Looking for a well-paying career path?
Trucking is normally not the first thing people think of when you talk about “well-paying” employment.
But given the demand for truckers in California is rising each year, the average salary has increased too — with senior truckers even earning 6 figures!
If you want to go down this path…
Then we’re here to help.
One important part of getting your commercial driver’s license is choosing the right trucking school. The perfect school will open up numerous opportunities for you down the line.
So if you’re living in Santa Rosa, CA, we have the top 3 picks of the best trucking schools in Santa Rosa, CA.
Let’s check them out!
Best Trucking Schools in Santa Rosa, CA (Private)
We have bad news and good news.
The bad news is that the FMCSA-approved trucking schools located right in Santa Rosa are VERY limited.
In fact, there is only one that provides full training.
The good news is that there are other approved trucking schools in nearby cities.
So for this review, we’ll be looking at the trucking schools in and near Santa, Rosa, CA. These are:
JGC Truck Driver Training
Address: 3167 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Phone: 707-579-8577
Email: jtraining@att.net
The JGC Truck Driver Training is the only full truck training institute located in Santa Rosa, CA.
But don’t worry.
Sure, JGC may be one of the only options — but it’s already a great one.
Just take one look at its glowing reviews.
This school has performed so well because it doesn’t just train you for your CDL…
It also aims to ensure you’re the best trucker you can be.
And with this, you will be able to ace the CDL skills test AND succeed in your new career.
JGC Truck Driving Training has created an excellent program that goes over everything and then some.
You can choose to take it full-time and finish in just 4 weeks.
Or, if you have a busy schedule, you can go for the part-time schedule. This will allow you to complete the program in 8 weeks.
Either way, you get 160 hours of training for a Class A or B CDL!
You can even get training for a passenger endorsement.
Moreover, with the excellent equipment, you’ll be able to learn with only the best trucks. These trucks are regularly inspected by the Department of Transportation.
Here are some other great reasons to choose JGC Truck Driver Training:
- Have morning and night classes
- Financing support is provided
- Expansive facilities
- Has job placement support
MTS Training Academy
Address: 140 Yolano Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589
Phone: 800-445-2994
Email: iwanttodrive@msta.com
Travel time from Santa Rosa: 47 minutes
Here’s an FMCSA-approved trucking school near Santa Rosa, CA.
Is it worth the trip?
Yes!
MTS Training Academy offers Class A, Class B, and Bus programs.
And you can trust that their training works.
The school has been around since 1996, meaning it has great experience with tried and tested training methods.
Plus, the collective instructors’ experience makes it easier to learn. Their tips and tricks teach you more than what the CDL test requires.
Another thing.
MTS Training Academy wants to make you feel at home — with great team-building exercises, and even holding a full-fledged graduation ceremony for graduates.
Other reasons to join include:
- Job placement available
- Friendly instructors
- Train for local and national companies
- Can train with different types of buses
Academy of Truck Driving
Address: 2585 Buna St, Bldg 99, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 510-663-9030
Email: enrollment@acdltruckdriver.com
Travel time from Santa Rosa: 58 minutes
Yes, yes.
While the journey is pretty long, you’ll find that the Academy of Truck Driving is worth it.
Anyway, who doesn’t want to visit Oakland?
The Academy of Truck Driving believes that the bare minimum is not an option.
They won’t just teach you to make sure you pass the CDL test on the first try.
No, it helps you have a successful and long-lasting career. It helps you exceed the expectations of potential employers. It helps you be the safest truck driver out there.
What’s more, the Academy of Truck Driving has an extensive range of trucks, from Class A CMVs to buses.
You can train on the best equipment with ease.
Also, the school has an extensive network, which helps in getting great placements after you graduate.
Here are other reasons why you should attend the Academy of Truck Driving:
- Small class sizes for more personalization
- Flexible schedules
- Great facility
- Patient and caring instructors
Best Free Company-Sponsored Trucking Schools
Let’s say you want to go down a different path.
Maybe you want to train with a logistics firm that will hire you right away.
Not just that, but these firms also pay for your training.
These are called company-sponsored trucking schools.
So let’s review these types of trucking schools…
Knight Transportation – As a well-known nationwide logistic firm, you can trust that you’ll be in great hands here. Moreover, Knight Transporation offers aspirants FREE training, while also allowing their drivers to go home on the weekends.
Some other benefits you’ll get to enjoy are:
- 401k Insurance
- A friendly working environment
- Interest-free repayment plans
- Vacation pay and home time
Admission requirements:
- Age requirement: at least 21 years old.
- DWI/DUI convictions: None within the last 10 years.
- Drug/Substance Test: No drug use, positive tests, or refusals within the last 10 years.
- Moving Violations: No more than 2 moving violations within the last 2 years. No serious traffic violations in the last 6 months. No citations for driving while suspended, disqualified, or expired in the past 6 months.
- License: Must hold a valid license in the current state of residence.
- Accidents: No more than 1 minor preventable accident (loss over $1750.00) in the last 3 years. No major accidents (loss of over $25,000) in the last 5 years.
- Employment: No terminations from the last employer due to a poor safety record or from more than 1 employer in 5 years due to a poor safety record or theft. No more than 4 commercial driving jobs in the last 12 months and no more than 4 jobs in the last 3 years.
- Felonies: None in the past 7 years. No multiple felonies.
- Physical Condition: Must be capable of performing essential job functions, including loading and unloading freight. Must meet all Department of Transportation (DOT) and Agility Requirements as certified by a company-selected examination facility.
Swift Transportation – Known to hire in California, Swift Transportation is always on the lookout for great truckers to train. They also offer excellent employment plans, with a 401k plan and medical insurance. Here are other benefits:
- Paid free tuition
- Vacation pay and home time
Admission requirements:
- The minimum age requirement is 23 years old (21 if you have military experience).
- No DWI or DUI convictions
- No reckless driving convictions within the past three years.
- No more than one moving violation within the past year and no more than three within the past three years.
- No major preventable accidents in the past twelve months or more than two in the past five years.
- No more than one driver’s license suspension within the past three years.
- Successful completion of the Workwell Physical Assessment, a DOT physical, and DOT-controlled substance and alcohol testing.
- Completion of a conviction form for all misdemeanor or felony convictions.
Conclusion
And so those were the top 3 picks for the best trucking schools in and near Santa Rosa, CA.
If you don’t want to travel far, then the JGC Truck Driver Training already provides you with everything you need!
But if the location isn’t so much a problem for you, then check out MTS Training Academy or Academy of Truck Driving.
Want to get FREE training and be hired right away?
Then there are the Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation CDL schools available, too.
Choose the one that fits YOU!