Thinking of becoming a truck driver? 

That’s great! 

And if you’re from New Orleans, LA, we have some quality trucking school options for you. 

Here, we’re going to review these best trucking schools in New Orleans, LA. We’ll also review the best ones that are near the city. 

So let’s dive right in!

Best Private Trucking Schools in New Orleans, LA 

Private trucking schools are independent schools that train aspiring truck drivers. They’re called “private” because the training offered is not sponsored by any trucking company. 

The advantage of learning from these schools is that you’re truck-driving knowledge is not limited to a company’s fleet. You’re also not bound to stay in a company because they’ve sponsored you. 

The downside is that you don’t have a guaranteed job when you get your CDL. 

Once you weigh the pros and cons and decide to go with a private trucking school, here are the best ones to consider: 

• Safe Road Truck Driving School
• Coastal Truck Driving School
• 160 Driving Academy

Safe Road Truck Driving School

Address: 4480 General Degaulle ste. 101B,

New Orleans, LA 70114

CDL training can be very expensive. Luckily, you can count on Safe Road Truck Driving School to give affordable rates. This school is priced at least 10% lower than its competitors!

What’s more, Safe Road Truck Driving School offers Class A and Class B Entry-Level Driver Training that spans at least 5 weeks. The duration of the program changes depending on your schedule, with 9 weeks being the longest period. 

What you’ll love about this trucking school, other than its affordable rates, is the hands-on guide given during the CDL training. You’ll meet friendly instructors that will provide a balance between hands-on and behind-the-wheel training. 

On top of these things, you can also get these benefits at Safe Road Truck Driving School: 

• Flexible class schedules available on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends
• Job assistance program for all students
• Accepts scholarship grants

Already convinced? You can give them a call at (504) 644-0338 to apply. 

Coastal Truck Driving School

Admission center address: 4016 Canal St.

New Orleans, LA 70119

One of the go-to trucking schools in LA is Coastal Truck Driving School. This school has been around since 1985 and offers other CDL services such as license renewal and testing. 

Now, their admission center is located right in the city of New Orleans. However, as for training centers, it is held either in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Harvey, Lafayette, and Monroe. 

If the travel is too far for you, then don’t worry. Coastal Truck Driving School offers housing at no additional cost. 

Coastal Truck Driving School’s CDL training is a 4-week course with a total of 160 hours. During this period, 75% of the time will be spent on practical training. This means that you’re given a lot of time learning how to drive a truck or trailer. 

This trucking school also offers flexible classes. So if you prefer to learn on weekends only, you can adjust your class schedule to fit your preferences. 

Coastal Truck Driving School offers these other services to its students: 

• In-house financing 
• Option to have a 40-hour refresher course
• Job placement services for students who have their CDL

Give them a call at 504-486-3639 to know more about their services or to start your CDL training.

160 Driving Academy

Address: 6824 Veterans Blvd Suite 200A

Metairie, LA 70003

With several locations nationwide, this trucking school is considered to be one of the most popular and well-trusted schools across the US. 

The CDL training consists of 160 hours, ¼ of which is dedicated to classroom instruction. The other 120 hours are meant for behind-the-wheel training, with equal practice in the facility and on interstate roads. 

What makes 160 Driving Academy a great choice is its years of knowledge and expertise. It has already taught thousands of truck drivers, showing its ability to help new students pass their CDL exams. 

Other advantages of enrolling in 160 Driving Academy include: 

• A wide network of trucking companies for scholarships and job offers for students
• A lot of focus is given to behind-the-wheel training
• Has a high passing rate in the CDL exams

Want to try 160 Driving Academy out? You can apply online or give them a call at (504) 446-6134. 

Additional Trucking Schools Near New Orleans, LA

Want more options? Here are some other private trucking schools you can check out that are near New Orleans, LA. 

Cross Road CDL Academy

3700 Lapalco Blvd STE I, Harvey, LA 70058

504-291-9713 or 877-711-0770

CDL Mentors

1325 AIRLINE HIGHWAY BLDG A, BATON ROUGE, LA 70805

888-235-9433

Best Company-Sponsored Trucking Schools

Trucking schools sponsored by a trucking company are called company-sponsored training. They will be the ones to pay for your training. 

In turn, you’ll have to work for them once you get your CDL. 

That said, in your first year or two working for them, you will have a salary deduction to pay up for your free training. 

If this is the way you want to go, then here are the best company-sponsored trucking schools. 

Knight Transportation 

Address: 11100 TX-225 La Porte, TX 77571

Phone: 602-606-6339

What’s great about Knight Transportation is that it has locations all around the US. Its Texas centers are nearest to New Orleans, LA. 

Also, if you want one-on-one training with an experienced driver, Knight Transportation offers just that. Once you qualify for the CDL training, you will sit with a truck driver and be on the road with them.  

Schneider 

Address: 436 W 19th Street, Reserve, LA 70084

Phone: 888-712-1219

With a training facility in Louisiana, Schneider is easily one of the go-to’s for company-sponsored training. You’ll be given 5-6 weeks of training, which includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Graduates can have up to $400/month reimbursed fees. 

Pam Transport

Address: 297 West Henri de Tonti Blvd., Tontitown, AR 72770

Phone: (855) 880-5322

With just a 4-week training period, Pam Transport is one of the shortest CDL-sponsored training you can apply to. Each new student is given a $100 stipend and an orientation.  

Stevens Transport 

Address: 3523 Greenwood Rd., Shreveport, LA 71109

Phone: 1-800-333-8595

As one of the leading trucking companies in the country, Stevens Transport is easily a top choice for anyone looking for sponsored training. Plus, has a location right in Louisiana. If you go with this company, they will handle your loading and meals. 

Conclusion

And those were the best trucking schools in or near New Orleans, LA. 

That’s a lot of choices!

So if you are looking for a trucking school, then rest assured that the ones on this list are trusted and high-quality. And if you pick one of these schools, know that you’ll be in great hands. 

Good luck!