Wilson Logistics: Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Wilson Logistics offers a well-structured, company-sponsored CDL training program designed to launch successful trucking careers. With modern equipment, hands-on instruction, and a family-owned culture, Wilson provides a clear path from student to solo company driver or, for those interested, to operate their own business as a lease operator.

Founded over 50 years ago, Wilson Logistics is a family-owned and operated trucking company with a fleet of over 500 trucks. Known for its commitment to driver success, the company offers:

• Small class sizes and personal attention
• New, well-equipped Freightliner Cascadia trucks
• Competitive pay from the day you obtain your CDL
• A supportive training environment
• Competitive Lease Program

Why Choose Wilson Logistics?

Wilson Logistics provides a comprehensive, company-sponsored CDL training program with modern equipment, hands-on instruction, and a supportive, family-owned culture. The program guides students from training to solo company driver, and for those interested, offers a path to operate as a lease operator. Training includes small class sizes, new Freightliner Cascadia trucks, and competitive pay starting from the day you obtain your CDL. Wilson Logistics is committed to driver success and long-term career growth.

Founded over 50 years ago, Wilson Logistics is a family-owned and operated trucking company with a fleet of over 500 trucks. The company is dedicated to driver success and offers:

• Small class sizes and personal attention
• New, well-equipped 2024-2026 Freightliner Cascadia trucks
• Competitive pay starting the day you obtain your CDL
• A supportive training environment
• Optional competitive lease program

Wilson Logistics Minimum Hiring Requirements

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have had a valid driver's license for 3 or more years
• Be a U.S. citizen or hold a Permanent Registration Card
• Pass a DOT physical and drug screening
• No DUIs or reckless driving within the past 5 years
• Felonies reviewed case by case
• Provide 3 years of verified employment history

Important Note: You must obtain your CDL permit before arriving at training. Studying ahead and passing your written test will ensure a smoother start.

Wilson Logistics Hiring Areas

Where do you hire from and what are your no-hire zones?

Wilson Logistics hires from all 48 lower states, and will try to fit the driver into whichever shipping lane they prefer.

Wilson Logistics CDL Training Facilities

Wilson Logistics Drop Lots And Terminals

Cost Structure Of Wilson Logistics

If you are accepted into the Wilson Logistics training program you will be required to sign a one-year contract. The cost of training to obtaining your Commercial Driver's License is $4900.00 dollars. That cost will be forgiven after your first year of employment or leasing with Wilson Logistics.

Until you become a licensed commercial driver and are employed by Wilson Logistics the Company will (lend) advance you up to $200.00 weekly as a meal allowance.

Any advance will be repaid by you thru payroll deduction once you obtain your CDL and your offered employment at Wilson Logistics. The repayment plan will be 25.00 per week until the amount borrowed is paid back in full. Please note you are not an employee of Wilson Logistics until you pass the CDL Exam and your offered employment

No money down, credit check or cost to you - if you opt out before the one year contract you would be responsible for cost of training.

30,000 miles of team driving with trainer after completing 3 week CDL training course. (Pay tiers up .12cpm or $600 weekly whichever is greater and then to .14cpm or $700 weekly whichever is greater.)

The day you receive your license is the day you start receiving your guarantee pay. Guarantee pay is 128.57 per day which is 900.00 per week. There will only be one trainee per truck. The trainee is never to sleep on the top bunk with the truck moving. Once your Fleet Manager and Trainer certify phase 2 training is complete you will move to the final phase of training, phase 3.

What are all of the up-front costs?

There are no upfront costs. You should bring funds to cover food and drink for the first week before the $200 weekly advance begins.

Will my meals be paid for?

Breakfast is included with your hotel stay and lunch is provided at the terminal during week 1 of training.

Will my room be paid for?

Hotel stay is provided during week 1 of training. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Can I pay for my CDL training up front and have no further obligation?

No, there is no option to pay for CDL training up front.

What are the obligations for paying back the schooling after graduation?

CDL school and training are free as long as you fulfill the one-year contract. If you leave Wilson Logistics before completing the contract, you will be responsible for the full $4,900 training cost.

Items To Bring To Wilson Logistics

• Social Security card (original, unlaminated)
• Valid driver's license
• CDL Permit (Your permit is not valid without a valid driver's license)
• Slip-resistant shoes and one pair of hard-sole boots
• 7 days of clothing
• Work gloves, rain jacket, towels, and grooming items
• Bedding (pillow, blanket, twin sheets optional) a sleeping bag is recommended during training
• Clipboard, pens, calculator, alarm clock
• Any current medicine (please always have a one-month supply with you)

Do I need to get my CDL permit before attending school?

Yes, you must obtain your CDL permit before arriving at training. Studying ahead and passing your written test will ensure a smoother start.

Do I need a US Passport?

No, a U.S. Passport is not required. You will need to provide identification at training, and a passport is an acceptable form if you have one.

Which CDL endorsements are required or encouraged?

No additional endorsements are required for Wilson Logistics CDL training.

Preparation For Wilson Logistics Paid CDL Training

Though not required, we always recommend getting a passport. Hauling freight into Canada has become more streamlined, and a passport will give you more options for the future.

The same applies to endorsements. We advise getting all available endorsements up front, which will keep you prepared for future opportunities.

Bring as much paperwork with you as you can, including any medical records or forms which could prove past employment and help with the background investigations. Always be certain that your birth certificate and social security card are ul-laminated originals.

Wilson Logistics CDL Training Itinerary

Describe the schooling itinerary a bit:

Once you arrive on Monday, a shuttle will pick you up at the hotel at 6:30 am and take you to obtain your DOT Physical and Drug Test. Afterward, you will head to Wilson Logistics headquarters in Strafford, MO to begin orientation and training.

Phase 1: CDL Training at Strafford, MO. You will sign a one-year contract. Training cost is $4,900, forgiven after one year of employment or leasing. CDL training usually takes 14-21 days. You are advanced up to $200 weekly for meals, repaid at $25/week after employment begins. Hotel stay is provided during week 1, with breakfast and lunch included.

Phase 2: After obtaining your Class A CDL, you are assigned to a Certified Over the Road Trainer for 30,000 miles (about 5-7 weeks). You learn trip planning, weights and balances, log management, routing, loading and unloading, and more. Guarantee pay is $128.57 per day ($900/week). Only one trainee per truck. The trainee is never to sleep on the top bunk while the truck is moving.

Phase 3: You operate a truck with another apprentice for 30,000 miles. Each driver receives the $900 guarantee, plus $0.31 per mile for all miles above 2,900 per week. Example: If the truck runs 4,100 miles, each driver is paid for an additional 1,200 miles at $0.31 CPM ($372). Total pay for that week would be $1,272 before tax. If there are no accidents or service issues, each driver may upgrade to an A Seat.

How long is the training overall?

The entire process from beginning to going solo typically takes 2-3 months on average.

How much time on the range backing up?

Students and trainers complete weekly evaluations in multiple categories to ensure sufficient hands-on training in backing and other skills.

During the practice range phase, how many students share one truck?

Usually, the maximum number of students per truck is 1-2.

How much time in classroom?

The program is designed around hands-on training in the truck. The initial days are spent in the classroom, with the majority of the program taking place in the truck itself.

On The Road Training Itinerary With Wilson Logistics

Is the training period based on number of days, number of driving hours, number of miles, or some combination?

The training program is based on safe completion of verifiable miles—30,000 miles with a trainer.

How much will I be making when I'm on the road with a trainer?

The day you receive your license is the day you start receiving guarantee pay: $128.57 per day, which is $900 per week.

Do they run your trainer and you as a "team" operations or like a solo truck?

Initially, before a student has a CDL, the trainer acts as an instructor while the student drives. Once the student has a CDL, there is an evaluation period of 2,500-3,000 miles where the trainer ensures the student is adequately trained and experienced to perform as a team.

On The Road Training Policies at Wilson Logistics

Do students share a truck?

No, there is one student per trainer and truck.

Do you have a "No sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is rolling" policy?

Yes, nobody is allowed to sleep in the top bunk while the truck is moving.

What is your policy for handling disputes between trainer and student?

Disputes are handled respectfully by management on a case-by-case basis. Wilson Logistics abides by federal guidelines regarding a hostile work environment.

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes, non-smoking trainers are available by request.

What are the company's minimum qualifications to be a trainer?

Trainers must pass a certified "Train the Trainer" (T3) course and vehicle inspection.

Advantages Of Working For Wilson Logistics

• Top industry pay, including $0.50/mile solo and $0.62/mile team (split), plus bonuses.
• Family owned and operated for over 50 years.
• Friendly pet and rider policy (pets welcome after training, no deposit required; riders must be approved and insured, no riders under 10 years old, not allowed during training phases).
• Hands-on training with a reputable company and small class sizes.
• Newer equipment in training and as a company driver: 2024-2026 Freightliner Cascadia trucks with EPU's, refrigerators, 2500-watt inverters, and optional Verizon 300GB internet for $20/month.
• All trucks equipped with Samsara and E-log technology for safety and compliance.

Wilson Logistics Company Driver Pay

How much will I be making once I'm running solo in my own truck?

Company drivers are paid $0.50/mile solo and $0.62/mile team (split). Additional mileage bonuses are available in team/apprentice phase.

When will I receive pay increases?

Pay increases are based on verifiable miles and driving history. Drivers receive top scale pay after successful completion of the training program (typically after 2-3 months).

Do you offer a Fuel Bonus?

Wilson Logistics offers a fuel incentive program. Details and amounts may vary; check with your recruiter for current bonus rates.

What About Vacation Time?

• 1 week after 1 year plus $500
• 2 weeks after 3 years plus $1,000
• 3 weeks after 5 years plus $1,500

Wilson Logistics Company Driver Benefits

What health insurance and benefits do you have?

Wilson Logistics offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401K retirement plans. Benefits begin 60 days after hire and start on the first day of the month after you elect coverage.

What is the average cost of benefits?

Benefit costs vary depending on the package and premiums selected. Contact Wilson Logistics for current rates.

How long until you qualify for benefits?

You can apply for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and participate in the 401K, 60 days from your date of hire. If you elect benefits, they will commence on the first day of the month after you elect coverage.

Pets & Travelers Policy

Do you allow pets?

Pets are welcome to ride with you once you are on your own. No pet deposit is required. Pets are not allowed during training phases.

What is the company's rider policy?

Riders must be approved and insured. No riders under 10 years of age. Riders are not authorized during Phase 2 and Phase 3 of training.

Wilson Logistics Dispatching Policies

Can a new driver run regional or dedicated right after school?

Dedicated runs are reserved for proven drivers that have earned them with consistent safety and reliable service. Company drivers typically run specific lanes that have been determined to be profitable by the company.

Will there be any NYC?

No, Wilson Logistics doesn't operate in New-England except to get drivers who live there, home.

Are you forced dispatch? Is the driver given any options for different loads?

Their policy is to not force dispatch. Company drivers have the option to refuse freight based on safety and service conflicts.

How often can I expect to be home? For how long at a time?

Drivers earn 1 day off for every 7 days on the road, with a maximum of 5 days off at any one time. Drivers are not paid guarantee pay if they elect to take time off at home or a requested destination. Drivers can drop trailers at a terminal, drop yard, or customer prior to taking time off. Terminals are located in Strafford MO, Springfield MO, Pittston PA, Salt Lake City UT, Minooka IL, and Pierson FL. Drop yards and customers are in most states, including major locations in FL, TX, GA, AZ, CA, and more.

What percentage of freight is drop and hook?

Wilson Logistics hauls primarily refrigerated freight. Drop & hook freight accounts for approximately 15-20% of loads.

Wilson Logistics Company Driver Opportunities

Do you have a leasing program, and will I be persuaded or incentivized to lease?

Yes, Wilson Logistics offers an optional lease program with pay incentives for lease operators who take on additional risk.

What divisions do you have? (local, dedicated, regional, tanker, flatbed, reefer)

• OTR, Local, Dedicated and Regional.
• Wilson Logistics, West of Ohio, Reefer
• Wil-Trans Trucking, East Coast & Midwest, Reefer
• O&S Trucking, 48 contiguous, Reefer & Local (Springfield, MO)