Paid CDL Training - Maximum Home Time

I got my training through FedEx freight. I applied for a driver's apprentice program and I received about 240 hours of 1 on 1 training. I don't remember what the pay rate was when I did it, but I hear it's currently 26/ hr with a bump to 31/hr upon completion. That number varies by region, I'm in the North East corner of Pennsylvania.

I'm currently a road driver. I work about 9 hours a night and make about 1800/week gross.

I’m not sure about companies that offer training but one thing I’ve told people who are wanting to get into the field is to try and get any endorsements you want while you’re on your learners permit. If you go and take the tests for the doubles/triples and tanker before you get your license, it’ll save you some money since they’ll already be on your license when you take your final test. I got my tanker and doubles/triples on my learners permit and didn’t have to pay anything for them.

So, to make sure I understand. Even if the company only does flatbed single trailers who trains me, If I study and take the tests for my permit for multiples and tanker, I'll still get those endorsements on my CDL without having to do anything on my final test? It's not like they'll provide a tanker for me to do a pre-trip inspection on if the company doesn't drive them!

Does this work for hazardous materials too?

Hay Josh; welcome to Trucking Truth!!!

We've got a great app, right here ~ Apply For Paid CDL Training, TMC included.

Thanks! I used it already! TMC was one of the ones who responded.

So, to make sure I understand. Even if the company only does flatbed single trailers who trains me, If I study and take the tests for my permit for multiples and tanker, I'll still get those endorsements on my CDL without having to do anything on my final test?

Yes, all you do is take the tests on the computer at the DMV.

Does this work for hazardous materials too?

Yes, that's correct. It's only a computer test.

So, to make sure I understand. Even if the company only does flatbed single trailers who trains me, If I study and take the tests for my permit for multiples and tanker, I'll still get those endorsements on my CDL without having to do anything on my final test?

Yes, all you do is take the tests on the computer at the DMV.

Does this work for hazardous materials too?

Yes, that's correct. It's only a computer test.

The endorsement tests are only on the computer, you won’t need any equipment to pre trip and test on. However, just recently, atleast in the state of VA, you now have to take a hazmat course through a certified driving school (from what I understand) to be able to get your endorsement now. For those of us who already have it, to re-new all we have to do is take the computer test as usual.

Tanker and doubles/triples is a simple computer test. Haz-mat has a computer test but it also requires you to complete a TSA Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment . In some states you must complete the assessment before you can take the test, in others you can take the test first but you must wait for the TSA background check to be completed before the endorsement is issued.

In some states (Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin) you start the TSA process in your local DMV branch, in other states you must go to a TSA office. You can schedule an appointment online. Walk-ins are allowed but they strongly encourage you to make an appointment. They ask you a few questions, take you fingerprints and verify your ID documents. A few weeks later they'll issue two letters - one to you and one to your state's DMV with the results.

Super helpful info guys!

Right now I'm waiting on TMC to let me know if they want me. Haven't found another company I want to apply to yet. Yellow looks like you would have to spend an extended in in a hub like KC - I'd rather do the 19 day training and then be straight to home every weekend. Also call me weird but the way a company 'feels' is important to me. Yellow puts me off for some reason.

I didn't apply to maverick because you're tied to them for at least 2 years if I remember right. And then there was another one that seems to mostly be up north with their terminals and training. IDK. TMC kinda has me sold with the home every weekend thing. If someone else who did paided training offered a similar deal in the central Kansas / SW Missouri area - I'd definitely check them out too.

Look at Grandpa Clarks thread in diaries. Hes went to Maverick. So far he is loving it.

Super helpful info guys!

Right now I'm waiting on TMC to let me know if they want me. Haven't found another company I want to apply to yet. Yellow looks like you would have to spend an extended in in a hub like KC - I'd rather do the 19 day training and then be straight to home every weekend. Also call me weird but the way a company 'feels' is important to me. Yellow puts me off for some reason.

I didn't apply to maverick because you're tied to them for at least 2 years if I remember right. And then there was another one that seems to mostly be up north with their terminals and training. IDK. TMC kinda has me sold with the home every weekend thing. If someone else who did paided training offered a similar deal in the central Kansas / SW Missouri area - I'd definitely check them out too.

Hay, Josh!

Ask and you can receive, man!!

See below; got a few more~!

If you're set on flatbed, did you check out the Knight/Squire program, that our own Davy (and others) have gone through? It's accelerated, so they've said. That's who Old School STILL is driving for; all great reviews. Read both of their diaries, if you have time.

TMC is awesome, especially if you are former military. If not, respect those who are; ie: most of their trainers & staff. Do Not Walk on the Grass means exactly that. It's an 'auto fail' if you do; no joke.

Another flatbed program/training company is Keim ... Keim TS's Breaker!Breaker! Training Classes. If you speak to them, please mention that you've heard of them here!! Yes, you may name drop, haha!! Great place.

One MORE for a 'short' training period and generous home time to look into, is Titan Transfer. Again, 'name drop!' Titan Transfer / Training Centers

If you bounce over to the diaries section, look at Grandpa Clark's diary; he's now just beginning with Maverick. So MUCH has changed with 'commitment times' regarding companies..since Covid in 2020 and the ELDT in February of this year, good luck. I can name countless websites that aren't even updated themselves! Read a current diary on here, or call a recruiter.....preferably both, though!

Sure hope all works for you, man. That's the 'Grand Finale' of my offerings, I do believe; for now! (Watch, something else will come to mind, haha!) We are all ALWAYS here to help, man.

~ Anne ~

Look at Grandpa Clarks thread in diaries. Hes went to Maverick. So far he is loving it.

ps: And as I step AWAY from the keyboard. . . ^^^^ this! FINE MINDS, think alike .. fer sure, fer sure! George .. you're on it my man, haha!

Another flatbed program/training company is Keim ... Keim TS's Breaker!Breaker! Training Classes. If you speak to them, please mention that you've heard of them here!! Yes, you may name drop, haha!! Great place.

~ Anne ~

Crazy. I did NOT see this message until today (super early Wednesday morning) but I managed to stumble across Keim on my own. They got bonus points because I'm only 2 hours from their training in Wellsville Kansas AND they don't train on weekends so I'm not away from my family for 19 days straight (like TMC). The recruiter at Keim was much easier to talk to. TMC felt super formal and... strict maybe? Keim has a family and relaxed feel to it. Anyway I got my clearance from Keim so now I'm just putting my ducks in a row and getting my permit squared away. Hoping to be training within a month!