Beware CDL Mills

Many people in the trucking industry will name the relatively short training period as one of the advantages of a shipping career. After all, you do not need an expensive diploma or lengthy apprenticeship to become a successful truck driver. However, this does not mean that anyone can simply climb into a semi cab without significant training and expect to perform the job well.

These days, anyone interested in becoming a trucker can find a wide variety of businesses offering to help him or her prepare for the commercial driver’s license (CDL) exam. Many of these schools boast quick and simple training at relatively low prices. If you are seeking a good training program for yourself or new employees, it is vital to remember that not all CDL training programs are created equal. If you do not do your research carefully, you may end up throwing away your time and money on a CDL mill.

What Is a CDL Mill?

A CDL mill is a training school that offers low-quality, incomplete, or haphazard training for prospective truck drivers. They often charge very stiff fees, which can be a way to recognize them, but some are relatively low-cost. The problem is the current lack of regulation of CDL schools. Virtually anyone can register a website or a business name and begin “training” truck drivers.

Some characteristics that may indicate a CDL mill include:

• An emphasis on short training. Naturally, most people want to obtain their licenses and get on the road as quickly as possible. However, a mere two or three weeks of training is usually not enough to prepare for the rigors of long-distance driving.
• A “bare bones” curriculum. There are many skills that a trucker needs to develop to perform well and avoid common pitfalls. A course that focuses on teaching the absolute basics of driving a truck – and nothing else – may not be offering the education you need.
• Surprisingly high costs. Sometimes a higher price tag is worth it for a great program, and sometimes a cheap program is worth even less than you pay for it. However, so many CDL charge steep prices that it is often considered a potential warning sign.

A school with the above characteristics may still be a worthwhile program. However, it is definitely worth it to research your options carefully before committing to a certain school.

Contact a Freight Factoring Agent

The experienced truck factoring agents of TBS Factoring Services, LLC, understand the challenges you face as a trucker or truck company owner. To discuss how our trucking factor can help your business grow, contact us at 1-800-207-7661.