Veriha Trucking: Company-Sponsored CDL Training

At TruckingTruth, we've done a ton of research for you! We've contacted the company recruiters at Veriha Trucking and put together a fantastic review of the Veriha Trucking paid CDL training program.

We'll start you off with our opinion of their paid CDL training program and then we'll take you through all of the key features and important information you'll need to know. Some of what we'll cover:

• Student Hiring Requirements
• Truck Driving School Locations
• Driver Pay During Training
• Advantages Of Working For Veriha Trucking
• Cost Structure Of CDL Training
• CDL Training Itinerary
• Veriha Trucking Pay And Benefits
• Vacation Pay And Home Time

Veriha Was Voted One Of 2018's Best Fleets To Drive For!

That's right! Veriha Trucking was one of the award winners in 2018's Best Fleets To Drive For produced by CarriersEdge and the Truckload Carrier's Association each year. This is an amazing accomplishment.

Veriha Trucking is small enough company that they will know your name but big enough to have a lot of opportunities for various fleets including entertainment, home daily, regional, and OTR. They keep their apprentice to instructor ratio at 1:4 or less and their apprentice to trainer ratio is 1:1.

Veriha was fortunate enough to have been voted by their drivers as one of the “Best Fleets to Drive For” in 2018 and their training pay and GPAY (guaranteed pay) are both industry leading. Monthly performance reviews and pay increases are completed for the first 12 months of solo driving. You are eligible for a $0.01cpm increase to your base pay and $25.00 increase to your weekly guaranteed pay on a monthly basis.

Veriha’s Apprenticeship Program is on average 8 weeks before going solo and has 2 years of continuing education that includes Train the Trainer course and Teaching a Train the Trainer class which makes it far more comprehensive than a typical training program.

Established in 1978 by John Veriha as a one truck operation, Veriha Trucking has grown to a 250+ truck company that is now owned and operated by John’s daughter Karen. They are almost exclusively a dry van company. They have an elite entertainment fleet that haul gear for concerts and events.

Their CDL School (Veriha Driving Academy) and main terminal is located in Marinette, WI with terminals located in Neenah, WI and Milton, PA. Unlike most Trucking Companies they have gone the extra mile and started a state registered and certified school that they piggyback off of with their in-house training program.

Veriha Trucking Minimum Hiring Requirements

• Possess a valid US driver’s license for at least six months.
• Possess a driver’s license from your state of legal residency.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Meet Homeland Security/Transportation Administration requirements.
• Proof of US residency or Green Card.
• No failed or refused drug or alcohol tests in the past five years (includes DUI, OWI, DWI or BAC’s).
• Must pass a Department of Transportation physical and controlled substance and alcohol test.
• Must meet Department of Transportation requirements for employment.
• Must be able to successfully pass the Functional Capacity Evaluation.
• Obtain a Class “A” Instruction / Learners Permit.
• A recorded video interview
• Felony convictions will be reviewed

Veriha Trucking Hiring Areas

Veriha Trucking primarily hires from the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast but they also have additional freight areas.

Veriha Driving Academy CDL Training Facilities

Veriha Trucking Drop Lots And Terminals

Cost Structure Of Veriha Trucking

You will be hired on as a paid, full time employee right from day one. The only expenses you will have are your Commercial Learner's Permit (which you will get in your home state before arriving), transportation to and from Marinette, WI, and food/drink. All traditional expenses are covered by Veriha to help you keep focused on becoming the best driver you can be.

If you fulfill the 12 month or 120,000 mile contract your training will be free. If you fail to fulfill the contract you will owe $12,500 for the CDL training course, the hotel room, the continuing education that was provided, and all other costs associated with your hiring and training.

What are all of the up-front costs?

The only expenses you have are your Commercial Learner's Permit, transportation to and from Marinette WI and food/drink.

Will my meals be paid for?

No, since you are being hired and paid from day one they ask that you provide your own meals.

Will my room be paid for?

Yes, anytime throughout the training if you are required to stay at a hotel it will be paid for by the company. The hotel was built new in 2020. Typically, 3 students share 2 rooms. Rooms are equipped with a full sized fridge and stove-top burners to allow students to make meals after classes.

Can I pay for my CDL training up front and have no further obligation?

Yes. Veriha’s Academy is a 3 week course that allows you to do this.

What are the obligations for paying back the schooling after graduation?

The CDL School and all associated trainings are free as long as the 12-month contract is fulfilled. If you choose to leave before satisfying your obligation you are responsible for the entire amount of $12,500.

TruckingTruth's Take On The Cost Of Training At Veriha Trucking

We feel this is a great setup. You're going to be paid as a full time employee right from the day you arrive and if you fulfill the entire contract the CDL training is completely free. It doesn't get any better than that.

If you do not fulfill the contract, the $12,500 price tag is very steep but in our opinion it should be. Veriha has a lot to offer and they're giving you full pay, full employment, and room and board right from day one. We feel it's critical that students fulfill their training contracts. This should not be considered optional or taken lightly. It takes a tremendous commitment to get your trucking career underway and you should be prepared to make that commitment before you take on such a huge challenge.

Items To Bring To Veriha Trucking

• Birth Certificate (Original or Certified Copy with a state seal)
• Bring any corrective lenses you need, including readers.
• Social Security Card
• Valid Driver’s License
• Slip-resistant shoes
• Note pad for taking notes and doing homework
• Rain-gear/Jacket
• Any medications you are currently taking
• At least 7 days’ worth of clothes, a pair of hard-sole shoes, work gloves, jacket.
• Bedding (pillow and blanket, twin sized sheets, or a sleeping bag)
• Towels, washcloths, and all other necessary grooming items you may need. A laundry bag is recommended, to store soiled items.
• Clipboard, pens, calculator, battery operated alarm clock.
• Gloves and a flashlight
• Bring your personal belongings in a soft sided duffel bag, rather than a suitcase if possible.

Preparation For Veriha Trucking

Do I need to get my CDL permit before attending school?

Yes, one of the pre-requisites to getting into the program is having your CLP.

Do I need a US Passport?

No, you do not need a U.S. Passport. However, you will be required to provide identification at training and a U.S. Passport may be an acceptable form.

Which CDL endorsements are required or encouraged?

No additional endorsements are required. But we do encourage new drivers to start the process to obtain all of their endorsements to give themselves more opportunities in the future.

Though not required, we always recommend getting a passport. Hauling freight into Canada has become more streamlined, and a passport will give you more options for the future.

The same applies to endorsements. We advise getting all available endorsements up front, which will keep you prepared for future opportunities.

Bring as much paperwork with you as you can, including any medical records or forms which could prove past employment and help with the background investigations. Always be certain that your birth certificate and social security card are un-laminated originals.

Veriha Trucking CDL Training Itinerary

Arrive Sunday evening to your accommodations made by Veriha. Class starts Monday morning to complete all employment paperwork and then begin classroom instruction. The first 3 weeks are spent in Marinette with their State Certified Instructors. You will have a great mix of classroom education, range time, and simulator training.

On the range you will be perfecting your pre-trip and backing skills. As you advance in your training you navigate on the roadways and may be hauling freight with one of their trainers as you are preparing for your CDL road evaluation.

After passing your CDL road test you will be paired up with a Veriha VIP trainer for a 1:1 live experience hauling freight. Skill repetition will give you the experience to be a successful solo driver. You will complete a minimum of 8,500 miles.

This is an extremely fast-paced approach to training and you will receive the full introduction to the lifestyle that is needed to be successful in trucking. Our focus is on safety and productivity.

How long is the training overall?

The training program averages 8-10 weeks prior to running solo. As a solo driver you can expect 2 years of continuing education to ensure your success.

How much time on the range backing up?

After classroom, the remaining 2.5 weeks is skill development on the range and road skills. A typical day is an hour of pre-trip, an hour of road skills and the rest backing skills on the range. The Instructor will tailor the day’s plan to the needs of the class.

During the practice range phase, how many students share one truck?

Their goal is to have no more than 4 students per truck with the instructor; however, when one student is backing another truck is available on the range for the other apprentices to work on their pre-trip.

How much time in classroom?

Their program is designed to be hands on and 1-2 days of the first week are spent in the classroom with the rest of the training taking place in/around the truck.

TruckingTruth’s View On Veriha Trucking Training Itinerary

The goal of this program is to get the students handling the rigs out on the highway as quickly as possible. In the past, many of these programs would have students practicing in a parking lot with shifting and backing for two or three weeks, along with a little bit of local driving, before attempting to take their CDL exam.

Nowadays, this is the preferred way of training new drivers. You'll get your permit and immediately go out on the road hauling freight with a trainer before returning to take your CDL exam. This is a very intense way of training new students but we like that. You will find out quickly if you have what it takes to make it in this industry and you'll be much better prepared to take the driving portion of the CDL exam when you return.

On The Road Training Itinerary With Veriha Trucking

Is the training period based on number of days, number of driving hours, number of miles, or some combination?

The training program is based on 3 weeks of range/instructor, at least 8,500 miles with trainers, and 1 week of over the road co-driving with another student.

How much will I be making when I'm on the road with a trainer?

Students will receive $100 per day, up to $500 per week, while you're on the road with a trainer.

Do they run your trainer and you as a "team" operations or like a solo truck?

Our apprentice’s and students are always ran as a solo truck. At no time during your training will you ever be expected to “team drive”.

On The Road Training Policies at Veriha Trucking

Do students share a truck?

Yes and no. When you are with your training it is one on one with your trainer. The final phase of your initial training will pair you with another apprentice for a CO-Driving Phase. This is NOT a team operation and the truck will continue to run as a solo truck with apprentices splitting all duties associated with the truck equally for 1-2 weeks depending on what level that each apprentice is performing at this time.

Do you have a "No sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is rolling" policy?

Yes, they have a no sleeping in any bunk while the truck is rolling policy.

What is your policy for handling disputes between trainer and student?

Disputes are handled on a case by case basis by management, and Veriha Trucking abides by federal guidelines regarding a hostile work environment.

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes, a non-smoking trainer may be requested.

What are the company's minimum qualifications to be a trainer?

Trainers are selected based on their Commercial Motor Vehicle driving history, clean and safe record (both driving and operationally), their ability to pass their "Train the Trainer" course, and they must have a passion to see students/apprentices succeed.

TruckingTruth’s View Of The Veriha Trucking Academy Training

This is also a great setup. You'll be dispatched as a solo truck with your trainer, which means the student won't have to try to sleep while the trainer is driving. This method is far less stressful on the student.

It's also a great idea to have two students team together for a short time to help each other get used to that initial time on the road making decisions for yourself. The truck will still be dispatched as a solo truck, preventing you from having to sleep while the truck is rolling.

Advantages Of Working For Veriha Trucking

• Voted Best Fleets to Drive for 2018
• Monthly safety and performance reviews once solo-eligible for monthly pay increases.
• Guaranteed pay with eligibility to increase monthly for your first 12 months.
• Guaranteed home time
• Driver centered pet and rider policies
• Newer late model equipment for training and company drivers
• Family owned and operated
• Hands on paid training-get paid up to $4000 to earn your CDL
• They are small enough to know your name but big enough to have new innovated technology and well maintained equipment.

TruckingTruth's View On Working For Veriha Trucking

Voted "Best Fleets To Drive For 2018" - what more can you say, right?

For drivers looking for a family-owned company that's a little smaller than the mega carriers, Veriha is a fantastic option to consider. They are right on the leading edge of what trucking companies have to offer for drivers in today's industry.

Veriha Company Driver Pay

How much will I be making once I'm running solo in my own truck?

Drivers are earning an average of $70,000 in their first year.

Company drivers are paid a base pay of:

• $0.41/mile for Home Daily
• $0.42/mile for Midwest & Southeast Based Drivers
• $0.43/mile Northeast Based Drivers

Earn $0.02cpm more on top of your base pay by showing up to all scheduled trainings on time and passing CDL on your first try!

Starting minimum guaranteed pay of $900 per week.

When will I receive pay increases?

Pay increases are monthly beginning 30 days after upgrading to a solo driver.

Monthly review Based on safety and operational performance: you are eligible to receive a $0.01/mile pay increase and a $25.00 Gpay increase for the first 12 months

Do you offer a Fuel Bonus?

Veriha’s Quarterly Operational Bonus is up to $.05 based on the driver having 90% fuel compliance, and other factors.

Veriha also offers a Quarterly Safety Bonus (up to $0.05/mile) that is based upon total safe miles.

What about Vacation Time?

5 days at 1 year; 10 days at 2 years; 15 days at 5 years

Veriha Trucking Company Driver Benefits

What health insurance and benefits do you have?

Veriha Trucking offers health insurance including all major standard benefits and options such as life insurance, 401k retirement plans, vacation time, and an optional per diem plan.

What is the average cost of benefits?

Health plans start at $20/week. Dental plans start at $7.93/week and vision plans start at $1.73/week

How long until you qualify for benefits?

You will be eligible for benefits the 1st of the month following 60 consecutive days of employment.

Pets & Travelers Policy

Do you allow pets?

They do allow pets. There is a weight limit and a $500 non-refundable fee that is required before pets are allowed to be taken out in the truck. The Veriha Safety team will determine when it is safe to allow your pet to join you in the truck. This is typically after you show safe driving practices and within 60-90 days of solo driving.

What is the company's rider policy?

Each rider must be approved to ensure they are covered by insurance; students will be allowed to have riders after showing safe driving competence - Typically after 90 days of solo experience.

Veriha Trucking Dispatching Policies

Can a new driver run regional or dedicated right after school?

Veriha drivers can choose from Home Daily, Regional (5.5 days out w/ up to 48 hrs guaranteed home time), OTR (12-14 days out w/ up to 72 hrs of guaranteed home time). If a driver lives in Wisconsin near Marinette, Green Bay, Neenah, or Sturtevant, there are home daily opportunities. Entertainment requires 6 months of solo driving experience prior to joining that fleet.

Will there be any NYC driving required?

Not if you don’t want it. They don’t have a lot of freight into the city and what they do have is to get drivers who live in the area home. Veriha does NOT force dispatch.

Are you forced dispatch? Is the driver given any options for different loads?

Veriha is not forced dispatch. Their drivers are the “captains of their ships” and can refuse loads based on any safety or HOS hazards/conflicts they see.

How often can I expect to be home? For how long at a time?

Company drivers can choose from:

• Home daily in various Wisconsin based locations
• Home weekly schedule of 5.5 days out and up to 48 hrs of guaranteed home time
• Every other week home time12-14 days out and up to72 hrs of guaranteed home time

What percentage of freight is drop and hook?

Their current freight pattern is such that their drop and hook percentage hovers around the 60% mark.

TruckingTruth's View On Veriha Trucking Dispatching Policies

Veriha's dispatching policies are right up there with the best. You don't have to go to New York City, you have your option of various home time opportunities, and they have a high percentage of drop and hook freight which keeps you moving.

New drivers can get home on weekends or every other weekend if they like, with dedicated opportunities after you've proven yourself as a driver. This is a really nice setup.

Veriha Trucking Company Driver Opportunities

Do you have a leasing program, and will I be persuaded or incentivized to lease?

Yes, they do have a lease program. There are opportunities for company drivers to move into that realm if that is what they desire but there is no “push” from us to force drivers that are happy as company drivers to move into that role.

What divisions do you have? (Local, dedicated, regional, tanker, flatbed, reefer)

They have OTR, Regional, Dedicated, and Local fleets. They are currently are a dry van specific company.

Veriha Trucking Military Apprenticeship

We are proud to announce that we have the ability to offer veterans the ability to utilize the GI Bill and attend our Apprenticeship Program.

Veriha Trucking Equipment

What kind of trucks do you have?

Freightliner Cascadia and Volvo VNL 64T860

Do you run electronic logs?

Yes, they currently use Platform Science with navigation.

What are your trucks governed at?

65 MPH

Do you have APU units?

They have a mix of APU units, bunk heaters, opti-idle, and park smart equipped trucks.