CDL Truck Driving Schools

An Overview of CDL Truck Driving Schools

CDL License

The Commercial Drivers License (CDL), is recognized as the industry standard for operating commercial vehicles on U.S. roads and highways. Over 8 million drivers have passed the CDL test and obtained their Commercial Driving License.

The CDL license requires special skills and knowledge related to operating large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, buses, semi-trucks, and 18 wheelers. The
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented the CDL License and Training Program to restrict driving commercial vehicles only to drivers possessing certain skills and knowledge.

Each state has different CDL requirements and vary in the amount of knowledge that a CDL graduates should have upon graduation. For example, California requires that each applicant pass a vision test in addition to the other tests administered, while Texas CDL applicants must surrender their currents driver licenses once they pass their CDL licensing test. However, each state is required to comply with minimum standards in their CDL tests.

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Truck Driving Job Outlook

Almost every product sold in the United States spends at least some time in a truck. While planes, trains, and ships are also used to transport goods, no other form of transportation has the same level of flexibility as a truck. As a result, trucks are used to transport everything from canned food to automobiles.

The truck driving industry needs professional drivers now! According to the 2010-2011 Edition of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook the truck driving industry, because it is so large, will need 291,000 new drivers between 2008 and 2018. In addition to the need for new drivers, more job openings will become available as experienced drivers leave the industry.

What kind of salary do truck drivers earn?

According to Salary.com average earnings range from $29,000+ to $49,000+ annually, with the median salary being $39,000 per year. Indeed.com lists the average salary at $53,000 per year.

Salaries in the trucking industry is calculated differently than most jobs. Average truck driver salary is paid by using a mileage scale. When talking about trucking salaries, most people will tell you that for every mile driven, you earn a certain amount of money. The more miles a truck driver drives, the more they will get paid.

Per mile pay for newly trained CDL drivers just graduating from trucking school typically start at $.27-.29 or more depending on the trucking company. Every 3 months or so, you should receive a raise to your mileage pay by about a penny. Even though it doesn’t seem like a penny would make much difference in a paycheck, by the end of one year, those raises will add up. For example, a driver earning $37,000 a year will earn just short of $40,000 per year with a single cent raise. Not bad.

Types of Truck Driving Jobs

Truckers are responsible for transporting goods and commodities from one location to another safely and according to schedule. There are a variety of truck driving jobs available that are classified by the type of truck being operated, the distance and frequency of trips, and any other duties or responsibilities that the driver may have during deliveries.

Short Distance Heavy Truck Drivers
A heavy truck driver operates a vehicle that weighs more than 11.6 tons from one destination to another that can be reached and returned from during the course of a normal work day. Short distance heavy truck drivers may travel the same route on a consistent basis or perform different runs each day as assigned.

Long Distance Heavy Truck Drivers
Long distance heavy truck drivers transport goods in a vehicle that weighs more than 11.6 tons on longer trips. Often, long distance heavy truck drivers work with a partner, alternating sleeping and driving so that driving can take place 24 hours per day.

Light Truckers
Light truckers operate vehicles that are less than 11.6 tons, and may be involved with hauling goods short or long distances.

Delivery Truck Drivers
Delivery truckers operate trucks or vans that weigh less than 11.6 tons and are responsible for making multiple stops at businesses or residences to deliver goods. Delivery drivers may be employed by a wholesaler, manufacturer or retailer.

Route Drivers
Like delivery truckers, route drivers operate light vehicles and make frequent stops to a number of customers; however, unlike delivery drivers, they are required to perform a service or sales function in addition to hauling. Some route drivers accept orders from customers, help stock inventory, remove unsold products and return them to the warehouse or manufacturer, or sell additional products to customers.

Find a School

Take a look at the top CDL truck driving schools below. If you see a school you're interested in, just request an information kit by filling out a short form. It's free and easy!

	All State Career
	HDS Truck Driving Institute
	New England Tractor Trailer Training School
	Phoenix Truck Driving Institute
	Smith and Solomon Commercial Driver Training
	United States Truck Driving School
	Yuma Truck Driving School