New CDL Driver: Advice on First Steps and Choosing a Company

Swift Refrigerated – Sign On for the Trucking Career of a Lifetime with Swift Refrigerated

 

Do you care if it's local or regional or OTR?

 

Mondelēz International hiring Driver CDL in Florida, United States ...
Join Mondelez International/ NABISCO as a Driver CDL located in Jacksonville to help us drive the future of snacking!

 

Careers - Premier Refrigerated Transport : Premier Refrigerated Transport
Hauls out of Zellwood, FL which I think are mushroom loads.
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Driving a big rig will require:

• The work ethic of a freight train (even for dry van duty)
• The patience of a grandfather clock
• Sometimes very quick thinking is required to save yourself from an accident -- even with good situational awareness
• Resourcefulness -- can you think like MacGyver?
• A sense of adventure -- "he who dares, wins"
• A "gearhead" mindset
• An ability/preference for working alone -- are you a "Lone Ranger" type?

It's definitely not a world for sissies...or the faint of heart.

-- L

 

I think OP said "local if possible."

 

Yeah, I caught that on her other thread. Pickin's are slim in Jacksonville at this time.

 

You are right about some carriers reimbursing costs for CDL training. Here are several carriers that reimburse costs for CDL training but there may be others as well. They are paid out slowly so it may take awhile to recoup expenses.
Schneider - Up to $7000.00
Roehl - Up to $6000.00
Werner - Up to $15000.00
CR England - Up to $6000.00
Stevens - Up to $5000.00

I believe Swift offers reimbursement if you ask about it. They, as do others, offer their own paid academy with one year commitment.

Another option is WIOA Grants: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides grants that can cover up to 100% of tuition costs for eligible individuals, including those who are unemployed or underemployed.

Scholarships: Scholarships are available for various groups, including veterans, women, and low-income families, and can cover tuition, fees, and lodging costs.

Also the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) website can provide helpful information. Some states offer scholarships to residents.


If you are a veteran, you can use your Post 9-11 benefits to cover CDL training and if you find a company that has an apprenticeship program of which many do, you can receive tax free housing allowance up to two years (JB Hunt, McLane, Werner, Roehl, TMC, Melton) if the company offers it for that period. Others offer a one year apprenticeship (Schneider, Swift, CR England, Knight).

Google G I Bill Comparison Tool and type in any carrier or school to show if they are approved by the VA and Department of Labor for an apprenticeship program. It will also tell you how much each carrier or school pays. The allowance provided is not restricted to the trucking industry so type in any employer or school.