Calling everyone in Durham looking to get a CDL…
It sucks that there isn’t any FMCSA-approved trucking school in the city.
We understand.
However, the next best thing is to find one that is just nearby. This way, you won’t have to travel too far.
Well, that’s exactly what we got for you today.
Here, we’re going to review the best trucking schools near Durham, NC.
And if the distance isn’t an issue, then we’ve got the best company-sponsored trucking schools around the US, too.
We want to help you find the perfect trucking school for YOU.
So let’s begin!
Best Trucking Schools Near Durham, NC (Private)
Here is a list of the best trucking schools near Durham, NC:
Rest assured that all these trucking schools are FMCSA-approved, located near Durham, and offer the best quality training.
So now let’s see what each one can offer.
Carolina Trucking Academy
Address: 3720 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-329-0632
Email: info@CarolinaTruckingAcademy.com
Don’t have a flexible schedule?
Don’t fret.
Carolina Trucking Academy offers both full-time classes and weekend classes, depending on what fits your schedule better.
If you have lots of time on your hands, then the full-time class is the best option. You’ll be able to complete your training in just 4 weeks.
If you’re only free on the weekends, then, to be sure, it will take a bit longer, around 16 weeks total.
Not only that, but Carolina Trucking Academy also offers passenger bus classes. So if you want to become, say, a school bus or tour bus driver, then you can get specialized training here.
And the best part? Carolina Trucking Academy doesn’t just help with your training — it also helps you land a job once you get hold of your CDL.
How cool is that?
160 Driving Academy
Address: 1330 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 Garner, NC 27529
Phone: (984) 207-3341
160 Driving Academy is probably one of the most prestigious trucking schools in the country. It has several locations all around the US — and you’ll be happy to know that there is one in, not Durham, but in Garner, which is just a few miles away.
What students love about 160 Driving Academy is the instructors and staff. They make sure to take special care of you, whether that’s answering your questions or training you.
You will even receive personalized instruction. This is because the student-to-instructor ratio is 4-1.
Of course, the main focus is to help you get your CDL and find a job.
Thanks to its job placement opportunities, 160 Driving Academy staff will help you find the trucking company that will best fit you.
The reason why 160 Driving Academy is so popular is that it puts all focus on the student.
Regal Driving Academy
Address: 3024 Ferrel Road, Kinston, NC 28501
Phone: (919) 437-7530
Worried about the CDL skills exam?
At Regal Driving Academy, you are more than prepared to ace that exam.
This is because the instructors are careful to teach you pre-trip inspection, driving, truck speed control, shifting, turning, backing, and more — all the things you have to demonstrate in your skills exam.
With this, you are very confident to get behind the wheel, too.
For its Class A CDL program, it will run for 160 hours over 4 weeks. So in no time, you’ll be able to complete your Entry-Level Training requirements.
Regal Driving Academy has ties with a lot of trucking companies. If you want to apply and they see that you graduated from Regal, then they will most likely welcome you in. And you landed your first job in your new career.
Free Company-Sponsored Truck Driving Schools
While enrolling in private trucking schools has its advantages, you can’t deny that tuition fees are pretty high.
In North Carolina, programs can cost up to $5,000. And that doesn’t include the other expenses, such as learning materials.
If you don’t have the financial ability (or just want to spare yourself from this big expense), then why not check out company-sponsored truck driving schools?
These companies are willing to shoulder the expense for you in exchange for you working for them for a specific period.
Sounds interesting? Then check out these company-sponsored truck driving schools:
Roehl – Looking for a company with good credentials and a plethora of opportunities? Check out Roehl. It is one of the biggest trucking companies in the US, with over 7,000 trailers and over 2,500 employees. They’ve also been recognized as the “Safest Trucking Company” and the “Best Managed Trucking Company”. Apply here and get your career started with the industry’s best.
Pam Transport – Pam Transport is known as one of the most generous and hands-on trucking companies in the country. From the application, students are guided through each step, making sure they complete their requirements and education. And once they get in, students are provided a weekly allowance – $100 a week with an additional $100 Walmart coupon for the first 3 weeks. A driving company like this is hard to come by, so you can check this out if you want additional financial help while training.
Prime Inc. – This company specializes in refrigerated, tanker, and flatbed trucks. If these are what you want to drive, then you can be the perfect fit! Versus other companies, their CDM program has a 1:1 student-instructor ratio, so you can have all the attention and guidance you need. Why are they promoting this? It’s because, at Prime Inc., you will be making actual deliveries with your instructor during training!
Knight Transportation – Want to get a headstart on traveling the country while training? Knight Transportation has 30 locations nationwide; unfortunately, none are in North Carolina. But if you’re down to train in a different state, then feel free to apply here! And you’ll have all the comforts at home even while you’re in school. They have laundry machines, vending machines, ice machines, and lounges to relax in all of their sites. We’re pretty sure you can squeeze in some R&R in-between classes.
Conclusion
Those were the best trucking schools near Durham, NC.
So go ahead and pick the school that best fits YOUR needs and preferences.
And if you want, you can check out company-sponsored truck driving schools, too.
We wish you the best of luck!