Paying for CDL training up front is one of the biggest reasons people put off starting a trucking career. CDS Tractor Trailer Training has a solution. Through a new partnership with Stevens Transport, one of the top trucking companies in the country, qualified students can get most of their tuition covered before they even start training.
How the Program Works
Students who qualify pay $2,000 down. Stevens Transport covers the rest of the tuition, a value of around $4,000. This means students can start their Class A CDL training without paying the full cost out of pocket.
To qualify for this partnership, candidates need to:
- Be at least 22 years old
- Have a clean driving record
- Pass a background screen.
Once accepted into the program, students train at CDS and then go on to drive for Stevens Transport.
This kind of tuition assistance opens the door for people who want a new career but can’t pay thousands of dollars before they ever sit behind the wheel.
Why Stevens Transport is a Strong Choice for New Drivers
Not every carrier is set up to support new drivers. Stevens Transport has built its reputation around training and developing drivers who are just starting out.
Newer equipment. Stevens runs one of the newest fleets in the country, including 2027 Kenworth’s. New drivers don’t have to worry about breaking down on the road in an older truck.
A real mentoring program. Stevens has one of the most respected driver finishing and mentoring programs in the industry. New drivers are paired with experienced mentors and aren’t left to figure things out alone.
Paid orientation and training. Drivers get paid during orientation and the early stages of training, not just once they’re out on the road full time.
Plenty of miles. Stevens is an over-the-road (OTR) carrier, which means new drivers get real experience fast. Stevens drivers reach 50,000 miles faster than drivers at most other carriers, and new drivers often average 2,500 to 2,800 miles per week.
Strong first-year pay. First-year drivers at Stevens earn around $70,000.
A top safety record. Stevens holds the Number 1 CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score in the country, which means it runs one of the safest fleets on the road.
Home time options. Stevens offers regional and dedicated routes in Virginia and nearby states, so drivers can get home weekly instead of staying out for weeks at a time.
Why This Partnership Makes Sense
CDS built this program for two simple reasons.
First, not every student can afford to pay for training up front. This partnership gives more people the chance to start a trucking career without that financial barrier standing in the way.
Second, CDS wants its graduates to succeed long after graduation, not just get a license and figure out the rest on their own. Stevens Transport has already hired more than 1,000 CDS graduates, which shows the two companies work well together and that Stevens trusts the training students receive at CDS.
Getting Started
Students interested in the Stevens Transport partnership can begin by reaching out to CDS directly. The team can explain the application process, confirm eligibility, and walk through what training and the road to a driving career with Stevens will look like.
Contact CDS today to find out if you qualify for the Stevens Transport tuition program.