Truck driving programs are generally less expensive to complete than college degrees. However, the out-of-pocket costs could still be prohibitive for many. Even if the costs aren’t holding you back, who doesn’t like saving money?
This article explains how much you can expect to pay for commercial driver’s license (CDL) training tuition and associated costs, the types of aid available to you, and additional financial benefits available to drivers.
AllTrucking.com’s $1,000 Women in Trucking Scholarship
Apply for AllTrucking.com’s Women in Trucking Scholarship. This scholarship is available to women entering the trucking industry and women pursuing continuing education as truck drivers.
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How Much Does Trucking School Cost?
Truck driving school costs an average of $3,000 to $7,000 in total, though rates vary by location, type of CDL, and the individual school, with some costing around $12,000.
Do I Have to Pay for Room and Board During CDL Training?
You may have to pay for room and board during your truck driver training if you live far away from the school. Often, schools partner with local hotels for discounted rates. Other expenses, like food and entertainment—though you’ll likely have little free time while attending a full-time program—are also your responsibility.
Do I Pay for My CDL or Endorsement Exams and Licenses?
You’ll almost definitely have to pay for your commercial driving exams, commercial learners permit (CLP), CDL, and endorsements out of pocket.
A CLP is required before starting trucking school, and you’ll typically need to take a knowledge test to earn it. Sometimes the costs are rolled together, sometimes not. This can cost as little as $5 or up to $20.
Your road skills test, which comes after training, averages $30 to $60. Sometimes the tuition you pay covers CDL examination costs.
The CDL itself costs between $75 and $100 in most cases, though it can be more expensive in some states.
If you want to add endorsements, you may need to pay additional exam and license fees.
Additionally, you may be expected to pay for your DOT medical exam if your insurance or employer doesn’t cover it.
Is Government Financial Aid Available for Trucking School?
Federal financial aid, including loans and grants, is only available to students attending Title IV schools, which most CDL programs are not.
The government mandates programs must be a minimum of 16 weeks in addition to the Title IV requirement, which is also uncommon for driving schools.
Luckily, the U.S. Department of Education has a list of schools participating in Title IV programs, which is updated four times a year. Some truck driving schools appear on the list, along with community colleges that may offer CDL training programs.
If your program is eligible for federal aid, you must also meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Have financial need (for most programs)
- Be registered for selective students (if relevant)
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or proof of completion of an approved homeschool program
Once you’re sure you meet all the eligibility requirements, it’s time to fill out the FAFSA and wait for your offer letter. Don’t worry; this won’t affect your credit score.
State aid often has fewer hoops to jump through, and they generally only offer grants—which means there is no need to repay them. Some states may require the FAFSA, even if you’re not eligible for federal aid. The best way to discover if your state offers trucking school grants is to look through their Department of Education website or contact the department directly.
Can I Get Loans for Truck Driving School?
You may be eligible for government or private loans for trucking school.
Federal government loans are available to those who meet the requirements in the previous section. These have lower interest rates than private loans.
Private loans may be more readily available for truck driving school. Bear in mind these loans often have high interest rates. Applying for these loans requires credit checks, and even if your loan isn’t approved, your credit score may be affected.
Scholarships for Trucking School
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Women in Trucking Foundation Scholarship
Apply by April $1,000
This scholarship is for women attending trucking training.
This scholarship is for women who will attend an independent training school for trucking career advancement, particularly in the areas of safety, technical, leadership, or driving schools. An essay regarding career plans and their need for this scholarship is required. Winners receive $1,000 and a one-year membership to the Women in Trucking Association.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Women in Trucking Foundation
Awards Available: Unavailable
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: Unavailable
This scholarship may or may not be renewable.
SkillPointe Foundation Scholarship
Apply monthly $1,000
This scholarship is for anyone ages 16+ training to work in a skilled profession but not going for a college degree.
The SkillPointe Foundation Scholarship is open to anyone pursuing a skilled profession but isn’t interested in obtaining a college degree to do so. Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded each month, with winners being notified about six weeks after applying. Two short essays are required, one about why this career was chosen and another about how becoming trained will help achieve those goals.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by SkillPointe Foundation
Awards Available: Two per month
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: Unavailable
This scholarship may or may not be renewable.
Work Ethic Scholarship Program
Apply by May Award Varies
This scholarship is for those pursuing vocational or associate degrees.
Sponsored by the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, this scholarship program is open to anyone enrolled or planning to enroll in an approved trade program leading to a vocational certificate or associate degree. They specifically call out commercial driving as one of the areas they focus on. Ideal candidates are those with high work-ethics who agree to sign their “Skill & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo” (S.W.E.A.T) pledge and answer short questions about that pledge. Instead of a standard essay, a short video is required, as are two references. Applicants must plan to complete their trade program after December of the year they’re given the award.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Mike Rowe Works Foundation
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: Unavailable
This scholarship may or may not be renewable.
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Career and Technical Education Scholarship
Apply monthly Award Varies
This scholarship is for children of current or former Marines or certain Navy members who worked with Marines planning to attend technical school.
If you’re the child of a current or former Marine or Navy Corpsman or Chaplain/Religious Programs Specialist who worked with a Marine Corps unit who plans to attend a technical college, you may be eligible for this scholarship. Your school must be on the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator for the year in which you apply–and many CDL schools are. Your program may not take more than 12 months to complete, and income is taken into consideration.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Awards Available: All eligible applicants receive an award
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: 2.0
This scholarship is renewable.
National Foster Parent Association Youth Scholarship
Apply by April $500
This scholarship is for those who were in foster care.
This $500 scholarship is open to “birth, foster, kinship, and young adopted through foster care who want to further their education beyond high school.” A supportive adult in your life (whether or not they’re your parent) must be a member of the organization, and you need at least two letters of recommendation from a residential center, social worker, foster parent, school employee, or employer. An essay about how being in foster care influenced your career goals is required, and if you plan to attend a vocational or technical school, you need to be between the ages of 17 and 21 to apply.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by National Foster Parent Association
Awards Available: Up to six
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required:Unknown
This scholarship is not renewable.
Buzzell, Welsh & Hill College Scholarship Program
Apply by April $2,500
This scholarship is for U.S. citizens planning to attend an accredited college, including technical and trade schools.
This unique scholarship is open to anyone who plans to attend any type of postsecondary school, including technical training. What makes this unusual is the essay: As the law firm wants to promote safe driving habits, they ask applicants to create their ideal drivers’ education program (for standard licenses, not CDLs). In addition to the essay, they request you use media, including videos and graphics, to show how your program is superior to current options.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by The Law Offices of Buzzell, Welsh & Hill
Awards Available: One
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required:Unknown
This scholarship is not renewable.
AfterCollege Associate’s Degree & Certificate Scholarship
Apply by May $500
This scholarship is for students currently enrolled in community college or vocational, career, or trade programs.
If you’re enrolled in an accredited postsecondary school, including community colleges and career, vocational, or trade schools, you may be eligible for this award. Your personal statement, in which you describe your goals and how you’ll be an asset to your employer, is the primary focus of the awards committee–though they also recommend uploading a video to introduce yourself.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by AfterCollege
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required:Unknown
This scholarship is not renewable.
Driver Safety Scholarship
Apply by September $1,000
This scholarship is for students planning to enroll in any level of higher education.
This essay-based scholarship is for high school seniors who plan to attend university, college, or trade school. You must write a blog-style essay about tips for driver safety, including at least one original image or graphic.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by The Wakeford Law Firm Injury Lawyers
Awards Available: One
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required:Unknown
This scholarship is not renewable.
Researching and Applying to Trucking School Scholarships
There are trucking school scholarships available beyond the ones we list, especially in your local area—if you know where to look.
An online search for “trucking school scholarships” is, of course, a great way to start. Search for things like:
- Truck driver training scholarships
- Truck driving scholarships in [your state]
- Scholarships for CDL training
However, it’s important to read the fine print—for instance, some scholarships with the word “trucking” may be for family members of those in the industry who plan to attend a four-year school.
You’re not limited to scholarships exclusively for trucking, though. Look at scholarships available to those attending vocational or certification programs, both from national organizations and in your area.
Individual truck driving schools may also offer scholarships. They’ll likely mention this on their website.
To apply for the scholarships, follow the instructions on their respective applications to the letter. Common scholarship application requirements include:
- Personal information like name, address, and phone number
- Educational background details
- Financial information
- List of hobbies, leadership experience, etc.
- Personal essay about your background or goals—be careful about grammar and spelling
Below is a list of a few scholarships that may be open to truck drivers. Some specifically mention the field, while others don’t—though all are open to vocational programs. If you’re unsure if the scholarship is open to truck driving programs, reach out to the granting organization directly before spending time on the application.
Are Grants Available for Truck Driving School?
Yes, there are some grants available for truck driving school.
Grants are commonly offered by local, state, and federal governments. Some require you to attend a certain kind of school, such as a community or four-year college, while others are open to other types of education.
You apply for federal grants via the FAFSA. Other governmental grants have varying requirements, which are detailed on state websites. Requirements may include a relatively lengthy application about your educational, personal, and financial backgrounds.
Can I Get Free Truck Driver Training?
Tuition-free truck driver training is available through many trucking employers—though there are strings attached.
Think of this as an interest-free loan—though you may have to pay interest if you quit the company or program before your contract ends or if you don’t pass your CDL exam. If you complete the program, you’ll be expected to work for the carrier for a set amount of time (usually around one year), and you’ll likely have lower paychecks than standard drivers during that period.
Note, this said, “tuition-free,” not “free.” You’ll likely have to live on-site during training (unless you live very close by), meaning you may be responsible for room and board while you learn.
These programs are intense, so you’ll almost definitely need to quit your job before enrolling. You need to be very confident you’ll succeed in your training if you can’t afford to go without pay.
However, some programs do pay during training, which is worth investigating.
In short, company-paid training requirements vary greatly, and it’s best to learn everything you can before choosing this option.
Will Employers Reimburse Me for Truck Driving School?
Some employers reimburse for truck driving school while others don’t. Many companies that do partner with specific schools, and lists of these partnerships should be available on the training programs’ websites.
If you find a company that reimburses for training, you’ll likely have to work for them for a minimum amount of time. They usually slowly pay your tuition or loan off via additional money in your paychecks throughout your contract. This means you’ll need to pay those bills yourself, as the company isn’t paying your loan provider or school directly.
Can Veterans Get Extra Assistance with CDL Training?
Many veterans are eligible for assistance with CDL training costs.
If you drove large vehicles in the military or completed the appropriate USMAPs, your time training for your CDL could be significantly shortened or waived entirely.
Some military education benefits can apply to CDL training, including (with some limitations):
- GI Bills
- VEAP
- National Call to Service Program
- Military Tuition Assistant Program
Military families may also be eligible for truck driving school assistance via Chapter 35 benefits, and the VR&E program may help you determine if this career is right for you.
What Other Financial Benefits Are Available to Truck Drivers?
Truck drivers have financial benefits those in other industries don’t, both in terms of costs affecting everyone—like taxes—and in trucking-specific job costs.
Self-employed drivers can deduct some work-related costs, including, but not limited to:
- Liability insurance premiums
- Upkeep and purchases of work uniforms
- Vehicle leasing costs
- Miscellaneous travel and vehicle expenses
Some companies offer special discounts for truck drivers, such as:
- Ooida: Discounts at many trucking equipment manufacturers and service providers for members
- Purple: 10% off mattresses for truck drivers
- GasBuddy: Not exclusive to truck drivers, but provides special deals and discounts based on gasoline purchases (be sure your company allows its use)
And don’t forget about National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, when other companies may offer special discounts for drivers.
FAQs
Which trucking company pays the most for training? ›
Which Trucking Company Pays the Most for Training? Depending on the carrier type and your availability, GP Transco and Roehl generally offer the highest-paying jobs and the best benefits.
What is the best trucking company to start out with? ›- Swift Trucking Company. Unlike some more established truck companies, Swift is happy to hire employees with no professional truck driving experience. ...
- US Xpress. ...
- CR England. ...
- Werner Enterprises. ...
- XPO Logistics. ...
- J.B.
The average tuition for CDL training courses in New Jersey is around $11,400.
How much does it cost to get your CDL license in NY? ›Fees For Getting Your CDL In New York:
CDL Road Test - $40 (each additional road test is $40) CDL Fee - $164.50 ($180.50 for Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District applicants) add an additional $5 for each CDL endorsement you obtain.
Many truckers are quitting because of low pay combined with difficult working conditions. Truck drivers can spend days at a time behind the wheel of their truck, spending nights in gas station parking lots, or even on the side of the road.
What is the highest paying freight? ›- Ice Road Drivers. ...
- Oversized Load. Salary: $71,442 per year. ...
- Specialty Vehicle Haulers. Salary: $82,099. ...
- Team Drivers. Salary: $96,573. ...
- Private Fleet. Salary: $95,999 - $110,000 per year. ...
- Mining Industry Drivers. Salary: $58,862. ...
- Liquids / Tanker. Salary: $88,024. ...
- Hazmat Drivers. Salary: $65,466.
Annual Salary | ||
---|---|---|
1. | Sysco | $87,204 |
2. | Walmart | $86,000 |
3. | Epes Transport | $83,921 |
4. | Acme Truck Line | $82,892 |
Swift Transportation is the highest paying company for rookie drivers. Not only can new truck drivers get their schooling through Swift, they can go right into employment with the company when the schooling and training are complete.
What trucking company pays the most 2022? ›- Bennett Motor Express.
- Mercer Transportation.
- Sysco Foods.
- Walmart.
- UPS.
- GP Transco.
- Marten Transport.
- ABF Freight System.
How could I get my CDL without attending school or a company-sponsored program? You could study for and pass your permit test, using our program, of course, and then hire a truck for the driving skills test. Keeping in mind that you would probably need to also pay for practice time beforehand.
What is the best CDL to get? ›
Generally, that will be a Class A CDL because you are able to haul more freight in terms of weight, as well as for longer distances. These truckload OTR trucking jobs pay more as a result.
What is the highest CDL license? ›A Class C CDL is the last license class and it covers the rest, i.e. what Class A and B do not. It authorizes the holder to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,000 pounds, given that the towed vehicle has a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.
How much is a CDL permit? ›Standard CDL License - expect to pay between $75 and $100, some states do charge more. Endorsements - expect to pay between $5 and $10 for each endorsement, which can include additional knowledge and skills exams.
What are the 3 tests for CDL permit in NY? ›All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test.
How much is a NYC CDL permit test? ›There is a fee of $40.00 to take the CDL road test (skills test). You can pay the road test fee when the DMV office issues your commercial learner permit, or you can pay the fee online. You must pay the fee before you can schedule your road test.
Is truck driving worth it 2022? ›Due to the ongoing shortage of long-haul drivers, it's a great time to get into the industry. American Trucking Associations estimates that the industry needs 80,000 more drivers. That could be the same or worse next year, with those estimates expected to surpass 160,000 by 2030.
Will truck drivers be replaced? ›Autonomous trucks could one day replace more than 90% of all highway trucking, which could have a profound impact on as many as 500,000 long-haul truckers, a new study found.
Is there a truck driver shortage 2022? ›In its 2022 report on the shortage of truck drivers, the IRU notes that the situation is getting worse. Salary increases have not been enough to bring the numbers needed into the profession. The road haulage industry needs from now on to acknowledge that the shortage of drivers is a structural phenomenon.
How can I get high-paying loads? ›Look for an association of retail store chain owners. Try the Government – If you can, try to bag government contracts. The government is a great client that offers high-paying loads and pays reliably. Government agencies like the Postal Service and the Military are some examples of possible clients.
What state pays truck drivers the most? ›Rank | State | Average Truck Driver Salary |
---|---|---|
1 | Delaware | $70,901 |
2 | Rhode Island | $70,834 |
3 | Connecticut | $70,082 |
4 | New Jersey | $70,043 |
How do I get the best paying loads? ›
To best way to find the highest paying loads for truckers is to find a large volume of loads on a quality load board. High-quality job boards have hundreds of thousands of loads in lanes spread throughout North America. They make it easier to get the most buck with your truck.
What companies is the best to get your CDL license? ›- CRST Trucking School.
- C.R. England CDL School.
- Knight Transportation.
- Prime Trucking School and Prime Trucking Company.
- KLLM Trucking School and Company.
- FFE Trucking.
- Roehl Transport.
- Schneider Trucking School and Company.
- 1) SAGE Truck Driving Schools. ...
- 2) Tidewater Community College. ...
- 3) Northampton Community College. ...
- 4) Des Moines Area Community College Transportation Institute. ...
- 5) Ozarks Technical Community College Transportation Training Institute. ...
- 6) West Hills Community College District.
- Credit Karma.
- Meta.
- VMware.
- Palo Alto Networks.
- Microsoft.
- Alphabet.
- Medallia.
- Adobe.
The trucking company that pays owner-operators the most is Covenant Transport and CRST Expedited. While the average truck driver pay per mile is between 28 and 40 cents per mile, owner-operator truck drivers at these companies earn between $1.50 and $1.60 per mile.
Which trucking company pays new drivers most? ›Swift Transportation is the highest paying company for rookie drivers. Not only can new truck drivers get their schooling through Swift, they can go right into employment with the company when the schooling and training are complete.
Which state CDL is the best? ›...
1. North Dakota.
Total CDL Class A Driver Jobs: | 5,609 |
---|---|
Average Annual Salary: | $66,015 |
Lowest 10 Percent Earn: | $47,000 |
Highest 10 Percent Earn: | $91,000 |
338 | Truck Driving Schools Businesses in the US in 2022 |
---|---|
Purchase this report or a membership to unlock our data for this industry. | Truck Driving Schools in the US Business Growth 2022–2027 |
- Anesthesiologist: $208,000.
- Surgeon: $208,000.
- Obstetrician and Gynecologist: $208,000.
- Orthodontist: $208,000.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: $208,000.
- Physician: $208,000.
- Psychiatrist: $208,000.
OCCUPATION | 2021 MEDIAN PAY |
---|---|
General internal medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
Family medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
Emergency medicine physicians | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year |
What state pays truck drivers the most? ›
Rank | State | Average Truck Driver Salary |
---|---|---|
1 | Delaware | $70,901 |
2 | Rhode Island | $70,834 |
3 | Connecticut | $70,082 |
4 | New Jersey | $70,043 |
How much does a Truck Driver make at Amazon.com in the United States? Average Amazon.com Truck Driver hourly pay in the United States is approximately $21.38, which meets the national average.
How much do Owner operators make a month? ›How much does an Owner Operator make? As of Oct 13, 2022, the average monthly pay for an Owner Operator in the United States is $12,552 a month.