Do you know who can become a truck driver? Almost anyone!
You must be at least 21 and have a valid driver’s license, but other than that, it can be a spectacular career for anyone. Whether you’re fresh out of school or leaving a different industry, it might be worth considering.
However, just because you can drive doesn’t mean you’re ready to operate a commercial vehicle. You need to complete a CDL program before getting your commercial driver’s license.
You can comply with this requirement through two options. Either attend a private truck driving school or find a company-sponsored program.
There’s no lack of options in Milwaukee, but sometimes having too many choices may make deciding challenging. That’s what this guide gives.
We’ve gathered a list of trucking schools (private and company-sponsored), so you can decide which one fits your needs and preferences the most. Remember, each one has something different to offer.
We’re going through several, so let’s not wait any longer. Let’s begin!
Best Trucking Schools in Milwaukee (Private Schools)
Some people prefer to go with a private truck driving school for different reasons.
For one, it’s their specialization – private truck driving schools really know the best methods for teaching aspiring drivers. Second, you’ll probably have a better experience because you’re a paying customer.
However, because you’re a paying customer, you need to ensure you have enough resources to spend on CDL school. Even if some schools offer financial aid, you might still need to shell out a considerable amount of cash.
Rates may vary between schools, but generally, truck driving school isn’t cheap.
Professional CDL Training LLC
(1) 9301 W Heather Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
Professional CDL training provides as much flexibility as they can for their students. You can observe this in several areas, such as online classes and per-hour charging.
You can find online courses to help you prepare for the written exam for Class A and B CDLs. Professional CDL also makes an online course for a Hazmat endorsement available.
Most trucking schools offer CDL programs that run for a specific number of hours (typically 160). In comparison, you can take 4-hour segments of driving vehicle training with Professional CDL.
It means your costs are directly proportional to how many sessions you need. Students with steep learning curves can save on tuition. However, those who have difficulty can extend until they’re ready, so there’s no pressure to learn at the same rate as everyone.
They have various vehicle makes and models so that you can become familiar with different types of commercial motor vehicles. It becomes an advantage when looking for employment because you’re not limited to specific vehicles only.
The DMV requires applicants to bring their own vehicles to their road test. Professional CDL can make your life easier. If you don’t have your own CMV, you can rent one from them.
Here’s what makes them different from other truck driving schools in Milwaukee:
- Offers a free driving seminar each month to interested students who want to learn more about the trucking industry
- Online classes for the theory segments of various CDL categories are available
- The instructor-to-Student ratio is 1:1
- They charge per hour, so you only pay for the amount of training you need
- Arranges your CDL road test when you complete training
If you like Professional CDL Training offerings, reach them at (414) 218 0093 or TrainMe@procdl.net.
Lada Driver School
(1) 5200 W Mill Road, Milwaukee, WI
Lada Driver School doesn’t just help students earn their Class D licenses in Wisconsin — it also provides the necessary education required by aspiring truck drivers in Milwaukee. It began operations in 1996 and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in the business.
If you’re looking for a CDL school that offers multiple options, LaDa Driver School may fit your preferences. You can choose between three CDL training courses of varying lengths.
You can choose to complete your program in 169, 120, or 50 hours. All these choices include theory and behind-the-wheel instruction.
Now, if you’re still in the process of earning your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you go for a theory-only alternative. It covers general knowledge, combination vehicles, air brakes, and the essentials of pre-trip inspections for all CMV categories.
If you go with a course that includes behind-the-wheel instruction, schedules are by appointment, which means you can work around your activities.
Here’s what you can look forward to if you get your CDL education from Lada Driver School:
- Offers separate theory-only classes
- Has three options for CDL programs (theory + BTW)
- Behind the wheel instruction is appointment-based
- Provides a CDL refresher program
You can reach Lada Driver School at (414) 431 1387 or email them through schedule@ladadriverschool.com to explore their products and processes.
Future Logistics & CDL Training
(1) 4100 W Lincoln Avenue, West Milwaukee, WI
Future Logistics’ business is transpiration and shipping, but they also act as a CDL school for aspiring truck drivers.
There’s no standard set schedule for when their program begins, but their site states that you’ll start within a week of when you register.
Although their programs run five days a week, it only lasts for four hours a day. You have a choice to attend in the morning (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) or afternoon (1:00 pm to 5:00 pm).
It provides students who have other obligations some flexibility because you don’t necessarily have to rearrange your entire schedule to complete CDL training.
Future Logistics also acts as a 3rd party testing partner for the CDL road test. You don’t have to go to a DMV office when you go through this part of your CDL application.
Although it might not be as big as other truck driving schools si Milwaukee, Future Logistics CDL stands out because of the following:
- Classes only run for four hours per day
- They’ll help place you in jobs after you graduate
- Conducts 3rd party CDL Testing
Former students generally have positive things to say about Future Logistics. You can read some of their review on the Chamber of Commerce’s website.
If you’re interested in their services, you can find out more by calling them at (414) 426 1599. You can also send an email to futurelogisticsandcdltraining@gmail.com to ask for more details.
Additional Trucking Schools in Milwaukee
Now, if you want more options, that’s not a problem. Here are three more private truck driving schools in Milwaukee. We’ve included their contact details so you can reach out to them directly and see the programs and services they have in place.
Address: 3732 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
Phone: (414) 455 6687
Address: 9312 N 107th St. Suite B-103, Milwaukee, WI
Phone: (414) 944 0766
Tucker’s Truck Driving Academy
Address: 8200 W Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI
Phone: (855) 669 2235
Free Company Sponsored Truck Driving Schools
Realistically, not all aspiring truck drivers have funds for truck driving school. That leaves you with two options.
You can save and revisit the idea once you have enough set aside, or you can look for a company-sponsored program.
Some students prefer this approach even if they do have the funds — after all, not only does a trucking company cover your education expenses, but you’re also assured of a job once you graduate.
Remember that joining a company-sponsored CDL program is like trying out for a team. You’ll have to meet the company’s requirements before becoming eligible.
If you qualify, you also need to be open to traveling. Unfortunately, there are no trucking companies in Milwaukee offering free CDL training.
However, we’ve listed some companies who are willing to shoulder your tuition, accommodations, and even travel expenses so you could complete the program in one of their training facilities. You can consider the following trucking companies:
Schneider: You can expect to work with modern trucks and new technology since Schneider follows a 4-year trade cycle. Schneider offers multiple paid CDL options.
One of these is apprenticeship training. However, it’s only available to those who live in areas where they conduct the program. If you live in a different state, a company-sponsored program is a better alternative.
Schneider is open to shouldering the cost of tuition and lodging (if you need to travel). Once you graduate from the program, you’ll have a job waiting.
Another option is to go for tuition reimbursement. It works best for veterans or those with a military background since it allows them to use their GI benefits. However, you’ll need to pay out of pocket first.
Stevens Transport: Aspiring truck drivers who are open to traveling to Dallas, Texas, can consider a company-sponsored CDL program from Stevens Transport. Besides covering tuition, they also shoulder your expenses from lodging and transportation. They also provide money for meals.
Another option is to attend an external CDL school and have up to $7,500 reimbursed if you secure employment with Schneider. They have an exceptional record of making on-time payments, so you know you’re in good hands.
Before that, though, Schneider also acts as a third-party administrator of a CLD skills test. You won’t have to go back to a DMV facility to complete the process, shortening your wait time significantly.
Knight Transport: Another trucking company that can help you get your CDL is Knight Transport. However, you must be willing to relocate (at least while studying).
Although a Knight driver acts as your instructor, the company selects them carefully. The program runs between four to six weeks and is part of a small class, which is more conducive to learning.
The best thing is you’ll receive a trainee salary, so you start earning even before you get your CDL!
Conclusion
Whether you choose to go through private or company-sponsored CDL training, it still leads you to your ultimate goal — getting your commercial driver’s license.
The best school for you is the one that meets your preferences and provides the support you need (financial, career placement, or otherwise).
Now you have an idea of available private truck driving schools in Milwaukee and which companies you can approach to get company-sponsored training. We’re sure you’ll find the best school for you with this information.
Good luck!