The bad news:
There are no FMCSA-approved trucking schools in Gilbert, AZ.
The good news:
There are lots of great, approved, and quality trucking schools just nearby.
And we’re going to review these trucking schools for you. This way, you’ll know which one is worth the trip.
We’ll also review some company-sponsored truck driving schools in case that’s the path you want to take.
So without further ado, let’s begin your review of the best trucking schools near Gilbert, AZ!
Best Trucking Schools Near Gilbert, AZ (Private)
Here is the list of the best trucking schools near Gilbert, AZ:
Let’s review them one by one.
Roadmaster Driver School
Address: 2350 S 48th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043
Phone Number: 602-233-1898
Travel time from Gilbert, AZ: 30 minutes
Roadmaster Drivers School is one of the most reputable trucking schools in the country. It has been operating for almost 30 years now and has trained at least 160,000 students from around the country.
With the curriculum, the school makes sure that it is compliant with all state regulations and requirements. Its modules on map reading and road planning are aligned with the Department of Transportation laws.
There’s no doubt that Roadmaster Drivers School is an expert in the truck training industry.
What sets Roadmaster Drivers School apart? Here are some awesome benefits:
- It uses automatic transmission trucks. Whatever site you visit, you will learn how to drive automatic trucks. This way, if you join leading trucking companies, you already know how to operate the most modern trucks.
- It provides first-class facilities and equipment. Roadmaster invests BIG in its training facilities and equipment. There are updated classrooms and computer labs, private and specially constructed driving locations, and many tractor-trailers ready for use.
- You can qualify for financial assistance. To lessen the budget burden, Roadmaster helps students find a grant. It does this by connecting students to organizations that can sponsor partial or full tuition fees.
Southwest Truck Driver Training
Address: 2323 S 51st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043
Phone Number: 833-464-0743
Travel time from Gilbert, AZ: 30 minutes
Why choose Southwest Truck Driver Training?
For one, it offers world-class training to its students. You will be able to ace the CDL exams with flying colors.
What’s more, the school guarantees a successful employment search afterward. And you know this is trustworthy as its students achieved a 94% placement rate.
To top it off, there is a state-of-the-art instructional driving range, industry-standard equipment and simulators, and credited and experienced instructors and staff.
Here are other standouts to Southwest Truck Driver Training:
- They train students on both manual and automatic transmissions. This offering is rare because having both types is costly. But the school wants students to have the option.
- They offer job placement lifetime support. Yes, lifetime. From the early stages, they invite trucking companies to their school 6 times a year. And when students are done with the program, the school helps them look for a job — even if it’s years after.
- All instructors are state-certified examiners with at least 3 years of professional driving experience. Given their background, students can learn both technical and practical advice during training.
Arizona CDL
Address: 1313 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85009
Phone Number: 602-278-9159
Travel time from Gilbert, AZ: 30 minutes
Arizona CDL is a local favorite.
And for good reason.
If you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice quality, Arizona CDL is your guy.
The programs start as low as $2,000, which is cheaper than the state’s usual starting price of $3,000.
What else makes Arizona CDL a favorite?
- It offers one-on-one training. One of the pain points of trucking students is the high number of individuals present in one class. This makes it harder for them to get the attention they need, especially if it’s behind the wheel. You won’t experience that here.
- The school is close partners with truck driving and employment companies. These include Maricopa One-Stop Centers, DES Vocational Rehabilitation, and DES Jobs. So you can definitely get help when you’re applying after the program.
Additional Trucking Schools Near Gilbert, AZ
While the 3 trucking schools mentioned above were the best of the best, here are other great trucking schools you can add to your list:
Phoenix Truck Driving Institute
Address: 2621 S 51st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043
Phone Number: 877-205-5372
Travel time from Gilbert, AZ: 30 minutes
Address: 9005 N 29th Ave Suite 8, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Phone Number: (480) 210-7757
Travel time from Gilbert, AZ: 30 minutes
Free Company-Sponsored Truck Driving Schools
We won’t lie…
Enrolling in a trucking school is costly.
If you’re not in the financial state to drop a couple of thousand dollars, you can enroll in a company-sponsored truck driving school.
What are these?
Well, trucking companies will pay for your training. In turn, you will have to work for them once you get your CDL.
If you’re interested, then check out these free company-sponsored truck driving schools:
Knight Transportation – Knight is one of the biggest trucking companies in the country, offering dry bed, flatbed, refrigerated, and port & rail trucks. Luckily for you, they have a site situated in Phoenix, Arizona!
Aside from free tuition fees, they will also shoulder your transportation costs to get to their sites. And once you are employed with them, you get more rewards and benefits the more miles you’ve traveled with them.
Swift Transportation – Swift Transportation is another known trucking company that offers dry bed, flatbed, refrigerated, heavy haul, and intermodal trucks. They have training for both old and modern truck models for easier adjustment. The majority of the training hours are also for behind-the-wheel training to build students’ confidence on the road.
TMC – TMC has one of the shortest programs, only lasting 3 weeks. And this is because they have classes from Monday to Sunday. On top of the free tuition, they also provide a $500 weekly salary to their students even during training. Just be prepared to move for 3 weeks because most of their locations are on the opposite end of the country.
Conclusion
And those were the best trucking schools near Gilbert, AZ.
Yes, it’s unfortunate that there are none right in the city of Gilbert. But the ones we mentioned here are definitely worth the trip.
You’ll be in great hands.
So what are you waiting for?
Choose an approved trucking school today!
If not, then maybe you want to check out the company-sponsored truck driving schools.