All CDL FAQ

The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the U.S. economy, delivering goods across vast distances and connecting communities. But there's a widespread misconception that a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is only useful if you plan to spend your career behind the wheel of a long-haul semi-truck. The reality is that a CDL opens doors to a wide range of careers, many of which offer competitive pay, predictable schedules, and the chance to work close to home. Understanding all the jobs you can get with a CDL license is essential before you commit to a career path.

The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the U.S. economy, and for many professional drivers, becoming an owner-operator represents the ultimate career milestone. Running your own trucking business means more freedom, higher earning potential, and the ability to make decisions that shape your future. But it also comes with real financial responsibility and business challenges that you need to understand before taking the leap.

The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the U.S. economy, moving goods across the country and keeping supply chains running. Once you've earned your CDL, one of the most important decisions you'll face is choosing the type of trucking job that fits your life. OTR vs regional vs local trucking — each path comes with its own pay structure, home time expectations, and lifestyle trade-offs, and the right choice depends entirely on what matters most to you.

The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the U.S. economy, and not every commercial driving career starts behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer. A Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) opens the door to a wide range of well-paying, stable jobs, many of which bring you home every night. If you're exploring your options as an aspiring commercial driver, understanding exactly what a Class B CDL covers is an essential first step.

The trucking industry offers far more than a single license. Once you've earned your Commercial Driver's License (CDL), a full range of endorsements opens doors to higher-paying routes, specialized cargo, and vehicles you wouldn't otherwise be cleared to operate. Understanding the complete CDL endorsements list is essential for any aspiring commercial driver who wants to maximize earning potential and career flexibility.

The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the U.S. economy, moving freight across thousands of miles every single day. If you're looking to enter that world at the highest level, a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is the credential you need. It's the most comprehensive CDL classification available, and it opens the door to the widest range of driving opportunities in the industry. Understanding the class A CDL requirements before you start is essential — it helps you plan your training, your timeline, and your career path with confidence.

The CDL School and Troops Into Transportation are proud to announce an Elite-level partnership with Werner Enterprises, strengthening a relationship built on more than 30 years of shared commitment to developing safe, professional drivers and building long-term career pathways in the transportation industry.

Shopping for a Commercial Driving School that fits your needs can be difficult. Where you live, your schedule, employment status, and preference for Class A or Class B training will all factor into your decision making when selecting a school. While the most natural question for someone looking for a CDL training program may be “how much does it cost?” It is important to understand what you are getting in terms of training hours, how much time you will get behind the wheel, what type of transmission you will train on, and what out of pocket costs you might expect to incur in addition to the cost of training.  

In this guide, we will highlight the key questions you should ask when applying to a truck driver training school – including how to evaluate the varying costs.

The short answer to this question is “yes.” CDLs can be transferred from state to state, this is a common question for truck drivers before or after CDL training.

You have to register for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the state where you live, just like your regular, non-commercial driver’s license. If you move to a different state, you have to get a new license in your new state.

While it may seem expensive to obtain a CDL, it's more affordable than you think. There are several resources available to help more people enter this rewarding career, each with it's own set of pros and cons.