Paid CDL Training in California: Top 10 Companies

Paid CDL Training in California is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to launch a stable and rewarding career in the trucking industry. But which companies actually offer these valuable programs? Don’t worry, this Easy Prep article highlights 10 reputable companies that provide paid CDL training in California, giving you the chance to earn your California CDL license without upfront costs while gaining real-world driving experience.

10 companies provide paid CDL training in California

PRO Logistics

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in California, PRO Logistics is a fast-growing logistics and transportation company specializing in versatile freight solutions. With a diverse fleet of dry vans and flatbed trucks, the company handles a wide range of cargo, including beverages and general freight. PRO Logistics offers both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for its customers. The company recruits drivers across multiple roles, including team drivers, regional drivers, and dedicated route operators. Key Features:

Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
Paid CDL Training: Available
Pay after training: Salary + sign-on bonus & safety bonus
Direct deposit and same-day pay options
Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
401(k) retirement plan and paid time off
Guaranteed home time & flexible schedules
Layover, detention, and transit pay
Support during unpaid leave
Ongoing training and professional development

Bettendorf Trucking

Founded in 1961 and headquartered in California, Bettendorf Trucking is a well-established transportation company with decades of experience in the trucking industry. The company provides a wide range of freight services, specializing in hauling agricultural and farm supplies, construction materials, dry bulk commodities, waste, general freight, hay and grain, lumber, and heavy machinery. Bettendorf primarily hires drivers for flatbed, oversized, and specialized freight on interstate routes, while also offering opportunities for owner-operators and independent contractors. Key features:

Salary range: $50,000-$75,000
Paid CDL Training: Available
Sign-on and safety bonuses
Health and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan and PTO
Ongoing training and roadside support
Guaranteed home time

Shippers Transport Express

Shippers Transport Express (DOT: 550967) is a California-based trucking company that provides a wide range of transportation services across regional and interstate routes. The company specializes in hauling diverse freight, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, intermodal containers, liquids and gases, machinery, metal sheets, coils, paper products, frozen foods, and general commodities. With a focus on flexibility, Shippers Transport Express offers opportunities for local, regional, and long-haul drivers, as well as owner-operators and specialized drivers in flatbed, intermodal, and dry van segments. Its diverse operations allow drivers to select routes and roles that best fit their lifestyle and career goals. Key features:

Salary range: $50,000-$75,000
Contract Commitment: Varies depending on program and position
Paid CDL Training: Available

Foster Farms

Foster Farms is a reputable trucking and food production company based in California, with decades of experience in the industry. With more than 18,000 days of active DOT authority, Foster Farms has built a strong legacy in transportation and logistics. Strategically located to optimize distribution, the company specializes in hauling a wide variety of freight, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, waste, general freight, grain, livestock, machinery, meat, frozen foods, and utilities. Key features:

Salary range: $76,000-$92,000
Contract Commitment: Varies depending on position and program
Paid CDL Training: Available
Pay after training: Transition to full salary range with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Employee Benefits: Health/dental/vision/life insurance, 401(k) with company match, PTO, paid holidays, employee discounts on company products, and ongoing training for career advancement

Sea-Logix, LLC

Sea-Logix, LLC is a trusted and well-established transportation company headquartered in Long Beach, California. The company has been actively serving the logistics industry since its inception, specializing in hauling a wide variety of freight, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk, fresh produce, and general commodities. Sea-Logix, LLC offers a Paid CDL Training Program for individuals who are ready to begin a stable and rewarding career in the trucking industry. Through this program, new drivers can earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with no upfront cost, while receiving the support and mentorship of an experienced transportation company. Key features:

Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
Contract commitment: 12-18 months
Pay during training: Weekly training stipend (average $500-$700/week).
Employee benefits: Comprehensive health/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off (PTO), and additional voluntary insurance policies

Button Transportation

Headquartered in California, Button Transportation specializes in transporting a wide range of freight, including agricultural and farm supplies, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, hay and grain feed, as well as liquids and gases. The company is committed to supporting its drivers with a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. This includes sign-on bonuses, employee stock ownership, health, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, drivers enjoy direct deposit, same-day pay options, layover and detention compensation, and a lease-purchase program. Button Transportation also prioritizes work-life balance by offering flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training programs to foster career growth and satisfaction. Key features:

Salary range: $60,000 - $80,000
Paid CDL training: Available
Contract commitment: Varies depending on position and training agreement
Sign-on bonus opportunities
Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
Direct deposit and same-day pay availability
Layover and detention pay
Lease-purchase program for trucks
Flexible schedules with guaranteed home time
Continuous training and professional development

Sidhu Truck Line

Based in California, Sidhu Truck Line is a trusted transportation company specializing in moving a wide variety of freight. Their operations cover agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, and general freight, ensuring reliable and efficient delivery across multiple industries. The company values its drivers as the backbone of its success, offering a competitive pay package alongside comprehensive benefits. Drivers receive health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a strong retirement plan and paid time off. To further support its workforce, Sidhu Truck Line provides attractive incentives such as sign-on and referral bonuses, same-day pay options, tuition reimbursement, and continuous training and professional development programs. Key features:

Salary range: $60,000 - $75,000
Paid CDL training: Available
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
Retirement plan with attractive benefits
Paid time off (PTO)
Sign-on and referral bonuses
Same-day pay availability
Tuition reimbursement programs
Ongoing training and professional development
Flexible schedules with guaranteed home time

Speed Intermodal

Headquartered in Stockton, California, Speed Intermodal is a logistics and transportation company specializing in delivering efficient freight solutions through multiple modes of transport. With expertise in intermodal services, the company seamlessly integrates trucking, rail, and ocean shipping to provide reliable connections across supply chains. Speed Intermodal is deeply committed to supporting its drivers by offering a wide range of benefits and incentives. Drivers can take advantage of paid CDL training, a lease-purchase program, and same-day pay options. Comprehensive insurance coverage includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, while retirement plans ensure long-term financial security. The company also emphasizes work-life balance with guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling. Key features:

Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
Paid CDL training: Available
Lease-purchase program for trucks
Same-day pay options
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Retirement plan with strong benefits
Guaranteed home time & flexible schedules
Safety bonuses and tuition reimbursement
Roadside assistance and direct deposit
Cash advance and detention pay policies
Gym membership discounts
Programs designed for new drivers

CR England

C.R. England is one of the largest and most recognized names in the trucking industry, with a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality transportation services across the United States. The company is also known for its commitment to developing new drivers through its CDL Training Program, designed to quickly prepare individuals for a professional trucking career. Key features:

Contract Commitment: 9 months
Driver Requirements: Minimum 21 years old, with a clean driving history and stable employment record.
Paid CDL Training: Available
Pay after training: Up to $75,000
Pros: Lower time commitment after receiving CDL
Cons: Does not provide meals during training, lease-to-purchase program draws many complaints
Employee Benefits: Health/dental/vision plans, additional voluntary insurance policies, 401(k) with company match, PTO

Swift Academy

Swift Academy is a well-known truck driving school that provides aspiring drivers with the opportunity to earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and begin a stable career in the transportation industry. With a reputation for being accessible and supportive, Swift Academy is especially recognized for giving second chances to individuals who may face challenges entering the trucking workforce. Key features:

Salary range: $60,000-70,000
Contract Commitment: 26 months
Driver Requirements: 21+, drug-free
Pros: Might accept candidates with a criminal history
Cons: No meals provided during training; long contract commitment
Employee Benefits: 401(k) with company match, health/dental/vision plans, PTO, additional voluntary insurance policies

FAQs

1. Does California pay for CDL training?

California does not directly pay for CDL training. However, many trucking companies based in California offer paid CDL training programs, where they cover the cost of training in exchange for a work commitment after graduation. In addition, eligible applicants may also use federal grants, state workforce programs, or military veteran benefits to help offset training costs.

2. How to qualify for paid CDL training in California?

To qualify, candidates generally need to:

Be at least 21 years old for interstate driving (18+ may qualify for intrastate).
Hold a valid California driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Pass a DOT physical exam and a drug/alcohol screening.
Demonstrate a stable work history and ability to meet company requirements.

Some companies may have additional criteria, such as a contract commitment of 9-12 months after training.

Final thoughts

Paid CDL Training in California truly represents an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to begin a long-term, rewarding career in trucking. Not only does it remove the financial barrier of training, but it also connects new drivers with reputable companies that offer stable pay, comprehensive benefits, and long-term growth opportunities. We hope this article from Easy Prep has provided you with valuable insights and guidance as you explore the best training options available.