Best trucking companies that pay for cdl training

Starting out in the trucking industry can be frustrating for rookies. What most new truck drivers do not understand is that experience is where the money is. Just like with any other job, entry level positions do pay considerably less. Going through a truck driving school that offers employment placement assistance really is your best bet. Inexperienced tractor trailer drivers are a high risk to companies. There are several reputable companies that do pay very well for first year drivers.

Swift Transportation is the highest paying company for rookie drivers. Not only can new truck drivers get their schooling through Swift, they can go right into employment with the company when the schooling and training are complete. Swift allows student drivers to repay their tuition and schooling costs over a period of 26 months while employed with the company. On average, first year dry van drivers earn $41,110. Team dry van drivers, in their third year can earn roughly $88,710. The pay does gradually increase year by year, based on performance, safety and experience.

Con-way Freight also hires new CDL license holders. Several types of drivers are accepted with them from expedited freight van drivers to tractor trailer drivers. The salaries do vary depending the position and number of runs taken, but the average van driver can earn $800 – $1,000 per week easily. Con-way Freight does keep strict delivery deadlines that must be met. It is a fast paced environment that requires drivers to be alert, self-starters and dependable.

J.B. Hunt is a reputable trucking company that does hire rookie drivers. The average yearly salary for rookies is $40,000. Of course, bonuses and additional perks are available for their top drivers. J.B. Hunt is a company that has many benefits including no forced dispatch. The fuel surcharges are adjusted weekly based on the price of fuel that week. For owner-operators, parts and other repair materials can be purchased through the company at a discounted price. These are just a few of the benefits of working for this well-paying company.

Which States Pays the Highest Rookie Truck Driving Salary?

Truck driving salaries tend to not follow suit when it comes to the cost of living in an area. It is more about the job being performed and the company you are with. It does seem that the jobs that no one seems to want do pay more, even for rookies. A lot of those jobs are available in the state of New York according to CNN.

West Virginia and Mississippi are also high paying states for rookie drivers according to PayScale.com. Several technical driving positions pop up all year long. These positions require precision driving and dedication. In West Virginia, local or state-wide drivers earn top wages simply due to the terrain within the state.

Important Notes to Keep in Mind as a Rookie Truck Driver

It is important for rookies to understand that they may have to go to a different state for employment if their company of choice does not have a local terminal. This will also get them the highest wages. Some truckers do suggest that you find the company, then work out the terminal details and how to juggle for an out-of-state terminal second.

Rookie drivers are more likely to get hired with a large company such as Swift, Con-way, J.B. Hunt or Werner Enterprises. Schneider Trucking is another large company that has a truck driving school and hires many of their graduates. Although their pay is slightly lower than others, drivers learn invaluable lessons and have top notch training.

The first year as a truck driver is essentially a learning year. Although the schooling is complete, there are things that must be learned only by performing the job. Rookies have to have a lot of patience and must be willing to take constructive criticism in order to be successful in the trucking industry. In this ever-growing industry, safety and dedication go a lot further than a driver that can get the most miles per week. Positions are always available for rookies along with experienced drivers as the truck driving industry always has the demand for drivers.

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A Day in the Life of a Truck Driver

Jonathan Knope, contributor with The Rideshare Guy, discusses his experience as a truck driver in the video below.

Are you a new truck driver? Are you worried that your lack of CDL training or experience will make it impossible for you to get started? 

Don’t be! If you are looking for an entry level position, many trucking companies offer sponsored training programs, ranging company-subsidized training or training hosted by the company itself. Additionally, there are companies that provide good starting pay as well as employee benefits. 

Below, we have compiled a list of the five top trucking companies for new drivers. 

U.S. Xpress, Inc.

Headquarters: Chattanooga, TN

Founded in 1986, U.S. Xpress, Inc. is one of the biggest and most reputable asset-based truckload carriers in the United States. Supportive of their company drivers, their truck driver training program is perfect for new drivers who need additional training. 

Many drivers have received direct funding for their CDL trucking school tuition or living expenses through the Post-9/11 GI Bill Apprenticeships program, with a position available after new drivers complete their training. 

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Benefits Package: Company match 401(k), Optional full-ride college tuition program, Veterans program

Explore U.S. Xpress, Inc.’s open positions. 

CRST

Headquarters: Cedar Rapids, IA

A major privately-held transportation company, the industry giant was founded in 1955. In addition to a funded CDL training program with job placement, CRST also offers tuition reimbursement up to $8,000, which is one of the highest tuition reimbursement programs for new Class-A CDL holders. 

All new drivers are matched with one-on-one mentorship from an experienced driver, providing you with essential over-the-road (OTR) training.

Health Insurance: Medical & dental coverage, Free life insurance

Benefits Package: Company match 401(k), Paid vacations, Weekly Hometime options, Veteran sign-on packages

Explore CRST’s open positions.

Schneider 

Headquarters: Green Bay, WI

One of the oldest and most established companies on this list, Schneider was founded in 1935. Dedicated to training and supporting new drivers, they will help fund your training: whether that is with their company-paid CDL training programs or tuition reimbursement for a truck driving school near you. 

With their paid orientation and a Guarantee Pay program, working with Schneider means you will earn reliable income and experience to further your career. 

Health Insurance: Medical, dental and vision coverage, Optional life insurance

Benefits Package: Company match 401(k), Military service benefits, Paid day-offs

Explore Schneider’s open positions.

Roehl Transport

Headquarters: Green Bay, WI

Established in 1962, Roehl Transport offers a robust training program that maps out your career path, from completing your CDL training to choosing the fleet you want to work for. 

Not only do they offer a paid CDL certification, they also offer a Safety and Job Skills Program (SJSTP) to all new drivers to help them be successful and safe. 

Health Insurance: Medical, dental and vision coverage, Optional life insurance

Benefits Package: 401(k), Profit-sharing plan, Paid vacations and holidays

Explore Roehl Transport’s open positions.

Prime Inc.

Headquarters: Springfield, MI

A premier transport company that opened in 1970, Prime Inc. invests in new drivers through their paid driver training program to acquire your CDL. They offer a $250 bonus if you pass the CDL on your first try, and their comprehensive program makes it easy for new drivers to do so.

Prime Inc. offers free transportation to their training locations in Missouri, Pennsylvania or Utah. During your training, new drivers receive not only hands-on training, but also computer-based and simulator type of training. Most importantly, they provide one-on-one instruction to help you get the practice you need to ace the CDL.

Health Insurance: Medical, dental and life insurance

Benefits Package: 401(k) Success Sharing plan, Up to $2,800 in paid vacation each year

Explore Prime Inc.’s open positions.

Choosing the right company to start your truck driving career is an important decision that will allow you to feel respected, gain experience, and advance in your career. 

All of the companies on this list are well known and have solid reputations, but don’t forget—you should still do your research when choosing your first trucking company to work for. 

Company-sponsored training can be fast, easy, and free you from upfront costs, but be certain that the specific terms in the agreement are acceptable before signing on. Make sure you choose a good company that offers thorough training and reasonable work hours at an acceptable wage.

Find truck driving jobs with TheJobNetwork. With expert career search tips and thousands of jobs in the field of logistics and more, TheJobNetwork has tools and resources to help you succeed in the trucking industry. 

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Which company has the best CDL training program?

Quicklook: Best Trucking Companies that Offer CDL Training.
Best For Zero Experience: Wil-Trans..
Best For People Living Within Driving Distance: YRC Freight Trucking..
Best For Team-Based Trucking: CRST Trucking School..
Best For Driving Practice: CR England Truck Driving School..
Best For In-Person Classes: Carter Express..

What company pays the most for CDL drivers?

Private Fleets Walmart is just one example of a company with its own fleet of trucks. They offer one of the best paying truck driving jobs in the U.S. Their rate of pay for a company truck driver ranges from around $70,000-$85,000 US per year.

Who is the best trucking company for a new driver?

Quicklook: Best Trucking Companies Hiring Inexperienced Drivers.
Best For Training: Roehl – Quick Apply Now..
Best For Company Culture: GP Transco – Quick Apply Now..
Best For Flexible Home Time: Fraley & Schilling – Quick Apply Now..
Best For Innovation and Safety: Schneider National, Inc. –.

What state pays CDL drivers the most?

Highest-Paid Truck Drivers By State.