Free Truck Driving Schools and Company-Sponsored CDL Training

by Brett Aquila

free truck driving school

There are trucking companies that offer CDL training through their very own truck driving schools. These are known as company-sponsored CDL training programs, and every one of them is structured differently. Are any of these free truck driving schools? Some of them, yes. Others will require you to pay back the tuition costs once your training is complete and you're on the road running solo.

Upon completion of your company-sponsored CDL training you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time. This is how they recoup the time and money they've invested into your CDL training, which in my opinion is a very fair deal for both sides.

Generally speaking, if you decide to quit working for the company before your obligation is complete, you will owe the company a prorated amount of money for the schooling. At some companies your training will be free once your obligation is complete, and others will require you to make payments out of your paycheck to cover the tuition for the schooling. Here's more info:

Click On The Logos Below To See More Info About The Company

Swift Transportation is one of North America's largest trucking companies. They offer truck driver training with very little money up front and in only 21 days you will have your CDL.

Swift Headquarters:
2200 S. 75th Avenue
Phoenix,AZ
Swift Transportation free truck driving school CDL training
  • Swift Transportation began operations in 1966 by transporting imported steel through the ports of Los Angeles to Arizona with one truck
  • Swift has 32 terminals in 27 states
  • Swift generates over $2.5 billion in revenue and operates over 16,000 trucks
  • Direct quote: "Swift is unquestionably the largest truckload motor carrier in the world."
  • Have won many "Carrier of the Year" awards from such companies as:
    • Wal-Mart
    • Quaker Oats
    • Ryder Logistics
    • FedEx
    • Target
    • Dollar Tree
    • Lowe's
    • Rite Aid

Click Here To Learn More About Swift Transportation's Truck Driving School

Click Here To See A Quick View Of Swift Transportation's Chart Of Features

FFE Transport has been in business for more than 60 years and is one of the industry leaders in temperature controlled LTL, Truckload, and Dedicated services nationwide.

FFE Headquarters:
1145 Empire Central Place
Dallas, TX
FFE transport CDL training academy truck
  • FFE was taken over by the current family owners from humble beginnings in 1948
  • FFE became a publicly traded company in 1971
  • One of the nation's largest refrigerated trucking companies
  • The nation's only refrigerated transportation services company offering truckload, LTL, intermodal, and logistics services locally and internationally.
  • Consists of 1,800 company owned power units and 400 owner operators
  • Once named by Fortune magazine as one of the 200 best companies to work for in the United States
  • If you remain employed with the company for one year after graduating from training, your training is completely free!

Click Here To Learn More About FFE Transport's CDL Training Academy

Click Here To See A Quick View Of FFE Transport's Chart Of Features

Prime is one of North America's most successful carriers with a variety of opportunities including refrigerated, flatbeds, and tankers.

Prime Headquarters:
2740 N. Mayfair
Springfield, MO
Prime free truck driving school CDL training
  • Robert E. Low started Prime in Urbana, Missouri in 1970 with one dump truck
  • One of the largest trucking companies in North America with over 4,000 trucks and 6,000 trailers
  • They have refrigerated, flatbed, and dry van divisions with regional or OTR options for most
  • 40,000-square foot "Millennium" complex. The Complex includes a fitness center, convenience store, gift shop, movie theater, child care center, styling salon, and an expanded cafeteria
  • There is no cost for the training if you stay for a full year
  • Operates in all 48 Continental States and Canada
  • Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri

Click Here To Learn More About Prime's Truck Driver Training

Click Here To See A Quick View Of Prime's Chart Of Features

Roehl Transport was established in 1962 with a single truck and now operates over 1,900 tractors and 4,600 trailers including dry-van, reefer, flatbed, curtainside, and step-deck.

Roehl Headquarters:
1916 E. 29th Street
Marshfield, WI
Roehl Transport Driver Training Academny truck
  • Roehl is family-owned and was started in 1962 with a single truck
  • The company now operates more than 1,900 tractors and 4,600 trailers
  • Very diverse trucking company specializing in dry-van, reefer, flatbed, curtainside, and step-deck transportation
  • Roehl has a mixture of freight including local, dedicated, regional, OTR, LTL, and TL operations
  • Received awards for service and safety including various "Carrier of the Year" awards and Top Truckload Carrier awards from multiple organizations including the American Trucking Association
  • Roehl has a tremendous variety of different home time opportunities

Click Here To Learn More About Roehl Transport's Driver Training Center

Click Here To See A Quick View Of Roehl Transport's Chart Of Features

Knight Transportation was established in 1988 and now operates over 3,600 tractors and 8,500 trailers including dry-van, reefer, and container trailers. The company operates 100% debt free.

Knight Transportation Headquarters:
5601 W Buckeye Rd
Phoenix, AZ
Knight Transportation Truck
  • Knight runs its own CDL school through a sister company called Squire Transportation
  • Unique hometime opportunities are available such as 7 on / 7 off schedules
  • Abundant regional and dedicated driving opportunities available
  • No team driving. All training is done with one-on-one instruction in a solo dispatched truck
  • When accepted to the Squire CDL Training Program, you are a paid employee earning $300 / week during CDL school
  • On average, trucks are no more than 2 years old.

Click Here To Learn More About Knight Transportation's Driver Training Center

Click Here To See A Quick View Of Knight Transport's Chart Of Features

PAM Transport began operation in 1980 and specializes in hauling "just in time" freight for the automotive industry and also frequently hauls air conditioner units, cosmetics, and paper.

PAM Transport Headquarters:
297 West Henri de Tonti Blvd
Tontitown, AR
PAM Transport free truck driving school CDL training
  • Founded in 1980.
  • While PAM operates in all of the lower 48 states, the majority of their freight is in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and the Eastern half of the United States.
  • PAM has grown to more than 1,800 trucks becoming one of the largest dry-van carriers in the country.
  • Specializes in hauling "just in time" freight for the automotive industry and also frequently hauls air conditioner units, cosmetics, and paper.
  • Teaming up with Driver Solutions, they will finance 100% of the schooling and pay for the majority of the tuition cost over the course of 1 year.

Click Here To Learn More About PAM Transport's Truck Driving School

Click Here To See A Quick View Of PAM Transport's Chart Of Features

USA Truck is a dry freight trucking company headquartered in Van Buren, AR. They began in 1989 with just 10 tractors and have expanded to more than 2,500 trucks and 7,200 trailers.

USA Truck Headquarters:
3200 Industrial Park Road
Van Buren, AR
USA Truck free truck driving school CDL training
  • Founded in 1989.
  • Started with just 10 tractors and have expanded to more than 2,500 trucks and 7,200 trailers.
  • They are a medium-haul dry van carrier specializing in hauling general commodities such as industrial items, electronics, automotive parts, etc.
  • Most of their drivers remain within 500 miles of their home and within 6 to 12 months, the majority of drivers are placed on some sort of dedicated or regional account.
  • The CDL schooling, handled through a third party called Driver Solutions, appears to be well run with a decent tuition structure which includes financing 100% of the schooling.
  • While USA Truck operates in all of the lower 48 states, the majority of their freight is in the Midwest and east coast.

Click Here To Learn More About USA Truck's Company-Sponsored School

Click Here To See A Quick View Of USA Truck's Chart Of Features

C. R. England is the nation's largest refrigerated trucking company with a long history. They have four trucking schools across the US and offer 3 weeks from the time you begin until you'll have your CDL.

CR England Headquarters:
4701 West 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT
CR England free truck driving school CDL training
  • Founded in 1920.
  • Family owned and operated for four generations.
  • Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Service provided throughout North America.
  • Over 3,500 late model Freightliner, International, Volvo and Peterbilt tractors, and 5,600 Utility and Great Dane trailers in service.
  • Four driver schools located nationwide.
  • More than 4,600 drivers and independent-contractors.
  • Over 1,000 non-driver support staff.
  • Over $750 million in revenues in 2007.

Click Here To Learn More About C.R. England's Truck Driving School

Click Here To See A Quick View Of C.R. England's Chart Of Features

CRST is a predominantly team-operated dry van company out of Cedar Rapids, IA which boasts a 1,500 mile average length of haul with more than 1,100 company-owned tractors, 2,500 van trailers, 2,000 team drivers, 350 solo drivers, and more than 250 independent contractors.

CRST Headquarters:
3930 16th Avenue SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
CRST company-paid training truck
  • Founded in 1955
  • Predominantly a team-operated dry-van company
  • A non-union and family owned trucking company which has been in business for more than 50 years
  • Classes begin weekly to obtain your CDL class A license
  • One of the shortest company-sponsored obligation periods (only 8 months)
  • Contracts out their training to 30 different CDL schools across the country
  • Guaranteed home time. If they can't get you home using your truck, they'll find another mode of transportation
  • Longest average length of haul in the industry (1,400 - 1,500 miles)
  • 99% no-touch freight, 80% drop and hook, no forced NYC

Click Here To Learn More About CRST's Truck Driving School

Click Here To See A Quick View Of CRST's Chart Of Features

Millis Transfer began hauling freight after the end of prohibition and has since grown to more than 700 tractors, 2,200 trailers, and an additional 100 owner operators. They are a dry-van carrier with most of their freight originating and terminating in the Eastern half of the United States.

Millis Headquarters:
121 Gebhardt Rd
Black River Falls, WI
Millis Transfer company-paid training truck
  • Founded after the end of prohibition
  • The majority of their freight is based on regional or dedicated customer contracts
  • Opened the Millis Training Institute in 1989 in Kennesaw, GA to more easily recruit and train drivers
  • In 1994, they opened another training facility in Trenton, OH followed by Richfield, WI 10 years later in 2004
  • Dry-van carrier with most of their freight originating and terminating in the Eastern half of the United States
  • NYC and Long Island loads pay an additional $100 but are never forced dispatched loads
  • They have more than 700 tractors, 2,200 trailers, and an additional 100 owner operators

Click Here To Learn More About Millis Transfer Truck Driving School

Click Here To See A Quick View Of Millis Transfer's Chart Of Features

Schneider National is North America's largest private truckload carrier with ton of opportunities for new drivers, and operates throughout the US and Canada.

Schneider Headquarters:
3101 South Packerland Drive
Green Bay, WI
Schneider free truck driving school CDL training
  • Founded in 1935.
  • Operates 14,000 tractors, 40,000 trailers, and has partnerships with over 6,000 carriers
  • Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Service provided throughout North America.
  • Drives more than five million loaded miles per day
  • Utilized by two-thirds of the Fortune 500 companies
  • Operates out of 36 locations in North America
  • Gained ISO 9002 certification on July 20, 1998
  • Operations include:
    • Van/truckload
    • Dedicated
    • Expedited
    • Bulk
    • Western Regional
    • Intermodal
    • Transportation Management
    • Freight Brokerage
    • Air/ocean Freight Forwarding
  • Winner of dozens of awards throughout the industry

Click Here To Learn More About Schneider's Truck Driving School

Driver Solutions is a recruiting company that matches drivers with an entry-level truck driving job working for a trucking company that will cover the upfront tuition costs of truck driver training.

Driver Solutions Headquarters:
3603 E Raymond Street
Indianapolis, IN
Pam Transport USA Truck free truck driving school CDL training
  • Through the Driver Solutions Network, you can get your truck driver training by attending a company-paid CDL training program and when you graduate with a CDL, you'll go to work for the trucking company that paid for your training
  • Driver Solutions has helped over 20,000 new drivers get into the trucking industry
  • You will not have to worry about completing student loan applications, finding a co-signer, or paying a large tuition down payment
  • There is no credit check, no down payments, and no co-signer loans
  • The Hiring zone is throughout most of the Eastern United States as seen on their hiring zone map
  • There is no fee or obligation to submit the online application

Click Here To Learn More About Driver Solution's CDL Training Program

Stevens Driving Academy of Texas has been preparing men and women for life-long careers in trucking since 1992 in locations across the nation. They are fully accredited and licensed by the State of Texas.

Stevens Headquarters:
9757 Military Pkwy
Dallas, TX
Stevens Transportation free truck driving school CDL training
  • We train you to the high standards at Stevens Transport
  • We use the most up-to-date audio-visual training methods.
  • You train on top-notch factory-built training vehicles - not old, converted trucks.
  • Get the benefit of training on the exact same equipment you'll be driving when you hit the road.
  • Stevens will finance the cost of your training. All you have to do is remain employable and stay on the road as a Stevens driver for one full year.
  • There are no credit checks, no down payments, no financial requirements.
  • Very little out of pocket expenses. Housing is available to out of town students. We'll finance the total cost of the hotel lodging, plus meal assistance is available.
  • Stevens has won a long list of awards that is quite impressive.

Click Here To Learn More About Stevens Driving Academy

Click Here To See A Quick View Of Stevens' Chart Of Features

Central Refrigerated is one of the largest temperature controlled truckload carriers in the nation with one of the fastest-paced training programs you'll find anywhere.

Central Refrigerated Headquarters:
5175 West 2100 South
West Valley City, UT
Central Refrigerated free truck driving school CDL training
  • Central Refrigerated was formed in 2002 as a subsidiary of Central Freight Lines
  • In April 2002, Central Refrigerated acquired the operations and assets of Dick Simon Trucking
  • On December 31, 2002 Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. began operating independently of Central Freight
  • Ninety-five percent of their loads are food products
  • Headquartered in a 55 acre, seven building state-of-the-art facility in Salt Lake City, Utah
  • They currently have nearly 1,400 tractors and 1,950 trailers
  • There are no credit checks, no down payments, no financial requirements to attend their driving academy
  • 180 million total company miles driven per year with an average length of haul of 1,100 miles

Click Here To Learn More About Central Refrigerated Truck Driving Academy

Click Here To See A Quick View Of Central Refrigerated's Chart Of Features

Midwest Coast Transport (MCT) offers 100% tuition sponsorship at a privately run CDL school in the Sioux Falls, SD area. While you must pay for transportation and lodging, there will be no cost for tuition.

Midwest Coast Transport Headquarters:
1600 E. Benson Rd.
Sioux Falls, SD
Midwest Coast Transport (MCT) free truck driving school CDL training
  • Medium size company with 600 power units
  • Originally formed in 1949 with only 4 trucks
  • 100% tuition sponsorship through a local Souix Falls CDL school which is independently owned.
  • Majority of drivers are offered a regional or dedicated position within months after training
  • CDL school lasts 3 to 4 weeks followed by 3 to 4 weeks of company training
  • Liberal rider and pet policies
  • No payroll deductions for tuition and a guaranteed job upon successful CDL school completion
  • Financially backed by the Comcar Industries network of trucking companies

Click Here To Learn More About The Midwest Coast Transport Truck Driving Academy

Click Here To See A Quick View Of Central Midwest Coast Transport's Chart Of Features

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