Month: June 2019

If you are looking for a steady career that’s in high demand then truck driving is a great place to look and DriveCo is a great CDL school to attend.

At DriveCo, we have a comprehensive CDL training within the classroom and out on the road with hands-on training in as little as four weeks.

Class A CDL Full-Time Course Total: 4 Weeks

Our CDL training courses are offered every two weeks during the weekday at our Gary campus. With the Class A CDL, you’ll be able to drive the big rigs, locally, regionally and over-the-road. You’ll be in the classroom diving into a curriculum that discusses truck parts and terminology, safe driving techniques, DOT rules and regulations, and also prepares you to take the CDL exam.

In addition to class work, you’ll get behind-the-wheel as you learn how to do a pre-trip inspection, back up a trailer, shift/double clutch, and more. If you look at the 160 hours in a matter of 40 hours per week, you can be ready for a new career in the trucking industry in as little as 4 weeks.

Class A CDL Part-Time Course Total: 10 Weeks

At DriveCo we understand that some people have full-time jobs while trying to earn their CDL. Due to this, we offer a part-time CDL training course on weekend and weeknights to fit around anyone’s busy schedule. With our weekend course, you can work your 9-5 job during the week while opening up additional career opportunities through earning your CDL. The course will take a bit longer than our weekday course at 10-weeks and a total of 160 hours.

DriveCo Gets You a Trucking Driving Job

We know that building a strong foundation for a driving career is why you have come to DriveCo. We pride ourselves in our course curriculum, hands-on training, and quality instructors. Our team is committed to helping you get the training you need to feel confident when you start your trucking career with a carrier.

If you are looking to start a new career path or add to the skills you have an earn a CDL, get in touch with us at (219) 336-8722.  We’re happy to help you get started and get out on the road!

Updated November 2021

In today’s economy, there are many reasons to consider becoming a truck driver. The transportation companies that employ truck drivers are crucial to almost all businesses that need to move their products, from food to pharmaceutical industries. They can even be viewed as the backbone of our markets. Due to this, trucking careers are not projected to stop growing anytime soon.

Here are 4 different reasons you should consider becoming a truck driver:

1. Expanding Job Market

Slow and steady wins the race here. The job market for truck drivers is projected to grow 3-5% in the next year as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic. Growth will level out around 5-6% per year from 2022 to 2030. The truck driver shortage continues to grow and was only made worse by the pandemic. Carriers need to hire more drivers than ever to meet the demand needed in the industry. People looking for a new career or just getting into the industry will have substantial opportunities with a trucking career.

2. Many Different Kinds of Work

The trucking industry does not belong to only tractor-trailer drivers. There is a multitude of different trucking jobs, such as the following:

  • Dry Van Drivers: How many people usually start in the industry. “Dry van” is the trailer you see connected to trucks on the highway every day.
  • Flatbed Drivers: Requires large objects to be tied down securely on trailers and thus promises higher pay.
  • Tanker Drivers: Involves transporting hazardous or non-hazardous liquids and is often in high demand.
  • Refrigerated Freight Drivers: Requires goods to be transported at a specific temperature. There is more responsibility, but more pay with it.
  • Freight Haulers: A freight hauler specializes in transporting freight from one location to another.
  • LTL Freight Drivers: For smaller shipments, an LTL driver is a good fit! Standing for “less than truckload,” these drivers transport smaller loads from place to place.

Whether or not you’re required to unload your own truck varies from employer to employer, so make sure to check.

3. Good Pay For a Good Life

The entry-level salary for truck drivers is estimated to be $66,000, which is up from an average of $40,000 a few years ago. Salary depends on the type of trucking job and carriers will have different salary ranges, but $60,000 is a current average across the industry. The pay increase is a direct result of the shortage of truck drivers. Trucking companies offer higher wages and benefits to recruit new drivers to the industry.

Drivers with experience earn significantly higher salaries and are estimated to reach $100,000 with only around five years of experience.

4. Simple to Get Started

It’s effortless to get started on this path and doesn’t take long at all. At DriveCo, you could earn your CDL in as little as four weeks full-time. Or, if you’re unable to dedicate to a full-time CDL, our 10-week part-time CDL training is right up your alley.

If you like to explore a career as a truck driver and are interested in a stable career, a trucking career may be an excellent fit for you.

If you have any other questions or want more information about our training, please contact us or call 219-336-8722.

Once you have finished attending your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) classes, then you will have to take the actual CDL test to get your Commercial Driver’s License and start your trucking career. Often, many students are the most nervous when it comes to taking and passing the CDL test. Many students will look for extra practice before they take the exam to ensure that they pass.

Are There Free CDL Test Resources Out There to Help Me Prepare?

After you’ve spent an average of $3,000 to $7,000 to go through the trucking school for your CDL, the last thing you want to do is spend hundreds more on CDL test training materials before you even take it. The good news is, there are free CDL test resources out there that can help you prepare.

A Free CDL Test Resource We Recommend:

No matter what type of CDL you are obtaining, there is a great resource that offers free practices tests for all of the different items you will need to know to pass your CDL test. UnionTestPrep can help you pass your test and gives you practice quizzes to take so you understand what kinds of questions you will get asked on the actual exam. Some of the topics that the UnionTestPrep will cover include the following:

  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicles
  • Doubles/Triples
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Passenger Transport
  • Tankers

Brushing up and taking a few practice questions on a test such as this can give you a lot more confidence going into your test to ensure that you will pass with flying colors!

Best Test Strategy

Practicing and studying even for 30 to 60 minutes per day leading up to your CDL can help you understand and retain the information that you’ll learn in your classes. If you are looking for additional ways to practice for your CDL exam, please feel free to contact us at the DriveCo CDL Learning Center as we are always here and happy to help!