So you’re looking for the best trucking schools in Richmond, VA…
We’ve got you covered.
Here, we’ll only review the schools that are approved by the FMCSA, offer high-quality training, and have lots of other great features.
And we don’t just stop at Richmond.
We’ll also mention some trucking schools that are nearby, as well as FREE company-sponsored schools across the US.
There’s something for everyone here.
Let’s get started!
Best Trucking Schools in Richmond, VA (Private)
Going to a private trucking school means you’ll be paying for your education. However, this will allow you to choose where and when you want to work, as well as select the type of fleet you want to drive.
If that’s something you want, then here are the best trucking schools in and near Richmond, VA:
Let’s see which is the best fit for YOU.
5 Star CDL
Address: 2201 East Belt Blvd, Richmond, Virginia 23224 & 2nd location 601 Commerce Road Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804) 447-7076
5 Star CDL lives up to its name, providing students with quality training all around.
The school makes it its mission to provide high-quality and career-orientated training. And they achieve this with their qualified instructors that guide you throughout the 160-hour ELDT program.
They also make sure that you can complete your training no matter how busy you are. This is thanks to their available weekday or weekend classes.
You can pick the time most suitable to your schedule.
What’s more, you get hands-on training as the classes are broken down into small groups.
5 Star CDL offers more than just training. Here, you can even take your CDL permit test and road test on-site, making it more convenient for you.
And the best part is that 5 Star CDL is located pretty much in the middle of Richmond, making it accessible if you live close to the city center.
Some other benefits include:
- Promotes equality
- Offers great customer service
- Financing options
- Nationwide job placements
160 Driving Academy
Address: 825 Grove Rd Suite 1, Midlothian, VA 23114
Phone: (804) 292-2505
Travel time from Richmond: 21 minutes
Just a short drive from Richmond, you can train with one of the best trucking schools in the country.
160 Driving Academy has a nationwide presence, making it a top choice for aspiring truckers everywhere. And a top choice for logistic firms to find great truckers to hire.
With over 20 years in the industry, this school has seen thousands of students succeed after training with them.
The experienced staff uses their collective 100+ years of experience to teach you all the tips and tricks you need to know on the road. You’ll learn things that only a real-life professional can teach.
Additionally, their staff knows how to make you comfortable, going step by step to help even the most nervous students succeed.
Their spectacular course, acclaimed nationwide, means that employers take notice when truckers come with the 160 Driving Academy seal of approval.
This makes it easier to score gigs with the largest companies. Many 160 Driving Academy graduates work with Fortune 500 companies.
Part of their success is also instructors that care. They’re not just there to do their jobs and earn money — they’re there to help you become the best trucker you can be.
Additional benefits to expect include:
- Comes with a modern fleet
- Financing options
- Supports the GI Bill
- Job placement opportunities
Shippers’ Choice
Address: 1151 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23836
Phone: (804) 751-9090
Travel time from Richmond: 19 minutes
Here’s another approved trucking school just outside of Richmond, VA.
Shippers’ Choice promises to always stay with their students. This means that, if you don’t give up, then they won’t give up on you — no matter how nervous or long it takes you to learn.
Being in the industry for over 20 years, you can trust that their training program has been tried and tested.
A great plus is that you don’t need a CDL permit to enroll. You can jump into training immediately without being bogged down by the permit requirements.
They also offer affordable training rates, which gives the competition a run for their money. And yes, they have financing assistance, too.
Shipper’s Choice has excellent linkages in Virginia, with multiple locations throughout the state — making it a great choice if you’re looking for placement opportunities closer to home.
Additional benefits you can expect include:
- Modern fleet of vehicles
- Support for the GI Bill
- Flexible class timings
- Their training is not contract based, so you can choose where to go
Best Free Company-Sponsored Trucking Schools
If you’re finding it hard to afford the tuition charged by private trucking schools, then you can go with a sponsored trucking school instead.
Here, a company will sponsor your training. However, you will have to work for them to pay off the cost.
This comes with its benefits and downsides.
If you’re interested, then check out these best company-sponsored trucking schools found around the US.
Swift Transportation – Great news! Swift Transportation has a location right here in Richmond! So you can get FREE training without having to relocate. Here, training takes only 3 weeks and you can start earning immediately.
Pam Transport – Pam Transport is another logistics firm offering its own training across the US. What you’ll love is that they have a detailed plan for your future, which you can check out on their website. What’s more, Pam Transport gives you a $100 Walmart gift card each training week. This means you can pay for your other expenses.
TMC – If you go with TMC, you stay close to home as they have a location in Virginia. And you can go home over the weekends since that means break time. More than your training, they will also pay for your lodging and some meals.
Conclusion
And those were the best trucking schools in Richmond, VA.
Rest assured that, whichever school you pick, you’ll be able to satisfy state requirements, learn how to drive a truck on the public road, and get big opportunities for job placement.
If not, then you can look into the company-sponsored trucking schools, too. Yes, these also offer quality training, as well as an instant job once you get your CDL.
There are so many options.
So go ahead and pick the best one for YOU.