Looking for an FMCSA-approved trucking school in the city of Anchorage, AK?
It’s hard to find one, right?
Well, we have just the schools for you.
Here, we’re going to review the best trucking schools in Anchorage, AK. Sure, there isn’t a lot, but the ones that are available are brilliant.
And, if you want more options outside the city, then we listed the best company-sponsored trucking schools, too.
Are you ready?
Let’s go!
Best Trucking Schools in Anchorage, AK (Private)
A private trucking school is an independent company that teaches aspiring truck drivers rules, skills, and techniques. It’s just like any other driving school.
Now, if you prefer to have a lot of options when it comes to employment, we recommend attending a private trucking school. However, know that you will have to spend quite a bit to enter these schools.
That out of the way, here are the best private trucking schools in Anchorage, AK:
- Northern Industrial Training
- Center of Employment Education (CEE)
Let’s review the 2 schools in the city.
Northern Industrial Training
Address: 3201 C Street Suite 308, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907.743.7700
Northern Industrial Training or NIT is one of the two trucking schools found in Anchorage, AK.
NIT offers four courses for commercial driving — a 160-hour course, 240-hour course, 320-hour course, and ELDT behind the wheel.
What’s notable with NIT is that it can help you even if you are at the very beginning of your trucking career. That means that you are oriented and prepared to pass the knowledge test to get your CDL permit.
You’re also taught defensive driving skills during the classroom training.
Once you get your permit, you move on to behind-the-wheel training. This takes place at an 80-acre driving range. Here, you’ll have a lot of time to master basic parking and backing skills, as well as get a feel of how to drive a trailer on the highway.
Students of NIT get the following benefits once they enroll:
- Entry Level Driver Training Certification
- Application for a student loan
- Large driving range for practice
You can check out what other people have to say about NIT at Indeed.
If you’re ready to apply with NIT, you can visit their physical office in Anchorage or give them a call at 907-743-7700 or 907-761-6701.
Center for Employment Education
Address: 520 E. 34th Avenue Suite 201, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907-279-8451
And here is the second approved trucking school found in the city of Anchorage, AK.
The Center for Employment Education (CEE) is a trucking school offering several courses for CDL preparation and endorsements.
What’s unique about this school is that you can enroll for classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training separately.
CEE also offers a unique program called the 6-Week Basic Driver Training for Class A CDL. This program includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, plus three endorsements.
If you complete the course, you’ll get endorsements in double/triple trailers, tank vehicles, and hazardous materials.
While this is longer and more expensive than the regular 4-week training, we still highly recommend it so that you can already get endorsements in just one program.
If you’re taking this program, you will also get these benefits:
- First aid training and certificate of completion
- Choice of online or classroom training for the theoretical portion
- Partnerships with companies giving grants and scholarships
Want to know what previous students think about CEE? You can check Indeed and Yelp for reviews.
Ready to apply? Give them a call at 907-279-8451.
Free Company-Sponsored Trucking Schools
What if you prefer to have a secured spot at a trucking company once you get your CDL?
What if you can’t afford a private trucking school?
That’s when we recommend company-sponsored training.
As the name suggests, a trucking company will sponsor your training. In turn, you will have to work for them once you become a licensed commercial driver.
Unfortunately, company-sponsored trucking schools are several days away from Alaska. But if you’re willing to take the trip, here are some companies we suggest:
Knight Transportation – With the nearest facility in Portland, it’s hard to pass up an opportunity with this company. Knight Transportation has a well-curated curriculum that takes 2-4 weeks to complete. After that, you spend 6 weeks with a professional truck driver on their travels.
Stevens Transport – Stevens Transport is right in Colorado, known as one of the most recommended trucking companies in the country. Their training consists of a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, free lodging and meals, and a quick training program to get you started faster.
Prime Inc. – As it’s far away from Alaska, Prime Inc. makes it easier for you to join their training by covering your transportation fees from your home. The CDL training consists of an orientation and 1-on-1 training with an experienced instructor during behind-the-wheel classes.
Roehl – Roehl approaches CDL training differently by dividing its curriculum in two. The first part focuses on general classroom and skills training. After three weeks, you continue with the second part of the training, but this time, you will already be paid.
TMC – Want a shorter training period? TMC is the best choice. With just a 3-week program, you can already start to earn money in less than a month. However, keep in mind that this is only in-house training, and the facility is on the other side of the country.
Conclusion
And those were the best trucking schools in Anchorage, AK.
Sure, your options in the city are very limited. However, you can rest assured that these two schools offer excellent education, are FMCSA-approved, and will teach you everything you need to know.
What more can you ask for?
If it’s too expensive for you, or you want to ensure employment, then check out one of the best company-sponsored trucking schools we listed. To be sure, these schools are far away, but it will be worth it for the benefits it offers.
So what are you waiting for?
Pick a school today to get started.
Good luck!