Want a Class A CDL fast, without paying for school? In 2025, many U.S. companies offer paid training or cover tuition in exchange for a driving commitment. Here are 4–5 real programs, including costs, pay, requirements, and how to apply — plus a closer look at Swift’s popular CDL training.
Quick overview — what “paid CDL training” usually means
When a carrier advertises “paid training,” that can mean different things: you might be hired first and paid while you learn, the company might loan you training costs and deduct them from pay later, or you may get tuition reimbursed after a period of employment. Typical company programs take 3–7+ weeks of classroom/yard/in-cab training before you test for the CDL, then you’ll ride with a mentor for extra on-road experience.
1) Swift (Swift Academy / Swift Truck Driving School) — what to expect (focus section)
Who they are: Swift is one of the largest U.S. fleets and runs Swift Academy / Truck Driving School that places trainees with Swift after training. Swift’s site says you can earn your Class A CDL in as little as 4 weeks depending on the program and location. Swift’s programs commonly use a tuition-assistance model or company-sponsored training where new hires train toward a CDL with company instructors.
Typical pay / perks while training: Swift’s public pages and community reports show the company offers paid orientation and may offer paid training tracks or tuition-assist; terms vary by location and hiring window. Some Swift trainees are hired on day one and receive pay during training; check local academy postings for exact pay rates and any return-of-service terms.
Requirements & who fits: Most Swift programs ask for a clean driving record (no recent major violations), proof of age (21+ for interstate OTR), ability to pass DOT drug and physical exam, and readiness to attend full-time training. No prior CDL experience is usually required.
How to apply (practical):
1. Visit Swift’s Truck Driving School / careers page and find the nearest academy.
2. Fill out the online application and consent to recruiter contact.
3. Prepare standard onboarding docs: ID, Social Security, driving history, and be ready for DOT physical/drug screen.
4. Confirm training start date, pay details during training, and any post-training payback clause. Call the recruiter and ask whether training wages are paid during each training week.
2) Schneider — CDL Apprenticeship Training (CAT)
Schneider runs a paid 5–7.5 week CDL apprenticeship program (CAT) that mixes classroom, yard, and in-cab training; students get paid during the apprenticeship and then continue as company drivers under an apprenticeship model. It’s a structured program with scheduling and clear steps to testing. Great fit for people who want a predictable, multi-week in-house course.
3) Prime Inc. — Student / Company training
Prime runs a company-sponsored training program where trainees get orientation, lodging, and training; some pages advertise paid training and bonuses (for example, trainees may receive per-week support or pay while in certain phases). Prime often supports aspiring drivers with a low upfront fee and a short training window (2–4 weeks for some tracks). Good for people who want 1-on-1 training and strong mentoring. After you pass your CDL exam, you’ll continue to train with a trainer for a minimum of 30,000 miles. Get experience hauling loads across the country while receiving compensation of at least $900 per week (as long as you are available for dispatch).
4) Roehl Transport — ‘Get Your CDL’ program
Roehl markets a pay-while-you-learn approach: short initial training (some programs say 3 weeks paid training) where trainees are paid at the end of the third week and then move into mentorship. Roehl emphasizes hiring on day one and getting paid during CDL training. Great if you want quick classroom-to-road transition and a clear pay structure.
5) C.R. England and other carriers
C.R. England and similar carriers run company training that gets you from zero to licensed plus mentoring miles. Training lengths vary; these companies focus on real-world readiness with company mentors after the CDL exam. Check each carrier’s “Get Your CDL” or training pages for specifics.
What about 5-week paid CDL training programs?
Yes — 5 weeks is a common advertised length (Schneider’s CAT explicitly runs about five weeks), and many reputable truck schools or company apprenticeships use a 4–7 week window to prepare students for the CDL skills test and initial on-road runs. Napier and other commercial schools list 5-week Class A courses as standard options.
Are there government-funded CDL training options?
Yes — state and federal workforce programs often fund CDL training for eligible jobseekers. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) allows states and local workforce boards to pay for training in in-demand fields — including CDL programs — for adults and dislocated workers who qualify through the local American Job Center. Many community colleges and training schools accept WIOA funding or state workforce grants; amounts and eligibility vary by state. Veterans may also use GI Bill or state veteran grants for commercial driver training. If you’re low-income or dislocated, check your local workforce center about WIOA, state grants, or community-college programs.
Practical tips — pick the right program and avoid surprises
Ask up front about pay during training (amount, when it’s paid, any deductions/loans). Programs differ: some pay weekly, others give a lump sum after a phase.
Confirm return-of-service terms: many tuition-reimbursed programs require you to drive for the company for a fixed period or repay training costs. Read that clause carefully.
Check housing & transport during training — some companies provide lodging or travel assistance.
Use workforce resources: if you need help paying up-front costs or want independent training, ask your local American Job Center about WIOA or state workforce grants.
Bottom line
If you want a CDL fast and with less financial pain, company-sponsored / paid CDL programs are a smart route. Swift, Schneider, Prime, Roehl and C.R. England are active options that hire, train, and often pay new drivers through the learning curve — with program lengths commonly in the 3–7 week range. For those who qualify, WIOA and state workforce grants can also help cover tuition. Start by calling the carrier’s academy or your local workforce center, confirm pay and service obligations in writing, and apply with ID, basic driving history, and readiness to meet DOT physical/drug-screen requirements. Drive safe — and know what you signed up for before that first lesson.