Truck drivers have fairly stable employment.
A CDL is an acronym for commercial driver's license, a type of license that lets people drive semi-trucks. Train-for-hire programs teach trainees all about trucking in return for a commitment to work for the company for a specified period. The companies that offer training hire the students, who pay the tuition in small increments as opposed to paying a lump-sum tuition. Companies sometimes fully reimburse the participants for the tuition at the end of the contract period.
Schneider National
Schneider National is a trucking company that provides CDL training for students who meet their admission criteria, which include being over 21, having a good work history and a clean driving record for the last three years, and passing a physical and a drug-screening test. Schneider also requires a background check. Schneider doesn't train anyone with a conviction for driving under the influence.
Students train with Schneider with classroom training, driving simulators, and regulatory, safety and road training in all kinds of settings. Drivers who stay with Schneider for two years, including the training program, receive free full tuition. Participants who leave the company early must pay the company back based on the weeks remaining in the two-year contract period.
As of November 2010, students can attend train-for-hire classes in Fontana, Calif.; Green Bay, Wis.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Dallas, Texas; and Charlotte, N.C. Schneider trains its drivers for dangerous driving conditions, including hauling hazardous cargo, as well as the mechanics of using the truck.
Swift
Swift Transportation provides train-for-hire programs with a duration of 26 months. The company offers these programs in Millington, Tenn.; Lewiston, Idaho; San Antonio, Texas; and Phoenix, Ariz. As of November 2010, new classes start each week. The company provides complete training, starting with classroom activities to learn the regulations about trucking and finishing with road training. Students who leave Swift before the 26-month period is up must reimburse the company for the tuition and housing expenses.
Swift requires applicants to undergo a physical, pass a drug test and have a current driver's license. The company provides housing at minimal costs to the students. Once the students are licensed and trained, the company offers a variety of trucking assignments from which student can choose, such as becoming an owner-operator, flatbed driver, team driving assignments or dedicated drivers who haul for large retailers. Those interested in working in a corporate environment can complete the training and apply for work inside regional or corporate offices.
CR England
CR England operates refrigerated trucks and hires both licensed and unlicensed drivers. Non-CDL applicants must be over 21, have had a license for three years and have no moving violations for the prior three years. The applicants must read and speak English.
As of November 2010, schools are held in Salt Lake City, Utah; Burns Harbor, Ind.; Mira Loma, Calif.; and Dallas, Texas. The training program lasts just over three months. The first 18 days provide the training to get a CDL. During the next 30 days, novice drivers accompany trainers on the road and receive a daily stipend. The last phase of training lasts for 60 days; CR England pays trainees by the mile.
CR England provides free food and housing during the initial training program. The company charges students tuition, which the students pay back through payroll deductions. Once on the road with another driver, a student pays for his own food and lodging expenses.
