Commercial trucking industry fuels demand for CDL-qualified drivers
Endorsements range from transportation of a hazardous material to operation of a tank vehicle, transporting passengers, school bus driver, towing double/triple trailers, and the operation of combination of hazardous material and tank vehicle.
If the commercial trucking industry is in your career plans, it would be wise to start planning now to take the basics to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Moving forward begins with an education either at area colleges or independent trucking companies.
Martin Garsee, MPA, CPP, Houston Community College director of transportation training, said to complete the CDL program, students must have a current Class C driver’s license with no holds, warrants, suspensions, or surcharges. They must also pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug test and have a decent driving record.
Tony Rich, director of applied trades at San Jacinto College, said students receive approximately 200 miles of behind-the-wheel driving, pulling, and loading trailers. Vehicle maintenance, Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and driving courtesy are covered.
Courses are offered in various layouts.
HCC offers the CDL program in the following formats ranging from day classes that are six weeks long on Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; to night classes, which are 12 weeks, Monday-Friday, 5:30-10 p.m.; and weekend classes (12 weeks) on Thursday 6-10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The cost of the HCC program is $3,850 and includes tuition, books, physical and drug test, DOT medical card, on-site CDL exam, and Class A driver’s license.
Classes at San Jac, offered through the continuing and professional development division, meet Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for six weeks. Weekend classes, contingent on enrollment, meet Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for 12 weeks. Cost for each student is $4,300.
Graduates can work for any company that operates trucks and requires drivers to have a current Class A license.
In addition, endorsements are needed to operate a piece of specialized equipment or load, and range from transportation of a hazardous material to operation of a tank vehicle, transporting passengers, school bus driver, towing double/triple trailers, and the operation of combination of hazardous material and tank vehicle.
Rich said financial aid is available with the Finish Line Grant, also known as the Texas Reskilling Support Fund Grant Program. This provides financial support, covering tuition costs up to three semesters with a $2,500 max distribution per student.
The demand for commercial drivers is “way up,” according to Garsee.
“HCC has operated a nationally recognized truck driving program since 1995. Our successful graduates find well-paying jobs that are in high demand. Truck driving is a career that will provide long-term employment and will be in high demand for many years to come,” he said.