All About Company Sponsored CDL Training
In this Article
Company sponsored CDL training provides a great alternative to truck driving school. By choosing company sponsored CDL training, you enter an employment contract with a carrier. This employment contract saves money on schooling expenses, and secures a job for you after you complete your training – as long as specific qualifications are met.
Read on to learn about the ins and outs of company sponsored training, along with what the employment contracts entail.
How Does Company Sponsored CDL Training Work?
Choosing company sponsored training is a fantastic way to enter the world of trucking. You’ll work toward earning your CDL under the guidance of experienced company drivers, while also securing almost guaranteed employment after you complete your training.
While company sponsored training itself generally follows the same model across the board, different carriers have different stipulations and processes. It’s important to speak with yours to understand how their sponsored CDL training programs work, and what their contracts involve.
Once you choose the carrier you would like to work with, you will typically sign a contract before you begin. Specifications of your contract may vary, but these contracts generally last for one year after training is completed.
This means that you’re entering an agreement to work as a company driver for the carrier who trains you for a specified amount of time. If you do not fulfill your employment contract, you will likely be asked to reimburse the company for the total cost of your training.
These paid training programs can last from a few weeks to a few months. Your company sponsored training will likely cover:
- Straight line backing
- Left and right offset backing
- Left and right turns
- Coupling and uncoupling a trailer
- Pre-trip inspection
- Training on the road
Gaining hands-on experience with the above list – and more – is a huge benefit of company sponsored training. You’ll become familiar with the company’s equipment and train with an experienced driver while you fulfill your employment contract.
Do You Pay Anything for Company Sponsored Training?
It’s important to note that if you do not fulfill your employment contract, you will be required to pay the company back for the entire cost of your training. You might also be required to pay additional costs or interest, depending on what was outlined in the contract.
Each program and carrier operates differently. You will need to speak with your specific carrier to have an exact answer as to what expenses you may expect from the company’s training program.
You do not pay tuition for company sponsored training – since your repayment of the program is your agreement to work for the company for at least a year after you finish the program. Some carriers may even offer to cover other expenses for you, including transportation to and from the facilities, housing, or some meals.
Other carriers, however, may withhold a certain amount on your paycheck once you begin working as a driver full time. These withdrawals tend to be small and end after they’ve added up to a certain amount. Once you have that amount paid, you will be cleared of any further financial obligations in your tuition agreement. These withholdings generally will not amount to the total cost of a CDL school.
Which Carriers Offer Company Sponsored CDL Training?
Many carriers offer company sponsored CDL training. We partner with some of the most reputable ones in the industry. Following is a list of some carriers offering company sponsored CDL training.
Note: the training these carriers have to offer may depend on your location.
TMC - TMC is the largest employee-owned open deck freight carrier nationwide. The company sponsored training programs they offer also pay you while you train, pay for additional benefits, and will give you experience hauling flatbed.
C.R. England - Since 1920, C.R. England has made its name as one of the nation’s top temperature-controlled carriers. You will be trained using top-of-the-line equipment, and can expect opportunities for career advancement.
Western Express - Western Express is proud to offer some of the highest paying rates in the industry. Their company sponsored programs also offer paid training, and can prepare you to work with different trucks like flatbed and dry van.
TMC, C.R. England, and Western Express are just some of the outstanding carriers that we partner with who offer company sponsored CDL training. If you’d like to explore more options, search through more jobs with company sponsored CDL training programs here.
Ready to Train With Little to No Expenses?
All in all, company sponsored CDL training is a great opportunity for drivers who are on the lookout for a way to break into the trucking industry. Be sure that you understand the contract you are signing before you begin, and you should have a great training experience.
Ready to get rolling? Explore your training options today. If you’re looking for financial aid with trucking school, browse your financial aid options here.
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