Sponsor for cdl driving test

Hi all. I'm writing in the hopes that someone here may have some info they can share... I'm trying to help out a friend who is a previous truck driver.
He has over 10years experience driving over the road, but unfortunately let his CDL license expire about 5-6 years ago and hasn't driven since.
He just recently got his MA CDL permit and air-brake endorsement and is scheduled for the DOT physical next week. He doesn't have many contacts in this area (we're in the Boston area) and is worried about how to go about getting a sponsor and a truck for the pre-trip/road test.
Is there a way to do this without paying for a refresher course and going through a school? He's unemployed right now and really doesn't have the money it would cost to go this route...
Any advice or information would be appreciated!
~LCC