Sure, there are hundreds of trucking schools out there…
…but are there any found in Minneapolis?
Unfortunately, there are no FMCSA-approved trucking schools in the city.
But don’t fret.
Here, we’re going to give you the best trucking schools near Minneapolis, MN. With these schools, you don’t need to go too far away from home.
What’s more, we make sure that the trucking schools listed here are FMCSA-approved and only the best of the best.
And if you want to go a different route, we’ll also mention company-sponsored trucking schools around the US.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
Best Trucking Schools Near Minneapolis, MN (Private)
To pick out the best of the best, we evaluated each school using the following criteria:
- Qualifications – Must have the necessary licenses and permits to operate in the city. It should also be FMCSA-approved to fulfill state requirements.
- Reputation – Must have an outstanding history of delighted clients and effective services.
- Experience – Must be considered an expert in the industry based on years of experience and training.
- Availability – Must be responsive to customer questions and concerns, so the client doesn’t feel ignored or avoided.
All that said, here are the best trucking schools near Minneapolis, MN:
Let’s review these schools one by one.
160 Driving Academy
Address: 3410 Federal Dr. Suite 109, Eagan, MN 55122
Telephone: (952) 234-6406
E-Mail: info@160drivingacademy.com
160 Driving Academy has over a dozen training locations in the USA — and yes, there is one in Minnesota!
This trucking school is one of the best places to get training in the state. It even has one of the highest pass rates in all of Minnesota – not to mention the best instructors on the field.
Students always appreciate how attentive the instructors are, making sure they understand the theories and practices of truck driving. So if you have any questions concerning your lessons or skills, the instructors are more than willing to provide you with guidance and insight.
Training consists of both in-classroom and behind-the-wheel sessions, lasting around 160 hours or 4 weeks.
Sure, it’s not the shortest course available; nevertheless, it should prepare you for a life behind the wheel.
At the moment, 160 Driving Academy only offers training courses for Class A CDL. If you’re looking to qualify for a Class B or C CDL, you may want to consider other schools on this list.
On the bright side, if you manage to graduate with impressive marks, 160 Driving Academy can partner you up with a trucking company that will be willing to shoulder your training expenses. This will mean you’ll have to work for them for some time. Still, you’ll be able to take home an annual salary of around $65,000 – that’s not bad.
If you don’t qualify for a sponsorship, getting your CDL from 160 Academy Driving can cost you anywhere between $3,000 to $7,000. Yes, it’s expensive, but you get the quality education that you deserve.
Interstate Truck Driving School
Address: 499 Villaume Ave. South St. Paul MN, 55075
Telephone: 651-735-9250 | 1-866-860-4664
E-Mail: info@interstatedriving.com
Interstate Truck Driving School has been around since 1998 and is one of Minnesota’s largest trucking schools.
Here, the programs offered are for both Class A and Class B CDL applicants – it also has some of the most affordable tuition fees in the state.
What’s more, Interstate Truck Driving School is partnered with the biggest trucking companies in the USA. So, eligible trainees can easily find jobs straight out of trucking school.
Most of the companies will also shoulder your trucking school tuition fee. In other words, you can take whatever CDL program you need and not have to worry about making payments later.
Like always, training is composed of in-classroom and behind-the-wheel sessions. You also get some time with Interstate Truck Driving School’s nifty driving simulator that prepares you for certain scenarios before you take the wheel.
And just like 160 Driving Academy, students love how attentive the team and staff are toward them. You can ask them any question you want and they will go above and beyond to address your concerns.
Trainers are always available whenever you need further guidance or instruction while you’re enrolled.
Did we mention it has also trained dozens of women truckers over the years? Interstate Truck Driving School is dedicated to providing all genders with equal opportunities in the trucking field.
If you’re a female and worried about being discriminated against in other trucking schools, you always have this school to turn to for guidance and assistance.
Kings Trucking School
Address: 1500 McAndrews Rd W, Burnsville, MN 55337, USA
Telephone: 917-792-1591
E-Mail: kingsschoolinc@gmail.com
Want to learn other truck skills? Then Kings Trucking School is the perfect place to go.
Here, you will be able to choose from 3 special programs.
The first program is called “Class A Driving Training”. Here, you will learn how to use an automatic and manual Class A truck. And if you ask us, that is a very important skill to learn.
What’s more, there is also the “Behind The Wheel” program. With this, you’ll learn how to ace your CDL skills exams. Why? Because you will learn everything that is included in the exam, such as pre-trip inspection, parking and backing, and driving on public roads.
You’re sure to ace your exams with this program.
Finally, if you want to complete your required Entry-Level Driver Training, then there is the “ELDT Theory Training” program. You will learn everything you need to know about operating a truck and so much more.
And yes, this program will help you ace the CDL knowledge test, too.
So if you want to be more than ready for the exams and your future career, then Kings Trucking School is a great choice.
Free Company-Sponsored Truck Driving Schools
In the beginning, we mentioned company-sponsored trucking schools.
What exactly are those?
There are plenty of large trucking companies that will happily sponsor your CDL training, in exchange for you working with them for a few years. In other words, you get to earn your CDL training scot-free and come out with a high-paying job offer at the end of the journey.
If that sounds like something you want, here are some of the best free company-sponsored truck driving schools:
Prime Inc. – For those wanting to specialize in refrigerated, tanker, or flatbed vehicles, Prime, Inc. is exactly the company you need. They have a CDL program that offers a 1:1 student-instructor ratio. What’s more, training is conducted in real-world conditions. In other words, you’ll be making deliveries under the guidance of a licensed instructor.
Knight Transportation – Although Knight doesn’t technically have training locations in Minnesota, they can shoulder the costs for you to attend one of their training facilities in an area nearest to you. Being one of the largest trucking companies in the country, Knight is an excellent place to get your CDL training and first job.
Pam Transport – If your goal is to learn how to drive dry van trucks, Pam Transport offers an excellent free CDL training program. They may also cover the costs of your training in Minneapolis, paying your tuition, and offering you a job immediately after graduation!
Conclusion
So those were the best trucking schools near Minneapolis, MN.
Which school is the best fit for YOU?
Go ahead and make your pick!
And once you do, you can get started by calling or emailing the school of your choice.
Good luck!