If you want to get paid to become a full-time truck driver, then paid CDL training is the right choice for you. It is an alternative to private truck driving schools where you will avoid having to pay a large amount of money upfront.
What is Paid CDL Training? What truck drives need to know.
If truckers were given the choice of paid training versus unpaid training, they were likely to choose paid training. Paid CDL training helps aspiring truckers to gain their commercial driver's license (CDL) and earn money at the same time. This article explores what truckers need to know about paid training and how companies can benefit from offering training.
What is paid CDL training?
A Commercial driver license is required, whether a driver wants a full fledged trucking career or just to drive a commercial vehicle part time. Every state will test before a driver is certified to drive a commercial truck on highways. You will first require a commercial learner's permit. Then you will need to go back to driving school.
When you take paid CDL training, you will get company sponsored instructions instead of paying to attend a private trucking school on your own. After your training is complete, to take advantage of company sponsored CDL training, you will need to sign a contract with that fleet consent to work for them for a set period of time. This can be eight to twelve months.
What are the benefits of paid CDL training?
You do not need to pay $3000 to $6000 in advance before you even have a job aligned. Rather you earn while you learn, knowing that you have employment at the end of the course work. Many trucking companies that offer sponsored CDL training do not need credit checks and will offer sign-on bonuses, full benefits and yearly pay raises.
There are few drawbacks to consider though. The fleet wants to get you on the road as quickly as possible. So, you will be in a passionate learning environment. Some trucking companies will have ten to fifteen training days. You might even be able to attend school nights or weekends. You also need to travel a distance to train at the companies that pay for CDL.
How to qualify for paid CDL training?
You have to be at least 21 years old and legally eligible to work within the United States. You will also need a valid driver's license without any moving violations in the last three years. You must not have any DUI convictions or DWI convictions in the last five years and be able to pass a DOT drug test and medical exam.
What to expect from paid CDL training programs?
You may think that you know how to drive if you've your driver's license, but driving a truck is a very different thing. You will be learning the rules and regulations of the road for trucks as well as how to maneuver and navigate the truck in tight spaces.
Expect some book work and training in map reading, trip planning, Hours of Service (HOS), and complaisance. You will also learn how to perform vehicle inspections and maneuver trucks on the road. Maneuvers comprise advanced backing techniques, shifting up or down (double clutching) taking corners rightly, entering and exiting the road securely, defensive driving, up or down grade management and overall traffic and weather control management. For more information:
Do you always get paid for CDL training?
NO, so whenever giving an interview in a trucking company, you should always ask, "Will I get paid for CDL training here?" An important question is, "Will I need to repay my tuition?" Some trucking companies may expect you to pay back some or all of the training costs once you're out on the road. Also, you should ask where the training is offered? If you've to travel, you may have to pay for your own living expenses.
How and where to find paid CDL training?
You can find paid CDL training programs through online search or visiting a trucking company information centre. For example, Punjab Truck Driving School in Fresno,California and Utah Truck Driving School. You can directly ask a company where you want to work and ask about their training programs.
How do fleet companies benefit from paid CDL training?
You must know that there is a driver shortage. According to the American Trucking Association the number of drivers needed is at a "historic high."
Paid CDL training assists fleet companies to grow their candidate pool. A company that offers paid training, aspiring drivers will be more interested in working with that company. And at the same time you'll get better qualified drivers.
It can be costlier when drivers are under equipped for their role with your fleet. Even the best optimized routes may take longer if the driver is not up on HOS requirements, involved in accidents or running trucks so hard that they need more out of service maintenance time. Part of your training program covers HOS documentation and maintenance reports as well as how to understand ELD inspections and how to prepare for them. All this will improve driver's efficiency and overall fleet productivity.
Utah Truck Driving School is a pre-eminent Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training provider who has successfully helped a large number of aspirants with their CDL training. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the trucking industry and want to explore all the options concerning Commercial Driver's License , Contact us today at (435)-477-7711 or drop us an email at utahtruckdrivingschool@gmail.com.