Month: April 2018

If you are thinking about becoming a Class A CDL driver, it is suggested that you go through training courses. Training provides both classroom training to help pass the written portion of the exam, and practice driving for the behind-the-wheel portion. DriveCo CDL Learning Center provides training in both of these areas during a four-week, 160-hours, full-time program in Gary, Indiana. There is no prior experience or knowledge necessary to start your training.

What will I Learn in the Classroom?

Students will learn all the materials necessary to pass the Indiana Commercial Driver’s License Test. Topics include but not limited to; truck parts and terminology, Department of Transportation rules and regulations, maps, and other reference materials as well as key principles of safe driving. Classes begin every two weeks.

What Will I Learn on the Road?

At DriveCo’s facility in Gary, you will have access to commercial trucks. Students will be able to learn the principles of safe driving. You will be trained by our driving professionals and will have access to our trucks while taking your driving exam.

Additional Benefits

All our students will have access to Job Placement Services. Our facility regularly has recruiter visits from local, regional and national carriers. All students who are in good standing with the school and are licensed drivers will be able to attend recruitment activities for life! We also provide assistance with resumes, preparing for interviews, and all other aspects of the job search. While DriveCo cannot guarantee you a job, we are committed to providing all the opportunities and resources necessary to help you find one.

Whether you are considering a job as a long haul driver, route driver, hazardous/waste material driver, or providing pick-up, we have provided training to drivers since 1990. Contact us for more information on how you can register to begin your Class A CDL Training.

The trucking industry, like many other industries, will likely go through an overhaul in the coming years. The advancement of technology and the increase in online retail businesses translates into the need for growth in developing a skilled, trucking workforce. The following are some of the highlights reported for the trucking industry:

Increases in Driver Compensation

In a March 2018 report released by the American Trucking Association, survey findings determined that pay for truck drivers was on the rise. They attributed this to the lack of qualified drivers and an increase in the number of routes available. The report also cites that drivers were receiving signing bonuses and great benefits packages.

More Opportunities to Earn

The increase in the number of goods being shipped by trucks translates into more and better earning opportunities for the drivers. The American Trucking Association is predicting a significant increase in the number of goods being moved by truck through 2028. This is great news for those considering a career in the trucking industry. Estimates also suggest that a large number of existing drivers will be retiring soon. This will leave more opportunities for younger drivers to replace them.

Reduced Average Length of Trips 

With the advancement of technology, companies are able to reduce the length of trips. This reduces the costs and creates a better quality of life for the drivers. Drivers who are on the roads for shorter lengths of time are in fewer accidents and require fewer breaks while on the road. This also means that drivers can be home more often too.

All of these factors are positive steps forward for the trucking industry. With better compensation, more opportunities to earn a living, and reduced time on the road, a career in the trucking business is a great career move. Contact us at DriveCo CDL Learning Center for more information on how you can get learn to become a qualified truck driver today.

Earning a CDL opens the door to a world of possibilities. A shortage of truck drivers has plagued the industry for some time and is expected to continue. This creates plenty of job opportunities for new drivers. In a short period, entry-level drivers can expect to earn above-average wages in a high-growth industry. In addition to excellent earning potential, CDL drivers are in demand for several types of occupations within the industry.

Over-the-Road (OTR) Driving

Over-the-Road (OTR) driving is the job most often associated with truck driving. There are many opportunities in this field. OTR drivers are:

• On the road for days and even weeks at a time.
• Have a route that they drive regularly or deliver loads to different locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
  • This type of career offers the chance to see every corner of the country firsthand
• Highest paid job in the industry with a median pay of $41,340 per year.

Regional Trucking

Regional drivers may have a planned route that they run every day, week, or month. Opportunities for professional drivers include:

• The delivery of commercial products to factories and manufacturing facilities
• The delivery of shipments to warehouses and retail outlets
• A bus driver to transport passengers on chartered trips or sightseeing tours.

Regional drivers are often required to be on the road overnight or for a couple of days but on most evenings you will find them back at home.

Local Truck Driving 

The local truck driving industry includes:

• Bus drivers for local transit systems
• Local delivery drivers for small packages and full loads.

Local driver opportunities include deliveries of products to retail outlets. Local drivers have the benefit of being home every night but, with a median pay of $28,390 per year, may not be paid as well initially as other options.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the demand for qualified truck drivers will grow rapidly over the next ten years. Industry experts believe that the truck driver shortage will only get worse over the coming years. The need for drivers along with the excellent starting wages available in the industry makes earning a CDL an exceptional career opportunity.

If you’re ready to take that next step and begin your trucking career, contact us today to learn more about our CDL Training programs.

Updated February 2020

Paying for CDL Training can be a struggle for many students. At DriveCo CDL Learning Center, we never want a lack of funds to keep you from completing CDL Training. For that reason, we offer several tuition assistance options, ranging from grants to scholarships, that can be utilized when cash flow is limited.

Indiana Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Indiana Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program provides access to job training to individuals with significant barriers to employment, including veterans and those with disabilities. If you’ve been laid-off, receiving unemployment or SNAP benefits, you may be eligible for a grant to pay tuition.

Indiana Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

If your job has been negatively impacted financially due to your company’s production moving outside of the United States, you could qualify for tuition assistance through this program. The goal of the TAA is to help you obtain a position with similar wages to what you were earning in your prior profession.

Veteran’s Assistance Programs

DriveCo is approved for a variety of Veterans Administration funding programs for active service members, reservists, and military veterans.

Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill®

This program assists qualifying veterans who have been on active duty for an aggregate of 90 days after 9/10/2001, or for those who were honorably discharged or discharged due to disability connected to their time in service.

Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB)

The MGIB offers education assistance to veterans and service members who were active for at least two years. Qualified applicants must also meet certain education requirements, such as having a high school diploma or GED.

Chapter 35 – Survivors and Dependents, Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

If a veteran or service member has been permanently disabled due to a service injury or has passed away from a service-related injury, their dependents may qualify for assistance through the DEA.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

If you are the spouse of a military member, you may qualify for this scholarship. Qualifying ranks are as follows: E5 and below, W1 – W2 or O1 – O2.

Sponsorship Training

If you need immediate help covering your cost of tuition, one solution is to seek pre-employment from one of our trucking partners. We can guide you to the right ones that, upon pre-hiring, you, may offer to pay for your training. They do ask that you make a commitment to work for them upon completion of the program, generally for one year. The major benefit of this program is that you know you will have guaranteed employment when you finish your training.

Tuition Reimbursement

If you plan to pay for your training using your own funds, you can do so knowing that many companies offer a tuition reimbursement plan. These organizations will make your monthly payments while you work for them and do not require a contracted time commitment from you. DriveCo has strong partnerships with many companies that participate in tuition reimbursement.

Cash Plans

DriveCo is willing to partner with you by offering two cash plans. A major benefit to these cash plans is that it gives you the freedom to find the right employer upon completion of your CDL. The only items not included are the costs of your CDL permit and CDL license.

If you’d like more information on any of these programs, please contact us today. Our Admissions Team is always willing to work one-on-one with you to help you find the best options for paying for your tuition.

Although getting a Commercial Driver’s License does take a bit of time and effort, the advantages are well worth it. It can open a world of employment opportunities that you might not have even considered.

Commercial Truck Drivers Are In High Demand

The average age of a truck driver according to recent data is approaching 50 years of age. That means that the current shortfall is only going to get worse over the next 10-15 years, as the “average” driver reaches retirement age. That’s creating quite a challenge for businesses trying to replace them. Take look at the “Now Hiring” signs that are plastered on commercial trucks the next time you’re driving down the road. Having a Commercial Driver’s License provides you with the opportunity to fill one of those spots.

A Number of Jobs Require a CDL

If truck driving isn’t your thing, don’t worry. An abundance of job opportunities requires a Commercial Driver’s License. Did you know that you need one if you want to work as a school bus driver, city bus driver, tour bus driver, hazmat carrier, or garbage worker? These are distinct, interesting, and potentially high-paying career opportunities that require employees to have a CDL.

A Commercial Driver’s License Gives You a Marketable Edge

Even if you don’t have to drive a commercial vehicle very often, having a CDL gives you quite an advantage in the workplace. The time and effort you spent earning it proves that you are committed to adding skills that give you value. It also shows that you are well-rounded and can handle a variety of responsibilities if needed.

If you’ve been thinking about obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License, it’s worth it to go ahead and start the process. After all, as soon as you earn your CDL, you can start taking advantage of the benefits. Contact us today for more information on how to get started with your CDL Training.