Month: August 2019

Flexible CDL Training: We have options!

Posted on by Paradigm Media

When starting to train for your career as a truck driver, the skills you will learn in your CDL training will shape your career behind the wheel. However, we know that training is not one size fits all. Here at CDS Tractor Trailor Training, we have several flexible CDL training options to choose from.  There are a handful of factors to consider when choosing which type of training is best for you! Let’s review them here:

Length of Training

You may have a timeline of when you need to start your career. You may be trying to support a family or complete your training while still working another job. Therefore, how long the training takes maybe a huge deciding factor for you.

  • For Class A , CDS has a full-time 4-week program and 10-week part-time program.
  • For Class B, it is a 3-week full- time program or a 7-week part-time program.
  • CDL Refresher Course – 40 Hours

Timing of Traning

Again you may have a tight schedule you are trying to work around to complete your training. The good news is that CDS offer several start dates per month. If you are not ready this week, no problem. There will still be plenty of upcoming dates for you to choose from.

 Job Opportunity

Lastly, you will need to decide which type of job you are looking to get into. If you want to be on OTR driver you will need to take one of the Class A CDL training programs. However, if you are more interested in working in construction or passenger transport a Class B CDL would be all you need. Therefore, depending on the career you want to ultimately have will filter your choices for training.

Our students’ success is extremely important to us. We want to make sure each of our students has training available to them that works for their schedule. That is why here at CDS we try to provide flexible training for everyone. Let us help you find out which program is best for you!  Contact us to get more info on flexible CDL training.

Truck Driver Salary: A Closer Look

Posted on by Paradigm Media

Updated August 2021

The trucking industry is continuing to grow, and the salaries are steady right along with it. Building a successful career as a truck driver requires hard work and dedication, but the rewards can be great! It is always important to understand your salary options when starting a new career. So the important question is, how much can truck drivers make? Let’s tackle all of the options here and get you on the path to a new start!

OTR Driver Salary

The average OTR driver has more opportunities to make a higher salary than other truck drivers. Most OTR drivers can expect to make about $58,000 a year. However, a truck driver’s salary is not necessarily set in stone. Many factors can contribute to a pay increase, such as experience, job promotion, training, or the individual trucking company you work for.

Experience Helps Sets the Standard

An experienced truck driver reigns supreme in the transportation industry, and their salary reflects that. Because they have been in the industry for a while, they know how all the tricks of the trade. Experienced drivers know how to maximize their mileage, watch their hours, navigate construction like a pro, and safely get from one terminal to the next terminal. You must go out and gain experience behind the wheel, but starting out, you can expect to make between $40,000 and $50,000 as an OTR (over the road) truck driver.

Work Up the Ladder

Another option for an increase in salary many truck drivers pursue is to become an owner/operator. This means that your own your truck and equipment. You essentially become a small business owner and are responsible for most of your success. You have to work hard to become an owner/operator, but it can definitely be done!

Growing Your Salary as a Truck Driver

Earning your Class A CDL is only one step in becoming an experienced truck driver. There are also various endorsements available to you after you gain your CDL. You could get your hazmat endorsement, which lets you handle all types of loads. You could also consider getting your tanker endorsement and help food distributors move products across the country. There are a lot of options to explore, especially after you’ve had a couple of years on the road under your belt.

If you want to work in a field that is always hiring new truck drivers, choosing to drive a truck professionally is a great idea. CDL training connects you to the skills you need to increase your salary potential as a truck driver. As you gain more experience and broaden your skills, you will be pleasantly surprised by the opportunities that become available.

Ready to move forward? Contact us for more information.

CDL Training: Head Back to School

Posted on by Paradigm Media

No, this doesn’t mean you get to go back to Kindergarten or that you need to take those math classes again! But think about it, if your kids are already in school for 7-8 hours per day, wouldn’t it be a great time to get back to training for your new career? This is the perfect time for you to finally pursue your goal of earning your CDL and get on the road!

Getting Your CDL Requires Schooling:

Class A CDL:

For most people, getting a Class A CDL means classes will be involved in order to pass their written and road test. Your CDL Training Course will require you to take 20 days and 160 hours of training to get ready for your road safety test. If you complete the course, you will be eligible to take your CDL Class A road test.

Class B CDL:

If you wish to get a license to drive something such as a dump truck, large straight truck, mixer truck, utility truck, etc., or event commercial busses, then the Class B license is right for you.

Your training would be a 15-day and 120-hour course that will allow you to take the road test for your Class B CDL license. If you wish to select the “Passenger P” option as an endorsement to drive passengers, you will have an additional week of training to complete to get that endorsement.

Get the Assistance You Need:

Payments Option for Truck Driving School:

CDS Tractor Trailer Training can help provide tuition assistance to those who qualify because we want to help certify as many qualified drivers as possible. We also participate in many funding programs, including Fast Forward Grant Funding, Workforce Funding (WIOA), GI Bill® Funding, and a variety of other options. Our goal is to make driver CDL training affordable to everyone who wishes to pursue a great career in truck driving.

Job Placement After CDL School:

We are proud to offer our student’s job placement assistance once they complete their training. Job placement assistance is free to anyone who has trained with CDS Tractor Trailer Training. Whether you need one-on-one assistance to find jobs or are looking for job fairs to attend, we will equip you to find a carrier to work with to ensure that you are successful in your new trucking career.

Learn alongside your kids this fall and head to CDS Tractor Trailer Training to begin your new career. The trucking industry is continuing to grow, so there is no better time than now to start! Please feel free to contact us at CDS Tractor Trailer Training for further assistance.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

 

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