Hunting for an FMCSA-approved trucking school in your city can be quite difficult. 

But if you’re from Lincoln, NE, then you’re in luck. 

This is because, today, we’re going to list the best trucking schools in Lincoln, NE. We’re going to include the trucking schools in surrounding cities as well for even more options. 

Speaking of more options, we’ll also highlight company-sponsored trucking schools found around the country. 

There’s something for everyone here.

So let’s dive right in!

Best Private Trucking Schools in Lincoln, NE 

Yes, there is such a thing as a private trucking school.

These schools are focused on giving you quality training. In turn, you must pay all the necessary costs. 

The best thing about joining a private trucking school is that you get freedom in choosing what CDL class you train for and where you work afterward. Plus, there are schools based in your city. 

All that said, here are the best private trucking schools in Lincoln, NE:

• Midwest Towing and Recover
• Southeast Community College
• 160 Driving Academy

Let’s review each one. 

Midwest Towing and Recovery

Address: 400 W P Street, Lincoln, NE 68528

Phone: 402-513-9988

Midwest Towing and Recovery specialize in straight-truck trailer vehicles. These are the trucks where you’ll see pintle hooks, towing ball hitches, and attached small gooseneck fifth wheels.

If you’re looking for a career that mostly involves these types of truck trailers, this is the right place for you!

Suppose you’re worried about having no experience at all. In that case, this school will help you get acquainted with the vehicles. Plus, the instructors will condition you mentally and physically on how to take on heavy loads. 

So there’s no need to worry. They will be there for you through every step of training. 

This school stands out from the rest with the following features:

• Their classroom education is available for Class A, Class B, and Passenger and School Bus vehicles. If you want to explore or try out different types of vehicles, you can certainly do it here.
• Classroom learning and training tuition fees are separate. This way, you can decide if you want to do both theory education and behind-the-wheel training or just one of the two. 

Southeast Community College

Address: 8800 O St. Lincoln, NE 68520

Phone: 402-471-3333

Looking for a trucking school that can help you ace the CDL skills exam at an affordable rate?

Southeast Community College is your best bet.

This school has a 96% student success rate and a 100% employment rate right after finishing the program. 

And how much does their training cost? Their 8-week program starts at only $1,183. 

This 8-week program is divided into 2 main parts – 4 weeks for classroom education, while the remaining 4 weeks are for application. 

Within those last 4 weeks, you’ll get acquainted with different types of truck tractors in automatic transmissions. You will be training on known truck manufacturers such as Volvo Mack, Kenworth, Caterpillar, and Mercedes.

Southeast Community College stands out from the rest because of the following features:

• They provide 2 classroom setups – in-person and online. This option gives students flexibility on how they want to learn.
• They have programs with longer behind-the-wheel instruction. If you want more than 4 weeks to learn how to drive and maneuver trucks, then the school offers up to 16 weeks of driving instructions.
• You can get a scholarship through the school. You may be granted a scholarship of up to $1,500 from the Nebraska Trucking Association. You can click here to view the scholarship requirements.

160 Driving Academy

Address: 7408 N 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68112

Phone: (402) 620-6983

Sure, 160 Driving Academy isn’t located in Lincoln, but in Omaha. But since it is one of the biggest trucking schools in the country, it will definitely be worth the trip. 

160 Driving Academy promises that, in just 4 weeks, you’ll be able to get hold of your CDL. So if you’re in a hurry to earn some cash, then you can avail yourself of this school’s fast program. 

However, that’s not to say it isn’t quality. You can trust that all the instructors are more than willing to teach you everything you need to know and more. 

A lot of the students said that the instructors care a lot. So you’ll be in great hands. 

160 Driving Academy stands out from the rest because of the following features:

• It’s very easy to find a trucking job as 160 Driving Academy is a well-known school. Potential employers will love that you trained with one of the best in the country. 
• 160 Driving Academy offers tuition sponsorship to qualified students. This way, you won’t have to bear the burden of the high costs. 
• 160 Driving Academy has job assistance. In case it wasn’t easy enough, 160 Driving Academy also helps you find a trucking job once you get your CDL. 

Best Free Company-Sponsored Trucking Schools

We get it. 

Enrolling in a private trucking school costs a lot, reaching up to several thousand dollars.

If you’re not in the financial state to pay this much upfront, we have another suggestion: enroll in free or company-sponsored truck training. 

Though these training centers are mostly outside your state, enrolling in one has many advantages.

First, it releases you from the burden of paying so much prior to the start of your career.

Second, you get to travel the country earlier on.

And last but not least, you are almost always guaranteed a job afterward. Since the company is the one paying for your program’s tuition, they require the student to join and drive for the company right after they finish their training. 

What a relief, if you ask us! 

Here are some of the best company-sponsored trucking schools you can go to:

Roehl – One of the most respected trucking companies is Roehl. They’ve been in the business since 1962. Today, they have around 7,000+ vehicles and more than 3,000 employees. Aside from the quality education, you’ll also be paid weekly even while you’re training. Not bad!

Pam Transport – Pam Transport specializes in dry van trucks. If this is the line of work you envision yourself to be in, then you might want to check this out. However, no sites are available in Nebraska, so prepare to be away from home for several weeks. Good thing they offer free lodging at a hotel during your training, and you’ll be picked up to and from the site daily.

Knight Transportation – Looking for one-on-one training? You can get that here in Knight Transportation. Once you enroll, you will be paired up with a mentor who will guide you throughout the program. Unfortunately, none of their training sites are in Nebraska, but at least you can attend their nearby branches in Kansas.

Conclusion

And those were the best trucking schools in Lincoln, NE. 

As you can see, your options in the city are a bit limiting. But the two schools located in Lincoln are already excellent, so there’s no need to look any further. 

But if you want the name of 160 Driving Academy under your resume, then you only need a short trip to Omaha, NE. 

Still, if you can’t afford the tuition fees, then think about going to a company-sponsored trucking training. 

Rest assured, whichever school you choose, you’ll be in great hands. 

Good luck!