Companies that will pay for your CDL while you work

Several large trucking companies will pay for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training as part of hiring you as a driver. Instead of paying thousands upfront for a CDL school, you attend their training program, get paid during training, and then drive for them under a contract that typically lasts one to three years. The company covers tuition, and you cover the cost of your time — meaning lower or no wages during the training period, which usually lasts four to eight weeks.

The trade-off is straightforward: the company invests in your license, and you commit to working for them long enough for that investment to make sense to them. If you leave before the contract ends, you may owe back some or all of the training cost, depending on the company and how long you stay. This is called a clawback clause, and the terms vary widely.

The largest carriers offering this — companies like Werner, Schneider, Prime Inc., and Knight-Swift — hire hundreds of drivers this way every year. Smaller regional carriers and owner-operator networks also run training programs, though their pay and contract terms differ.

Key Takeaways

  • Major trucking companies like Werner, Schneider, Prime Inc., and Knight-Swift pay for CDL training in exchange for a driving contract lasting one to three years.
  • Training typically lasts four to eight weeks, during which you may earn reduced pay or no pay, depending on the company.
  • If you leave before your contract ends, you will owe back some or all of the training cost under a clawback clause — the amount and timeline depend on the company.
  • You should compare contract length, pay during and after training, home time, and clawback terms across companies before choosing one.
  • Some companies require a high school diploma or GED; all require a valid state driver's license, a clean driving record, and a pass on a background check and drug test.

What happens during company-sponsored CDL training

When you are hired into a company training program, you typically start with classroom instruction covering traffic laws, vehicle mechanics, and safety rules specific to commercial driving. This phase lasts one to two weeks and is usually unpaid or paid at a reduced rate — often minimum wage or slightly above.

After classroom work, you move to behind-the-wheel training with a company instructor or an experienced driver. This phase lasts two to six weeks and is where you learn to operate an 18-wheeler, perform pre-trip inspections, back up safely, and handle different road conditions. Pay during this phase varies: some companies pay you a small hourly wage, others pay per mile once you start logging miles, and some pay nothing until you pass your CDL test and are assigned to a truck.

Once you pass your CDL exam at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, you are licensed to drive commercially. Many companies then pair you with a mentor driver — an experienced driver who rides along for another two to four weeks while you log real miles and learn the company's specific routes, dispatch system, and safety culture. During this phase, you usually earn per-mile pay, which can range from $0.25 to $0.45 per mile depending on the company.

After the mentor phase, you are on your own truck and move to the company's standard pay structure for new drivers, which is typically lower than what experienced drivers earn but increases after you hit certain milestones — usually 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years of safe driving.

How clawback clauses work and what they cost you

A clawback clause means the company can recover training costs from you if you leave before a set date. The amount you owe usually decreases over time — for example, you might owe the full $3,000 to $5,000 training cost if you leave in the first 6 months, $2,000 if you leave between 6 and 12 months, and nothing if you stay for 2 years.

Some companies deduct the clawback amount from your final paycheck. Others require you to pay it separately, and if you do not, they may report it to a collection agency or sue you. A few companies will forgive the clawback if you are fired without cause, but most will not if you quit.

Before signing a contract, ask the company for the exact clawback schedule in writing. Request clarity on what counts as "leaving" — does it include being fired for safety violations, or only voluntary resignation? Some companies have different clawback terms for drivers who are terminated versus those who quit. Understanding this upfront prevents surprises if your situation changes.

Pay rates during training and after you are licensed

Pay during the training phase is the lowest you will earn at a trucking company. Many companies pay nothing during classroom instruction, then move to per-mile pay once you are behind the wheel with an instructor or mentor. Per-mile rates during training typically range from $0.20 to $0.40 per mile, which translates to roughly $400 to $800 per week if you are logging 1,000 to 2,000 miles.

Once you are on your own truck and fully licensed, new driver pay at large carriers usually starts between $0.35 and $0.50 per mile. This can feel low compared to experienced driver rates — which often reach $0.55 to $0.70 per mile — but it increases as you accumulate safe driving time. Some companies also offer bonuses for safety, fuel efficiency, or staying with the company past certain anniversaries.

Pay also depends on the type of freight you haul. Dedicated routes (the same route every week) often pay less but offer predictability. Over-the-road (OTR) driving, where you are gone for weeks at a time, typically pays more. Specialized freight like hazmat or tanker usually pays a premium once you have the endorsements.

Companies known for paying for CDL training

Werner Enterprises, based in Omaha, Nebraska, has one of the largest driver training programs in the country. They cover tuition and provide paid training for drivers who commit to a contract. Their clawback period is typically one year, and they hire drivers with no prior experience.

Schneider National, headquartered in Wisconsin, also runs a well-known training program. They offer tuition reimbursement and paid training, with contract terms that vary by position. Schneider is known for offering consistent home time and a structured pay progression.

Prime Inc., based in Springfield, Missouri, operates one of the longest-running driver training programs. They cover all training costs and pay drivers during training, though the pay is modest. Their contract is typically two years, and they are known for hiring younger drivers and those with less experience.

Knight-Swift Transportation, one of the largest carriers in North America, has multiple training programs under different brand names (Knight, Swift, Estes). They cover training costs and offer paid training, with varying contract lengths depending on which division you join.

Smaller regional carriers and owner-operator networks also offer training programs, though they may have different pay structures and contract terms. If you are interested in a specific region or type of freight, searching for "CDL training [your state]" or "[freight type] training" can surface local options.

What you need to know before signing a contract

Before you commit to a company training program, compare these factors across at least two or three companies: contract length, pay during training, pay after licensing, home time (how often you return home), the clawback schedule, and whether the company offers benefits like health insurance or a 401(k) during the training phase.

Ask whether the company will hire you if you have a minor driving violation on your record, or if they require a completely clean history. Ask what happens if you fail the CDL exam on your first attempt — do they let you retake it, and do you pay for the second attempt? Ask whether you can choose your truck or your routes, or whether the company assigns both.

Request the contract in writing before you start training, and read it carefully. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification in writing. Do not rely on verbal promises from a recruiter — only what is in the signed contract is binding.

Also consider whether you are comfortable with the lifestyle. Over-the-road driving means weeks away from home, irregular sleep schedules, and long hours in a truck. Some drivers thrive on this; others find it isolating. If you have family obligations or prefer to be home every night, ask about local or regional routes before you commit.

Alternatives if company training does not work for you

If you do not want to sign a multi-year contract, you can pay for CDL training yourself through a private truck driving school. Costs range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the school and your location. This route gives you freedom to choose your employer after licensing, but you bear the upfront cost.

Some community colleges offer CDL programs at lower cost than private schools, often $2,000 to $4,000. These programs may also help you find a job after graduation, though they do not may provide placement.

Another option is to look for companies that offer tuition reimbursement rather than paying upfront. You pay for training yourself, work for the company for a set period, and they reimburse you gradually through your paychecks. This is less common than upfront training programs but does exist at some carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I fail the CDL test after company training?

Most companies will let you retake the test, but policies vary. Some cover the retake fee; others charge you. Ask this question before you start training. If you fail twice, some companies will end the contract and may pursue the clawback, while others will offer additional instruction and a third attempt.

Can I leave a company training contract early without owing the clawback?

Only in specific circumstances, which depend on the company. Some companies waive the clawback if you are fired for reasons unrelated to safety or performance — for example, if the company closes a terminal. Others do not. Read your contract carefully and ask the recruiter for examples of when the clawback is waived.

Do I have to work for the company that trained me?

Yes, as part of the training contract. The contract specifies how long you must work for them. After that period ends, you are free to move to another company. Some drivers stay longer because they like the company; others leave as soon as the contract allows.

How much money will I have after training and my first few months of work?

This depends on the company, the type of driving, and your expenses. During training, you may earn $0 to $800 per week. After licensing, new driver pay typically yields $1,200 to $2,000 per week before taxes. Subtract fuel (if you pay it), food, truck payments if you own your truck, and taxes. Many new drivers break even or lose money in the first few months, so have savings to cover living expenses during training.

What disqualifies me from a company training program?

Most companies require a high school diploma or GED, a valid state driver's license, a clean driving record (no major violations in the past 3 to 5 years), and a pass on a background check and drug test. Some companies are stricter than others. If you have a violation or a gap in your work history, call the company's recruiting line and ask whether you are may be able to access before you spend time on the process.