Training in a quality trucking school is a MUST.

For one, it will teach you everything you need to know about trucks and how to operate them. 

In turn, this will help you ace the CDL skills test. 

Another thing is that popular trucking schools open the door to more well-paying employment opportunities down the line.

Lastly, quality trucking schools are usually FMCSA-approved — and this is required. 

Well, if you’re looking for the best trucking schools in Ontario, CA, then we’ve got you covered. 

Here, we’re going to review the top 3 picks.

So let’s get to it!

Best Trucking Schools in Ontario, CA (Private)

If we’re talking about FMCSA-approved trucking schools, there are only a few available in Ontario. 

But don’t fret — there are lots more just nearby. 

So we’ll go over the best trucking schools IN and NEAR Ontario, CA. 

Here are the top 4 picks: 

• Empire Trucking School
• Banderas Trucking Driving School and Truck Rental
• Advance School of Driving
• California School of Trucking

Let’s review each one to help you determine the perfect match. 

Empire Trucking School

Address: 11479 South East End Avenue, Ontario, CA 91710

Phone: 562-325-4668

Sure, the Empire Trucking School doesn’t have the largest facilities or most expansive fleet of vehicles.

However, it does offer students the time and dedication that many other trucking schools lack.

The school’s personalized approach to training allows tense drivers to slowly adjust to a truck. And by the end of the program, you’ll confidently take control behind the wheel. 

Moreover, the owner and instructor, Frank Valesco, is super helpful. He and all the other instructors will make sure that you get what you need out of the program. 

Rest assured you’ll receive the quality training you deserve with Empire Trucking School. 

Other benefits include:

• Inclusive environment
• Comes with a certificate 
• Friendly instructors

Banderas Trucking Driving School and Truck Rental

Address: 13020 S Bon View Ave, Ontario, CA 91761 OR 13130 S Cucamonga, Ontario, CA

Phone: 909-239-4573

Unfortunately, Banderas Trucking Driving School and Truck Rental has no website. But it is FMCSA-approved, so no worries there. 

Banderas is a great trucking school to attend if you’re more comfortable training with female instructors. 

This is the place for women looking to break into a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Plus, the school makes it super easy for students to attend. It has many training time slots.

You’ll be able to find time no matter how busy you are!

And when training is complete, you can rent a truck from the school to take to the DMV for your CDL skills test. 

Just note, however, that there were some unsatisfied students. They say that you barely have time to train. 

For the most part, though, the students were satisfied with their training here. 

The call is yours to make. 

Other benefits include:

• Opened every day of the week
• Offers both English and Spanish training
• Enforces practical lessons 

Advance School of Driving

Address: 13946 Jurupa Ave, Fontana, CA 92337

Phone: (800) 635-0147 OR (909) 349-2585

Travel time from Ontario: 23 minutes

The Advance School of Driving has received showers of praise for the staff, from the recruiter to the senior instructors.

Their positive can-do attitude makes it an environment that breeds success. 

More than that, it helps you put the effort in when the going gets tough.

While the 4-week course can be grueling, the support you get from instructors and classmates alike makes it all the more bearable.

Practical training also spares nothing, ensuring you understand every facet of the course. 

And when it’s time to get behind the wheel, your instructors help you perfect your craft.

Other benefits include:

• One-on-one training
• High graduation rate
• Instructors that love their job

California School of Trucking

Address: 251 S G Street, San Bernadino, CA 94210

Phone: 747-388-9080

Email: Admin@caschooloftrucking.com

Travel time from Ontario: 28 minutes

While California School of Trucking’s main office is located in Ventura, CA — the training yard is just in San Bernadino. 

That’s a 28-minute drive from Ontario. 

California School of Trucking has adopted the tech of the new age. It improves education quality while making it easier for students to learn.

Here, the theory portion is taught online through Zoom. 

This allows you to learn on the go, which is a godsend if you’re managing a tight schedule.

After ensuring you’ve got a good grip on the fundamentals, their experienced instructors will take you behind the wheel — in a 2-week practical training.

The instructors have 50 years of experience. Yes, you’ll get to train with the best and learn tips and tricks that you can apply in your career.

To make things even easier, the classes are available in Spanish, too. 

So if you’re more fluent in Spanish, you can grasp the concepts more. 

If you choose to pay the whole program upfront, then you’ll be given a full $100 off. 

Other benefits include:

• Has Hazmat training
• A great fleet of vehicles
• Supportive learning environment 

Best Free Company-Sponsored Trucking Schools

Say you’re not really bothered finding a trucking school in and or near Ontario, CA. 

Or maybe you just can’t afford to spend on a private trucking school. 

In these cases, maybe you’d want to try out company-sponsored trucking schools. 

Yes, company-sponsored trucking schools offer training for FREE!

The catch?

You’ll have to sign a contract to work for that company for a time. 

Usually, company-sponsored trucking schools are operated by logistic firms that are looking to bolster their own ranks with competent truckers. 

And if you’re looking for the best ones, then here are some picks you can look into: 

Knight Transportation – Knight Transportation is a great option to consider if you’re looking to stay close to home. They have an office right next to Ontario — in Fontana. This allows you to pop in for more info regarding their training facilities.

However, going by the market, you’ll feel right at home with Knights, with excellent equipment that’ll allow you to specialize in a specific field of trucking.

Swift Transportation – Swift Transportation is another prolific hirer in California, that offers free training courses to competent truckers. Another great thing is that they even take care of your lodging needs. Additionally, they offer excellent payment packages to the truckers they hire.

After you meet their application requirements, you’ll get started with their free CDL training. Once you’re done with the theory, they’ll train you hands-on in one of their countless training facilities.

Conclusion

So there you have it — the best trucking schools in and near Ontario, CA.

Whichever school you pick, it will give you the best chance of acing your CDL skills test and your future career. 

And if you’re not sure whether you’ll be able to pay the fees private schools demand, then the above-mentioned company-sponsored schools are your best bet.

Happy training!