Month: March 2019

Updated February 2020

Interested in getting your Commercial Drivers License (CDL) but not sure how to finance your CDL training? Good news–many CDL schools offer ways to help you pay for your CDL training! Find out how you can reach your goals with the financial assistance offered at United Truck Driving School.

Government Financial Aid

Many people don’t realize that truck driving school can be financed with government funding. United Truck Driving School is accredited by both The Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the California Bureau of Post-Secondary Education. These accreditations mean that United Truck Driving School is able to offer a number of options for government-funded tuition assistance. Programs such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other such government programs can cover all or part of the tuition at United Truck Driving School for eligible students.

Veteran Assistance

United Truck Driving School is proud to participate in VA Educational programs serving veterans, active-duty military, and military spouses and dependents. Many active-duty and ex-military veterans excel in trucking because many of the skills taught in the military align with that of truck driving. United participates in the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, VA Vocational Rehabilitation, and Transferred GI Bill Benefits. Military spouses also have the opportunity to use the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCCA) to pay for CDL training.

Tuition Reimbursement

United Truck Driving School works with trucking companies that offer tuition reimbursement. This means you pay for your CDL training, and the trucking company that hired you reimburses you for the training in the form of monthly payments over time. With this option, you will have to sign a contract promising to stay with the company for a certain amount of time.

Personal Financing & Payment Plans

Even if you don’t qualify for financial assistance, you can still get help paying for your CDL training. United works with students to create personalized payment plans. Many times students don’t have to begin paying until after graduation.

Disability Displacement

If you have been displaced from your career due to disability, truck-driving may be an option for you. Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits can be received if you were injured, have a disability, and your employer does not offer work you can perform. United Truck Driving School accepts these vouchers to cover your tuition and fees, books, and other expenses for your CDL training.

As you can see, there are several options to pay for your CDL training. If you’re ready to start your career as a professional truck driver, United Truck Driving School can get you trained and ready to hit the road. Contact us today to get started!

Our top priority at United Truck Driving School is to help you get started in the trucking industry. Aside from providing quality CDL training, we’re also here to help you get hired in trucking! You’ve put in the work to get your CDL, and now there’s just one obstacle between you and your new career⏤getting hired. Learn how the job placement assistance offered United Truck Driving School can help!

Trucking Job Placement Services

Whether you want to work locally or over-the-road (OTR), we have plenty of options for you to choose from. United maintains relationships with top trucking companies looking to hire both local and OTR drivers.

Personal Assistance. Finding a job you love requires personal attention. That’s why United works with graduates on a personal basis! We’ll give you the information you need to make the right choice. Everyone’s situation is different, and everyone’s idea of the perfect job is a bit different.

Hiring Events. The job placement staff at United stays in contact with recruiters from various trucking companies. Many recruiters come directly to us when they’re looking to hire new drivers. You won’t have to do any traveling or put in extra work to meet with recruiters. We host regular hiring events with these recruiters where individuals can ask questions and learn more about the trucking companies.

The job placement team at United is also here to assist you with important paperwork like applications and resumes. We’ll also help you think through the pros and cons of each job offer, ensuring you find the best possible fit.

CDL Hiring Events at United

We host hiring events with recruiters on a regular basis at both the San Diego and Riverside campuses. Recruiters are looking to hire new drivers and are very interested in United graduates. Having a chance to meet with representatives of these companies will help you to determine if it’s the right company for you.

Meeting Demand. Our regular hiring events prove that there are plenty of jobs available in the field. Demand for truck drivers is high so recruiters are constantly on the hunt for qualified drivers.

First-Hand Knowledge. Having someone to actually ask questions can make all the difference when you’re choosing between trucking companies. By attending hiring events at United, you’ll be able to find out what pay and benefits they offer and what they require of their drivers. This will give you an idea of what it’s like to work for that company.

With the job placement services offered at United, you’ll be equipped to make the best possible decision and find a trucking company you’ll love! Here are a few things you can expect in your new trucking career.

If you want more information on our job placement assistance or any of the other services we offer, please contact us!

Though you have earned your commercial drivers license (CDL), you’re not completely finished with your training just yet. The next step in your trucking career will be to finish the orientation process at the trucking company you’ll be working for.

There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for your orientation training. Follow these 6 steps for a successful trucking orientation process!

Step #1: Understand the Importance of Orientation

The trucking orientation may be the first point of contact you have with your coworkers or managers. Consider your orientation an introduction to the company that has hired you. Learning how the company operates, will help you understand what they’re expecting of you. Paying attention and asking questions during your trucking orientation can make a huge difference down the road.

Step #2: Come With An Open Mind

It’s important to come to your trucking orientation with an open mind. You may have a general idea of what the company is like before you accept the job. However, it can sometimes take a minute to fully understand the company culture. Come with an open mind. Allow them to welcome you and make yourself accessible. Being open and friendly shows the trucking company that you’re a team player and are willing to work with others.

Step #3: Learn Everything You Can in Advance

Being proactive and learning all that you can about the trucking company will show that you have initiative and are a step ahead of the game. Don’t waste the trainers time by asking trivial questions you can find the answers to with a simple google search. Learning everything you can ahead of time will help you make the most out of your trucking orientation. Understanding the basic information about the company will allow you to focus on the tasks and responsibilities that lie ahead.

Step #4: Meet Their Expectations

Trucking companies will often cover what they expect of their drivers during the orientation. They’ll likely touch base on important topics such as their company policies and procedures, how to handle yourself on the road, and give an in-depth explanation of their facilities and equipment. Taking the time to soak up this critical information will tell you exactly what to expect from the job. When you’re out on the road you want to be certain you’re performing to the company’s standards.

Step #5: Review Your Employee Handbook

Read through your employee handbook if they give it to you before orientation. Jot down any questions that come to mind while reading through the handbook. Not only will it tell you what the trucking company expects of you, but also what you can expect from them. Reading through the employee handbook will prepare you to react properly to any issues that arise.

Step #6: Expand Your Driving Knowledge

Many companies include basic defensive driving and safety training in their trucking orientation process. While you may have learned the basics in your CDL training, orientation is an opportunity to improve your skills one more time before hitting the road for real. Remember, this is a new industry to you and there is always room to expand your driving knowledge. Becoming a safe truck driver is the ultimate goal.

 

These are 6 great steps that you can take to make the most of your driver orientation. Allowing yourself to fully immerse in the company’s culture will give you the opportunity to get out on the road armed with as much information as possible.

If it’s your first time hitting the road, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Check out this list of “must haves” for every new driver! Having these essential supplies will make all the difference once on your route.