If you’re thinking about starting a career in trucking, one of your first steps should be looking into CDL classes. These classes will teach you the basics of being a truck driver so that you can test for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Here’s what prospective drivers should know before they enroll in CDL classes. What is a CDL?A Commercial Driver’s License or CDL is what the Department of Transportation requires all drivers to obtain before they’re able to drive trucks professionally. There are three different types of CDL that we detail below. The 3 Types of CDLThere are three types of CDL which determine the commercial vehicles you’re able to drive, and the different trucking jobs you’re able to apply for. CDL A This is your standard CDL that lets you drive a semi-truck with a trailer in tow. Here’s the official definition from the FMCSA of what CDL A holders can drive, “Any combination of vehicles which has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) whichever is greater. “ This means that anyone with a CDL A can drive a truck with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds and a trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds. CDL A drivers can drive any CMV, including class B and C vehicles, provided they have the appropriate endorsements. CDL B A Class B CDL is a restricted license as you are not allowed to drive large tractors that tow 10,000 pounds or more. This eliminates the ability to drive your standard 53’ trailer. So, what can you drive with a CDL B? Think of dump trucks, delivery trucks, and city buses. Two huge benefits to CDL B jobs are that most positions will be local, and the age requirement is 18 since you won’t be moving freight between state lines. CDL C A Class C is the most unique type of CDL and for good reason. Besides being able to drive a shuttle bus or limo, there’s very little someone can do with a CDL C without the necessary endorsements. Even with those endorsements, most drivers consider it better to just go ahead and get your CDL B or A instead. RequirementsAside from completing entry-level driving training, there are a few other requirements to earn your CDL:
*Drivers can earn any class of CDL at age 18, but can’t cross state lines until they’re 21, which bars them from most CDL A jobs. For more information about what trucking jobs are good for 18–20-year-olds, you can visit our blog on the subject. TrainingThere are a few different ways you can take CDL classes, including through truck driving schools, community colleges, and technical schools. CDL training usually lasts 2-4 weeks and includes classroom learning as well as behind-the-wheel training. During training, students are expected to gain familiarity with operating a commercial vehicle and the techniques behind being a successful driver. These techniques include backing up, pre-trip inspections, city driving, highway driving, road signs and rules, among others. Classes will also cover a range of other helpful topics such on the road safety and first aid, state and federal laws drivers are subject to, route planning, managing logbooks, and more. Finding a CDL programWhen you’re looking for a CDL program, there are three main factors that you should consider; the quality of the education, cost, and location. Do your research on CDL programs in your area. Find out how much each program costs and look up reviews from former students. Find out what exactly each program offers in terms of classroom learning, and behind-the-wheel experience. Then you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which is right for you. While cost will probably be your deciding factor, remember that there are a lot of different ways that drivers can pay for them without breaking the bank. For information on how to pay for CDL costs, plus tips on how to save, you can visit our blog on the subject. Once you’ve completed CDL classes, you’re then able to take the CDL test and get on the road as a professional truck driver. Deciding which CDL program to enroll in is a big decision. But as long as you do your research and find the best school for you, you’ll have to problem passing, earning your CDL, and becoming a professional truck driver. The post What to Know Before Enrolling in CDL Classes appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/4bj5vXN
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Trucking can be a lucrative industry, but it’s also a highly regulated one. Before you can think about getting in a truck, you should consider the upfront CDL costs you’ll need to pay. Here’s a breakdown of those costs, plus some tips on how you can save money along the way. 4 CDL Costs to Consider1. CDL School CDL school will by far be your biggest expense when it comes to earning your CDL. The cost of these schools can range anywhere from $1,500 to up to $10,000 depending on the school you go to and the area of the country you live in. There was a time when you technically didn’t have to attend an accredited CDL school to get your CDL. That changed in February 2022 when the FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations went into effect. Now, any person who wants to earn their CDL will need to go to the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry and select a training provider in their area. They then need to reach out to that provider and complete a training program for the CDL they want. Once that program is completed, it’ll be noted in the driver’s file, and they can then go to their state licensing bureau to take the written skills test and/or road test. Once that’s completed, they’ll be able to receive their CDL. Remember that not every CDL school is the same. While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest option in your area, it might cost you more in the long run if you’re getting a subpar education. Before signing on with any one school, make sure to look up reviews to see if they’re worth the money. 2. DOT Physical Before you can earn your CDL, you’ll also need to have the standard DOT physical examination that must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner. To find one of these examiners, head to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and find an examiner in your area. Luckily, there are thousands of licensed practitioners across the country, so finding one shouldn’t be a problem. As for the cost, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75-150 for the physical, but it could run a little more or less depending on which doctor you plan on seeing. 3. Licensing Costs Licensing costs are what you pay when you go to your local BMV/DMV to take your tests and get your CDL. Exact costs vary state by state, but plan to spend at least $150. Some states break up their fees by “x amount for the road test” and “x amount for the knowledge test”, but other states lump them all together. The fees you’ll pay vary greatly by the state you’re getting your CDL in. There are other factors that may affect the cost as well, including your age, and the kind of CDL you’ll get (A, B, or C). The best thing to do is to plan on spending at least $300 on licensing fees. This is on the higher end, but if it ends up costing less, then you’ve got some more money in your pocket. 4. Optional Endorsement Costs CDL Endorsements allow drivers to operate specialty vehicles like tankers, school buses, and double/triple trailers. The cost for these endorsements will usually range between $10-60 depending on your state. These endorsements are optional and will cost you some extra money, but they also open a lot of new career opportunities for the drivers who have them. For more information on the different types of endorsements that are out there, you can visit our blog on the subject. 3 Ways to Help Pay for Your CDL1. Grants Before you look into other ways to pay for your CDL, you should research the state and federal grants that are available to you. Each state is different, so some will offer grants to students looking to earn their CDL and some won’t. But there are federal grants that everyone is eligible for; the most well-known of these is given through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which helps jobseekers pay for education and training costs. To get more information about a WIOA grant, you can use this link to find an American Job Center near you. If you’re a service veteran, you have an additional way to pay for you CDL costs as you’re able to use your GI Bill to pay for trucking school. 2. Carrier-Paid Training Carrier-paid training is when a person earns their CDL by signing on with a private fleet. The fleet will partner with a CDL school in the area and pay for the driver’s CDL courses. Then after they’ve earned their license, the driver will be obligated to drive for the carrier for a certain amount of time, usually 6 months to a year. For people looking to get into the trucking industry, carrier-paid training is one of, if not the most cost-effective way to do it. You’ll have most, or all of your expenses covered, plus you’ll have a guaranteed job once you earn your CDL. The one downside to this is that if the driver leaves the carrier before that designated period is up, the driver will most likely have to reimburse the carrier for the money they spent on the driver’s schooling. 3. Tuition Reimbursement Aside from carrier-paid training, tuition reimbursement is another great way to save money on CDL costs. The difference here is that instead of going through a carrier to get your CDL, the driver will have already earned their CDL on their own and work for a carrier who will pay the driver back the cost of it. The Bottom LineWhile there are a lot of CDL costs, there’s also a lot of ways you can lower them. If you’re thinking about getting your CDL, call or visit your state’s DMV/BMV website to get a total of all the fees they’ll charge. Then do your research on federal and state grants, driving schools, and carriers that offer paid-training and tuition reimbursement programs in your area. Then you can make an informed decision on what’s the best route for you. Once you earn your CDL and are looking for your first trucking job, consider making a free profile with Drive My Way. We match CDL drivers with jobs that are a match for their experience, qualifications, and lifestyle preferences. Looking for a new CDL Job?Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more.
The post What’s the Real Cost of Getting Your CDL? appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/PhVOmpr The truck driver community is strong. There are a number of charitable organizations out there that will lend a helping hand when drivers need it. Probably the biggest of these organizations is the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. We were able to talk with Shannon Currier, Director of Philanthropy with St. Christopher who gave us some insight on what their organization does. What is the overall mission of St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund?
Can you tell me the history of SCF?
Qualifications:To qualify for assistance from St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, a driver must meet all of the following:
If a driver is looking for financial help, how would they go about receiving it?
For drivers who are experiencing difficult times but don’t qualify to receive assistance from St. Christopher, you can take a look at Drive My Way’s collection of resources for displaced drivers. This includes links to unemployment resources, information about continuing your health insurance, disability coverage and more. You can also create a free Drive My Way profile below to find a job that fits your qualifications and lifestyle needs. Looking for a new CDL Job?Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more. The post How St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund Helps Drivers appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/7LVCpSw |
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