Raider Express: Company-Sponsored CDL Training

At TruckingTruth, we've done a ton of research for you! We've contacted the company recruiters at Raider Express and put together a fantastic review of the Raider Express 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 Raider Express
• Cost Structure Of CDL Training
• CDL Training Itinerary
• Raider Express Pay And Benefits
• Vacation Pay And Home Time

Raider Express Has Very Low Turnover

The one fact that they are most proud of at Raider Express is that 40% of their current fleet has been with them for over a year. That is significantly better than most major carriers can say!

Read on!

The one thing that sets Raider Express apart from other trucking companies offering CDL training is that their program is absolutely free, with no obligation after graduation as far as contracts go. When you graduate, you have a job waiting for you, and their turnover is relatively low.

They do, however, only offer employment to Texas residents and drivers license holders, and their hiring standards may be a little higher than most. It is an excellent opportunity for drivers who meet their criteria and want to get started in the industry.

Raider Express is a refrigerated truckload carrier specialized in hauling grocery and food products in the contiguous forty eight States. The main base of operations for Raider Express is located in Fort Worth, and they also have a drop yard in Houston, TX.

Raider Express is a small, family-owned trucking company that boasts of a very low turnover rate when compared with the rest of the industry. They are unique in that they are the only trucking company offering absolutely free CDL training, with no commitment. Accordingly they also have pretty high standards for acceptance, and only offer employment to Texas residents/drivers license holders.

Raider Express Minimum Hiring Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Possess a valid Texas Drivers License and reside in Texas.
• Have no reckless convictions in the last three years.
• Have no DWI, DUI, or anything alcohol related on your criminal record.
• Have no drug related charges on your criminal record.
• Have no more than three moving violations in the last three years.

Raider Express Hiring Areas

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

Raider Express only hires residents of Texas.

Where are your schools located?

• Fort Worth, TX
• Hastings, NE

Raider Express CDL Training Facilities

Raider Express only hires residents of Texas and their training facility is in Fort Worth, TX.

Raider Express Drop Lots And Terminals

Cost Structure Of Raider Express

What is the cost of Raider Expresses program?

The program is completely free of charge, with no contract or pay-back.

What are all of the up-front costs?

There are no upfront costs.

Will my meals be paid for?

No. Students are responsible for meals.

Will my room be paid for?

Yes, then a payroll deduction of $25/week.

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

No, as there is no cost for training, nor a contract.

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

None. Raider Express provides CDL training absolutely free, with no further obligations.

TruckingTruth's Take On The Cost Of Training At Raider Express

Again, Raider Express is offering an absolutely free, no-strings-attached CDL training program available for those drivers who can meet its criteria.

The only things that a student will be responsible for paying for are meals, and lodging is deducted at $25 per week after graduation.

Items To Bring To Raider Express

• Birth Certificate (Original or Certified Copy with a state seal)
• Bring any corrective lenses you need, including readers.
• Social Security Card
• Valid Driver’s License
• Slip-resistant shoes
• Note pad for taking notes and doing homework
• Rain-gear/Jacket
• Any medications you are currently taking
• 7 day's worth of clothes.
• Bedding (pillow and blanket, twin sized sheets if you would like)
• Clipboard, pens, calculator, trucker's atlas, battery operated alarm clock.
• Voided check or bank deposit form if you are planning on direct deposit
• Towels, washcloths, all other necessary grooming items you may need. A laundry bag is recommended.

Preparation For Raider Express

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

No, you will get it at school.

Do I need a US Passport?

No, you do not need a U.S. Passport.

Which CDL endorsements are required or encouraged?

No additional endorsements are required.

TruckingTruth's View On Preparing For Raider Express CDL Training

Raider Express is a little more strict with their requirements than some other companies, not accepting any previous DWI, DUI, or anything drug- or alcohol-related on your criminal record. They also only accept Texas residents.

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, regardless of company requirements, 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 un-laminated originals.

Raider Express CDL Training Itinerary

Describe the schooling itinerary a bit:

200 total hours between classroom, truck, and lab training.

How long is the training overall?

4 weeks.

How much time on the range backing up?

This is broken up into phases, the school phase is 3 days. Followed by OTR training and then additional days of backing during a students safety check prior to being assigned their own truck.

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

3-4

How much time in classroom?

Weeks 2, 3, & 4 all days are split between truck and classroom.

TruckingTruth’s View On Raider Express Training Itinerary

Raider Expresses CDL school is a bit on the longer side at 200 hours, which gives new drivers plenty of time to prepare for their exam.

Raider Express also pays CDL students $1000 while in school, to help cover food and any other expenses.

On The Road Training Itinerary With Raider Express

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

Combination that usually equals 28 days.

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

$.10 per mile for ALL paid miles.

On The Road Training Policies at Raider Express

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

Basically like a driver and a half. Enough miles to keep you busy but still enough time to get the right type of training.

Is there more than one student per trainer and truck?

No, one student per trainer & truck.

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

No.

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

Case by case but Raider puts a lot of effort into pairing students with the best fit for a trainer. Being a smaller company they are able to match up our trainers/students strengths and weakness to give them the best chance to succeed.

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes, and is the first match-making criteria for finding a trainer.

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

Generally speaking 1 yr OTR experience, clean driving record and clean status with all company departments.

Advantages Of Working For Raider Express

• Absolutely free company CDL training, no contracts or fees.
• Small, family-owned and operated company.
• Low driver turnover rate.
• Frequent raises and extensive bonus program.

TruckingTruth's View On Working For Raider Express

Raider Express really does offer a free, no-strings-attached CDL training program available, for those who meet their requirements.

Raider Express Company Driver Pay

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

Base pay $.30 cpm.

When will I receive pay increases?

• 90 days: $.34 cpm
• 6 mos.: $.36 cpm
• 1 year: $.38 cpm

Do you offer a Fuel Bonus?

.02-.05 per mile weekly starting day 1 as a solo driver.

Raider Express Company Driver Benefits

What health insurance and benefits do you have?

Raider Express offers typical health insurance with all major standard benefits and options including life insurance and 401k retirement plans, vacation time, dental & vision plans.

What is the average cost of benefits?

Plans vary depending on coverage.

How long until you qualify for benefits?

Benefits are effective the first day of the month following a 90 day waiting period.

What About Vacation Time?

1 year = 1 week earned

TruckingTruth's View On Raider Express Company Driver Pay

Raider Expresses starting pay starts out a bit on the lower end for new solo drivers, but gives significant raises within the first year to safe and reliable drivers.

Raider Express also offers a $500 bonus upon completion of your 1st load, $1000 after 90 days, detention pay and extra stop pay, among other things.

Pets & Travelers Policy

Do you allow pets?

No pets are allowed.

What is the company's rider policy?

Riders allowed after 1 year of safe driving.

Raider Express Dispatching Policies

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

Yes.

Will there be any NYC?

Rarely, if ever.

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

Company drivers are not forced dispatch and are given load options.

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

10-14 out and 2-3 days off.

What percentage of freight is drop and hook?

75%

Raider Express Company Driver Opportunities

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

Yes, leasing is available, totally at the driver's discretion.

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

Local, regional, OTR, refrigerated.

TruckingTruth's View On Raider Expresses Opportunities

As most of Raider Expresses freight lanes are in the Midwest, there will be ample opportunities for drivers to get more localized or regional routes.

Raider Express Equipment

What kind of trucks do you have?

Volvo's, 2013-2017

Do you run electronic logs?

Yes.

What are your trucks governed at?

60 MPH

Do you have APU units?

No