Wilson Logistics: Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Overview

Wilson Logistics offers a well-structured, company-sponsored CDL training program designed to launch successful trucking careers. With modern equipment, hands-on instruction, and a family-owned culture, Wilson provides a clear path from student to solo company driver or for those that have a desire, to operate their own business as a lease operator.

About Wilson Logistics

Founded over 50 years ago, Wilson Logistics is a family-owned and operated trucking company with a fleet of over 500 trucks. Known for its commitment to driver success, the company offers:

• Small class sizes and personal attention
• New, well-equipped Freightliner Cascadia
• Competitive pay from the day you obtain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• A supportive training environment
• Competitive Lease Program

Hiring Requirements

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have had a valid driver's license for 3 or more years
• Be a U.S. citizen or hold an Permanent Registration Card
• Pass a DOT physical and drug screening
• No DUIs or reckless driving within the past 5 years
• Felonies reviewed case by case
• Provide 3 years of verified employment history

How to Apply

Interested in starting your CDL journey with Wilson Logistics?

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Important Note:

You must obtain your CDL permit before arriving at training. Studying ahead and passing your written test will ensure a smoother start.

The 3 Phases of Training

Phase 1

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)Training Program

Location: Wilson Logistics Headquarters in Strafford, MO

If you are accepted into the Wilson Logistics training program you will be required to sign a one-year contract. The cost of training to obtaining your Commercial Driver's License is $4900.00 dollars. That cost will be forgiven after your first year of employment or leasing with Wilson Logistics.

Until you become a licensed commercial driver and are employed by Wilson Logistics the Company will (lend) advance you up to $200.00 weekly as a meal allowance. CDL training usually takes between 14 and 21 days. Any advance will be repaid by you thru payroll deduction once you obtain your CDL and your offered employment at Wilson Logistics. The repayment plan will be 25.00 per week until the amount borrowed is paid back in full. Please note you are not an employee of Wilson Logistics until you pass the CDL Exam and your offered employment

Hotel Stay: Provided during week 1, Breakfast and Lunch included.

Once you arrive on Monday a shuttle will pick you up at the hotel at 6:30 am and will take you to obtain your DOT Physical and Drug Test if required. Once those items are complete you will head to our headquarters is Strafford MO. And begin orientation and training.

What to Bring to Training

Here's a checklist of essentials for your time at Wilson's training facility:

• Social Security card (original, unlaminated)
• Valid driver's license
• CDL Permit (Your permit is not valid without a valid driver's license)

Personal Items:

• Slip-resistant shoes and one pair of hard-sole boots
• 7 days of clothing
• Work gloves, rain jacket, towels, and grooming items
• Bedding (pillow, blanket, twin sheets optional) a sleeping bag is recommended during training
• Clipboard, pens, calculator, alarm clock
• Any current medicine (please always have a one-month supply with you)

Phase 2

Once you obtain your Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) you will be assigned to a Certified Over the Road Trainer. You will be with your trainer for 30,000 miles. (approximately 5 to 7 weeks) During this phase of training, you will learn the fundamentals of trucking. Examples: trip planning, weights and balances, log management, routing, how to load and off load your trailer and much more. The day you receive your license is the day you start receiving your guarantee pay. Guarantee pay is 128.57 per day which is 900.00 per week. There will only be one trainee per truck. The trainee is never to sleep on the top bunk with the truck moving. Once your Fleet Manager and Trainer certify phase 2 training is complete you will move to the final phase of training, phase 3.

Phase 3

Phase 3 allows a driver to earn more revenue and demonstrate that they have the skills to operate a truck efficiently. During this phase you will operate a truck with another apprentice that has the same number of miles and training as you. Phase 3 is 30,000 miles. Each driver will still have the $900.00 guarantee but will get an additional 31 cents per mile for all miles above 2900 miles for the week. Example: If the truck runs 4100 miles each driver will be paid for an additional 1200 miles at .31 CPM = 372.00. So total pay for that week would be $ 1,272.00 before tax. If there are no accidents or service issues each driver will at that time be qualified to upgrade to an A Seat at that time

• Non-smoking trainers available by request
• Disputes between trainees and trainers are handled respectfully by management
• Trainers must pass a certified “Train the Trainer” (T3) course and vehicle inspection

Company Driver Pay & Benefits

Solo Pay (Post-Training):

$.50/mile solo

$.62/mile team (split)

Training Pay:

$900/week guaranteed with a trainer (Phase2)

Mileage bonus above 2,900 miles/week with another apprentice (Phase 3)

Vacation Pay

• 1 week after 1 year $ 500
• 2 weeks after 3 years $ 1,000
• 3 weeks after 5 years $ 1,500

Health & Retirement

You can apply for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and participate in the 401K, 60 days from your date of hire.

If you elect benefit's they will commence on the 1st day of the month after you elect coverage.

Rider Policy:

Riders must be approved and insured (No Rider Under 10 years of age)

Riders are not authorized during Phase 2 and Phase 3 of training

Pet Policy

Once you're on your own Pet's are welcome to ride with you. No Pet Deposit Required

Dispatch & Home Time Policies

Home Time:

Drivers earn 1 day off for every 7 days on the road with a maximum of 5 days off at any one time. Drivers are not paid guarantee pay if they elect to take time off at home or a destination requested by the driver. Drivers can drop trailers at a terminal, drop yard or customer prior to taking time off. Terminals are in Strafford MO, Springfield MO, Pittston PA, Salt Lake City UT, Minooka IL, and Pierson FL, drop yards and customers are in just about every state. Several of the most utilized drop yards would be Auburndale FL, Miami Fl, Pierson FL, Dallas TX, Atlanta GA, Phoenix AZ, Ontario CA and many more.

Freight Type: Primarily refrigerated

Drop & hook freight accounts for ~15-20%

Driver Opportunities

• Company
• Optional lease program available

Equipment & Technology

Wilson Logistics operates a Fleet of 2024 thru 2026 Freightliner Cascadia's. We have one of the newest fleets on the road. All trucks have state of the art EPU's for comfort and Idle control, refrigerators and 2500-watt inverters. Verizon 300GB internet is avail upon request for 20.00 per week.

All trucks are also equipped with Samsara and E-log technology.

Conclusion

Wilson Logistics offers a professional, supportive, and cost-effective pathway into the trucking industry. Whether you're, exiting the military, or simply seeking a better future, their paid CDL training program is built to help you succeed — without the burden of upfront costs or long-term debt.

From quality equipment, personal training, fair policies and a family-run atmosphere, Wilson Logistics delivers a strong foundation for a long-lasting trucking career.

Why Choose Wilson Logistics?

Choosing where to begin your trucking career is one of the most important decisions you'll make — and Wilson Logistics is built for your long-term success, not just a quick start.

If you are accepted into the Wilson logistics training program you will have no upfront cost. After your first full year of employment or leasing the cost for CDL Training is waved. At Wilson Logistics we offer better hands-on instruction and personalize instruction.

Whether you're just starting out, changing careers, or transitioning from the military, Wilson Logistics offers a professional, structured, and supportive path into the trucking industry. No company has a more supportive owner.