelming. The cost of a private CDL school is several thousands of dollars and lets be honest not everyone is in a position to be able to pay for it.
Thankfully there are options when it comes to finding a free CDL training so making that first steps to obtaining your CDL just a bit easier
In this article on Truck Driver CDL101 we will look at the options of finding a free CDL School
Free CDL School Option 1 – Grants
There are a number of grants out there that will help you pay for CDL school with the most popular being the GI Bill which will help former members of the military cover the costs of getting your CDL
Every State has programs that potential CDL drivers can utilize to help cover the cost of CDL training. A bit of research may save you thousands of dollars
Another option is The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) which is a Federal grant that helps people gain meaningful training to enter the workforce
Free CDL School Option 2 – Company Sponsored CDL School
There are a number of mega truck companies that have their own schools where they will train drivers to get their CDL and once they have their license will employ the new truck driver
A few of the schools that offer free CDL school are : Swift, Prime Schneider and Knight Transportation>
Positives About Company Sponsored CDL School
The good part of about company sponsored CDL school is the trainers are normally formally truckers that have years of experience and the company has designed a training program that will help train new drivers effectively.
The majority of these schools will also pay the student to train with them, cover rooming throughout their training program as well as meals.
Of course once you graduate from the specific company sponsored CDL school you will have a job waiting for your
Negatives About Company Sponsored CDL School
Well the negatives about company sponsored CDL school are pretty lengthy and one needs to really look hard at whether the downside of getting your CDL in this manner is worth it.
The cost of the training, wages and room and board are going to be charged back to you at the end of the training.
The majority of the new CDL drivers will pay it back by working for the company for a set period of time until the loan is paid off. The driver in this case tends to work at a lower rate than a driver who obtained his/her CDL the traditional way.
Unfortunately for those who are sent home, fail to pass the final tests or decide to head to greener pastures early will be held responsible to cover the costs of the training
The other aspect is if you graduate and are awarded with a CDL you are now working for a company that you may not like for whatever the reason. Your earning potential is going to be much lower until you satisfy the contract in order to cover your training
Truck Companies That Offer Free CDL School
Schneider – Paid CDL training | Schneider
Roehl Transport – CDL Training & Truck Driving Schools
Prime Transport – Company Paid CDL Training vs Private Truck Driving School: What’s The Difference?
Knight Transportation – Paid CDL Training Programs for Truck Drivers | Get Started Today!
Swift Transportation – Truck Driving School: CDL Training Program & Swift Academy
