YRC Freight Trucking: Company-Sponsored CDL Training

At TruckingTruth, we've done a ton of research for you! We've contacted the company recruiters at YRC Freight and put together a fantastic review of the YRC Freight 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 YRC Freight
• Cost Structure Of CDL Training
• CDL Training Itinerary
• YRC Freight Pay And Benefits
• Vacation Pay And Home Time

YRC Is One Massive Company!

YRC Freight reflects the Yellow Transportation (founded in 1924 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) purchase of and subsequent merger with Roadway (founded in 1930 in Akron, Ohio). They also own Holland Freight and New Penn Freight. They have multiple terminals in each of the 48 contiguous states.

Keep in mind, first of all, that YRC's company-sponsored training requires that students live within commuting distance of their training centers (locations shown below). That said, it can be an excellent opportunity for the right candidates. Students will have to provide their own meals, as well as have their doubles/triples and tanker endorsements and TSA letter of approval for Hazmat.

The training academy is 4 weeks, as is the on-the-road training portion (160 hours). New drivers will start on linehaul routes. YRC runs mostly terminal-to-terminal LTL freight, so drivers will normally be home 2.5 days out of every 7.

YRC's starting pay is much higher than average, and is union-contract pay. Also it should be noted that they run a CDL program for dock-workers in their terminals, as well. The training itself seems pretty standard for large companies like YRC, but the benefits of employment look exceptional.

YRC Freight was created when Yellow Transportation (Founded in 1924) combined with Roadway Express (founded in 1930). Their subsidiaries include Holland, Reimer, and New Penn. They are mostly a terminal-to-terminal LTL carrier with numerous safety and achievement awards. They own over 8,400 tractors, and run mostly doubles trailers, and also own over 12,000 48' and 53' vans.

YRC drivers are union, and are paid very well and according to contract. YRC also provides free health-care benefits, including family.

YRC Freight Minimum Hiring Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Must pass DOT drug test, DOT physical, and criminal background check.
• Must have a current motor vehicle report (MVR) that represents a history of safe operation.
• Must have the ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Must be able to follow posted safety rules and safe operating procedures.
• Must be able to work various shifts and days of the week.
• Must live within commuting distance of one of the training locations.
• Must be able to acquire Hazmat/tanker and doubles/triples endorsement.

YRC Freight Hiring Areas

YRC hires nationwide, but in order to qualify for their CDL school you must live within driving distance of one of their school locations.

YRC Freight CDL Training Facilities

YRC Freight Drop Lots And Terminals

YRC operates company terminals in multiple cities of each state throughout the country.

Cost Structure Of YRC Freight

What is the cost structure of the CDL school?

There is no cost for the school.

What are all the upfront costs?

The student needs to pay for their CDL permit, TSA check, DOT physical, and Hazmat and tanker endorsements.

Will my meals be paid for?

No, students must provide for their own meals.

Is lodging included in tuition?

No, students will be commuting to school, so they will need to live near one of the schools

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

No, there is no option to pay up front.

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

Drivers agree to work for YRC for 1 year. If the driver leaves YRC before the year is up, he or she will be responsible for the entire CDL school tuition.

TruckingTruth's Take On The Cost Of Training At YRC Freight

As YRC does not have any payment options besides the 1 year obligation, the only costs are the permit, TSA and endorsement fees. Leaving before the 1 year mark will leave the student on the hook for the entire CDL Training Academy tuition.

This is keeping in mind that no meals or lodging are provide, and the driver must provide their own transportation back and forth to school daily.

Items To Bring To YRC Freight

Because students will be commuting back and forth to school, they will not need to bring things like clothes and toiletries, etc. You'll still want to bring items such as gloves, sunglasses, notebook, identification, etc. YRC recruiters will advise on what is expected.

Preparation For YRC Freight

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

Yes. Drivers will also need their medical card, and TSA letter of approval.

Do I need a US Passport?

No, but while a passport is not required, we always encourage drivers to get one for future opportunities.

Which CDL endorsements are required or encouraged?

Hazmat/tanker (X) and doubles/triples (T) endorsements are required.

TruckingTruth's View On Preparing For YRC Freight CDL Training

YRC is also kind of unique in that they require students to have their tanker endorsement specifically, as well as the TSA approval letter that will allow them to get the Hazmat endorsement.

Students also won't need to be too worried about an "items to take" list, as they will be responsible for having a place to stay and for their meals.

YRC Freight CDL Training Itinerary

How long is the training overall?

4 weeks, 160 hours.

How much time on the range backing up?

50% of all behind-the-wheel time.

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

1 student per truck.

How much time in classroom?

About 35 hours is spent in the classroom.

TruckingTruth’s View On YRC Freight Training Itinerary

The Training Academy itself is average length, at 4 weeks. About a week is spent in the classroom, the rest will be on the practice range or road practice.

According to YRC, 50% of practice time will be spent practicing backing. YRC graduates will be running almost all doubles, so you'll need all the practice you can get.

On The Road Training Itinerary With YRC Freight

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

On-the-road training is 4 weeks, 160 hours.

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

Drivers will be paid the current hourly rate.

On The Road Training Policies at YRC Freight

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

Trainer/trainee runs as a solo truck.

Is there more than one student per trainer and truck?

No.

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

Not applicable, trainer trucks do not have a top bunk.

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

The terminal manager will resolve issues and disputes.

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes, non-smoking trainers may be requested.

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

5 years with company, safety record clean.

TruckingTruth’s View Of YRC Freight On The Road Training

Not only is the on-the-road training run as a solo operation, but is run like an hourly day position, at 4 weeks/160 hours. With typical YRC drivers being out 5 days and home 2.5, it should prepare you for the job you'll be doing.

YRC trainers are also required to have quite a bit of time with the company compared to other programs, with a demonstrated safe driving record.

Advantages Of Working For YRC Freight

• Terminal-to-terminal routes.
• Drivers out 5 days or less.
• No touch freight.
• Paid for all down time.
• No customer dock contact.
• Free health insurance.
• High starting pay.
• Safety-oriented company

TruckingTruth's View On Working For YRC Freight

YRC Freight operates a unique CDL training program in that graduates will be assigned to the terminal closest to the school they attended. For that reason, keep in mind, students will need to be able to commute back-and-forth to school.

Additionally, YRC does operates a "get your CDL" program for dock employees, as well, who work in other YRC locations. Their overall benefits like pay and home time are above average and should be considered.

YRC Freight Company Driver Pay

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

Union pay rates. 1st year drivers are paid per mile, $65,000 to $70,000 first year. City drivers typically make upwards of $20/hr.

When will I receive pay increases?

5% yearly up to 3 years.

Do you offer a fuel bonus?

No, YRC Freight does not offer a fuel bonus.

YRC Freight Company Driver Benefits

YRC Freight offers the usual medical, dental, vision plans, including family, but at no cost to the driver.

How long until you qualify for benefits?

Drivers are eligible for benefits in 90 days.

What is the average cost of benefits?

There is no cost for benefits, including family.

What about vacation time?

2 weeks annually.

TruckingTruth's View On YRC Freight Company Driver Pay

YRC Freight offers not only exceptional pay for first-year drivers, but also is unique in that they also provide health insurance programs for both the driver and their family at no charge.

Pets & Travelers Policy

Do you allow pets?

Pets are not allowed.

What is the company’s rider policy?

Riders are not allowed.

YRC Freight Dispatching Policies

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

YRC only runs terminal to terminal regional or team to the west, so most drivers will have regional jobs.

Will there be any NYC? How soon would a new solo driver be expected to go there?

No NYC.

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

YRC Freight drivers are force dispatched, there are no options for loads.

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

Normally, YRC drivers will be out for 5 days or so, and off for 2 1/2 days weekly. Paid hotels, except for team/sleeper drivers. Pickup % delivery drivers are home nightly.

What percentage of freight is drop and hook?

100% of the freight is drop and hook.

YRC Freight Company Driver Opportunities

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

No, YRC does not have a leasing program.

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

Exclusively LTL freight dry van doubles.

TruckingTruth's View On YRC Freight Company Driver Opportunities

YRC freight offers great home time opportunities, with a no pets/no riders policy, but also no NYC.

YRC Freight Equipment

What kind of trucks do you have?

Mostly Volvo day-cabs. Some Peterbilt and Kenworth.

Do you run electronic logs?

No.

What are your trucks governed at?

Trucks are restricted to 65 mph.

Do you have APU units?

No.