MCT Transportation: Company-Sponsored CDL Training

At TruckingTruth, we've done a ton of research for you! We've contacted the company recruiters at MCT Transportation and put together a fantastic review of the MCT Transportation paid CDL training program.

We'll start you off with our opinion of their paid CDL training program and then we'll take you through all of the key features and important information you'll need to know. Some of what we'll cover:

• Student Hiring Requirements
• Truck Driving School Locations
• Driver Pay During Training
• Advantages Of Working For MCT Transportation
• Cost Structure Of CDL Training
• CDL Training Itinerary
• MCT Transportation Pay And Benefits
• Vacation Pay And Home Time

After researching Midwest Coast Transport's CDL training program, I am very happy with how their training is structured. This school offers some unique options for people that other companies don't offer. MCT does not operate their own CDL school. Instead, they contract out to privately owned CDL schools near their terminal. As long as you provide the cost of transportation and lodging during CDL school, they will cover all tuition fees. This allows people to attend a private CDL school at a fraction of normal costs.

After CDL school, you will enter a 3 to 4 week training period, then go solo. As MCT is a 100% Lease Operator company, you will be required to either lease a truck or drive a leased truck as a company driver and receive set mileage pay. As far as we can tell, there isn't much of a difference to being a company driver at MCT as compared to any other company.

The biggest difference is you will not be driving MCT owned equipment. Instead, you will drive equipment owned by an owner operator or lease operator. All trucks leased onto Midwest Coast Transport are required to meet safety and maintenance standards similar to what you'd find with company owned equipment at other carriers.

As always, make sure you perform your own research, but this certainly seems like a great company to help you obtain your CDL, get trained, and get some experience.

Midwest Coast Transport (MCT) is a dry van and refrigerated carrier operating throughout the United States and is based out of Sioux Falls, SD. The company was formed in 1949 with only four leased trucks but has grown to more than 600 power units. The company is now a part of a half billion-dollar transportation system called Comcar Industries which is based out of Auburndale, FL.

MCT Transportation Minimum Hiring Requirements

• At least 21 years old.
• Proof of U.S. residency or Green Card.
• A stable work history and good references.
• Previous employers and references will be checked and must be verifiable.
• No reckless convictions in the last three years.
• No more than four moving violations in the last three years.
• No license suspension for points in the last three years.
• No more than two moving violations during the last year.
• No failed or refused drug or alcohol test in the last four years (this includes DWI's, DUI's and BAC's).
• A valid Drivers License. Your Drivers License must be from the state that you declare to be your point of permanent domicile. To join the student program you must have valid driver's license and meet the Homeland Security / Transportation Administration requirements.

MCT Transportation Hiring Areas

MCT Transportation CDL Training Facilities

MCT's CDL school is located near the main headquarters in Sioux Falls SD

MCT Transportation Drop Lots And Terminals

• Sioux Falls, SD (Main terminal and MCT headquarters)
• Sanford, FL
• West Chicago, IL
• Florence, KY.

Cost Structure Of MCT Transportation

What is the cost structure of the schooling?

Midwest Coast Transport will cover 100% of the tuition fees at a local Sioux Falls truck driving school as long as you agree to stay employed for a full year. However, you will need to provide for your own transportation and lodging. MCT recommends you have $1,000 to cover basic lodging, transportation, and living expenses.

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

Yes, drivers may elect to pay $3,500 up front and receive tuition reimbursement over the course of the first 24 months of employment.

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

Drivers simply need to stay employed for 12 full months and 100% of tuition costs are paid by MCT. There are never payroll deductions for tuition costs.

TruckingTruth's Take On The Cost Of Training At MCT Transportation

The tuition structure for MCT’s company sponsored CDL training program is very straightforward. MCT will send you to a local CDL school located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and will cover 100% of your tuition cost as long as you stay for a full year. They do not cover housing, transportation, or basic living expenses. To cover these costs, MCT recommends you have a minimum of $1,000. You will also need an additional $330 to cover other various fees. We suggest that you have at least $1,500 available for the first month. If you do not have at least $1,500, we do not recommend this program.

Items To Bring To MCT Transportation

• Social Security Card. Must be an original, signed and non-laminated.
• Canceled or voided check (if interested in direct deposit)
• Original birth Certificate
• Valid Drivers License
• 7 days worth of clothing
• Bedding
• Alarm clock and flashlight
• Any required eye wear
• Towels / wash clothes
• Work gloves
• Closed toe shoes or work boots
• Personal Hygiene products

Preparation For MCT Transportation

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

No, drivers will obtain their CDL permit during the first week of the program, but those who have already passed their CDL written exams at home will have a head start.

Do I need a US Passport?

Yes, drivers will be required to obtain a valid US Passport within 90 days of hire.

Which CDL endorsements are required or encouraged?

A HazMat endorsement is highly encouraged for all drivers.

TruckingTruth's View On Preparing For MCT Transportation CDL Training

The hiring requirements are pretty average as compared to the rest of the industry. What’s important to note here, however, is that MCT is a 100% owner operator and lease operator based company. Once you’ve completed CDL training, you’ll have 3 options. The first option is to purchase your own truck and lease it onto MCT. The second option is to lease a truck directly from MCT. And the final option is to work with one of the smaller owner operator fleets and drive for them as a company driver.

MCT will handle all of the arrangements but you will drive equipment owned by an owner operator or lease operator. We suggest the third option for at least the first year of driving. Do not, under any circumstances, lease or purchase your own truck before you have a full year of experience.

MCT Transportation CDL Training Itinerary

Quick overview of MCT's training schedule

The first week is usually spent studying for the CDL written exams so that students can obtain a CDL driving permit. The next 2-3 weeks are spent driving in real-world conditions on city streets and highways as well as practicing on a training pad for precision maneuvers. Students will also learn how to pass a pre-trip inspection and learn the basics of driving safety and vehicle maintenance.

How long is the training overall?

CDL training lasts approximately 3 to 4 weeks and is personalized to meet the needs of individual students.

TruckingTruth’s View On MCT Transportation Training Itinerary

This is a very unique program in that CDL training program in that you are actually attending a private CDL school, yet, MCT is covering the tuition costs. This school is best for those who would like to attend a private school with a guaranteed job upon successful completion. There will still be some expenses, but it’s a much cheaper option than most other private CDL schools since MCT is covering your tuition. All you need to do is cover transportation, lodging, and basic living expenses. As long as you graduate successfully, MCT will hire you. It’s the best of both worlds, the security of a company sponsored program with the treatment of a priave CDL school.

On The Road Training Itinerary With MCT Transportation

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

After CDL training is complete, drivers are hired on as actual employees of Midwest Coast Transport and must drive 10,000 miles with a certified company trainer. This generally takes about 4 weeks.

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

Trainees earn a flat salary of $350 per week during training.

On The Road Training Policies at MCT Transportation

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

Initially, trucks are operated as a solo unit. Once the trainee and trainer feel ready, the truck is operated as a team dispatched truck.

Is there more than one student per trainer and truck?

No, training trucks are always one student per one trainer on one truck.

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

Yes, MCT has a very strict policy against anyone sleeping the top bunk while the truck is in motion.

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes, you may choose either smoking or non-smoking trainers.

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

Trainees may contact dispatch 24/7/365 if any problems are encountered and a new trainer will be issued if What are the company's minimum qualifications to be a trainer?

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

While the minimum is 6-months experience, most trainers have a minimum of 1 year of safe driving experience and a proven customer service track record.

TruckingTruth’s View Of MCT Transportation On The Road Training

The training program at MCT is about average in duration and should be a great foundation. While the training pay is a bit under the industry average, we feel this shouldn’t matter much as training generally only lasts about a month.

Advantages Of Working For MCT Transportation

• Personal feel with a mid-size company
• Incentives, rewards, and bonuses offered
• Free tuition with a 1yr contract
• Guaranteed job upon CDL school completion
• No payroll deduction for CDL school tuition
• 401-k Success Sharing Plan
• Passenger and pet policy
• Major medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

MCT Transportation Company Driver Pay

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

Once going solo you will make 30cpm.

When will I receive pay increases?

All drivers receive a 1cpm increase in pay for each year they stay at MCT up to a maximum of 41cpm.

What other pay and bonuses do you offer?

• Fuel bonus: Up to an additional 5cpm.
• Stop Pay: Drivers receive an additional $10 for each stop except for the first and last locations.
• Layover Pay: Any driver who is available or a load longer than 24hrs will receive $75.
• Detention Pay: If a driver is held more than 5 hours beyond an appointment time, the driver will receive $15 / hr.
• Breakdown Pay: If the truck breaks down the driver will be supplied with lodging and paid $75 per day.

MCT Transportation Company Driver Benefits

What health insurance and benefits do you have?

Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance is available along with basic life insurance.

What is the average cost of benefits?

Insurance costs vary depending on the type of coverage.

How long until you qualify for benefits?

90 days after hire.

Drivers will receive one week of vacation after 1 year, two weeks of vacation after 5 years, and four weeks of vacation after 10 years of continuous employment.

TruckingTruth's View On Midwest coast Transport's Pay And Benefits

Compared to other companies we've researched, the starting pay at MCT is about average. The benefits also appear to be about average and competitive when compared to the industry standard.

Pets & Travelers Policy

Do you allow pets?

Yes, drivers can have one dog or cat on their truck under 40lbs. A $1,000 deposit is required and may be payroll deducted over a 6 week period.

What is the company's rider policy?

Drivers may have 1 rider at least 12 years of age or older.

MCT Transportation Dispatching Policies

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

This depends entirely on a drivers home location. If a driver lives in a high freight area, generally a regional or dedicated position opens up early on. However, those who do not live in freight reliable areas may not ever get a regional or dedicated position.

Will there be any NYC? How soon would a new solo driver be expected to go there?

While MCT does have freight going to or from NYC, it is very rare and drivers going into NYC are paid extra.

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

Company drivers are forced dispatched. Lease drivers and owner operators are not forced dispatched.

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

Drivers earn 1 day off for each week out. Minimum time out while OTR is 3 weeks and maximum home time is 4 days. Most drivers at Midwest Coast Transport stay regionally and are home weekly or bi-weekly.

What percentage of freight is drop and hook?

Approximately 75% of freight is drop and hook.

TruckingTruth's View On MCT Transportation Dispatching Policies

There isn’t much of a hometime policy at MCT because each driver typically receives a unique regional or dedicated position fairly quickly. OTR drivers, however, are required to stay on the road for a minimum of 3 weeks. This is very typical of OTR carriers. If you live near a major city, chances are you’ll be offered a regional or dedicated position fairly quickly once going solo.

Midwest Coast Transport is one of the few carriers that still has a pet policy. While the $1,000 deposit is a bit on the pricey side, they are one of the few carriers you can consider if having a pet is necessary for you. Please keep in mind, you will not be allowed to have your pet with you during CDL school or company training. A pet is only allowed after going solo.

MCT Transportation Company Driver Opportunities

MCT Company Driver Opportunities

MCT is a lease only company. If you do not wish to lease a truck, you may drive a truck owned by an owner operator with trucks leased to MCT.

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

While the dry van fleet is the largest division, a refrigerated fleet also exists. In addition, there are quite a few dedicated and regional opportunities available, although local positions are rare.

MCT Transportation Equipment

What kind of trucks do you have?

A very wide variety of trucks are available from Volvo to Kenworth and Freightliner to Peterbilt. Company drivers will be assigned equipment while those who choose to lease can pick from a list of equipment.

Do you run electronic logs?

Yes, all drivers use electronic logging system.

What are your trucks governed at?

Trucks are restricted to 63mph.

Do you have APU units?

No, APU units are not installed on trucks but all trucks come with power inverters. Acceptable idle time is generally 40% of the total engine run time with exceptions for extreme weather conditions.