There’s a nationwide shortage of Class A CDL drivers, and it’s affecting the transportation and truck driving industry in big ways. The nation’s leading carriers, such as Werner, FedEx, Schneider, Averitt, and more, are hiring commercial driver’s license (CDL) graduates by the handful. That’s why the Truck Driving Institute (TDI) is eager to spread the news and invite the next Class A CDL training class to a TDI campus near you.

Earning a Class A CDL presents you with several career opportunities in the transportation and freight industries. With a Class A CDL, you’re automatically qualified to drive a truck that tows a trailer with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of more than 10,000 pounds. When you’re on the interstate, most of the big semi-trucks you see are Class A vehicles.

When you receive Class A CDL training, you’re also able to drive the Class B and Class C vehicles. Class B drivers are restricted to vehicles that tow trailers that don’t exceed a GVWR of 10,000 pounds, or with large vehicles that don’t have detachable trailers.

A Class C CDL driver can drive smaller vehicles such as 16-passenger vans, other commercial vans, and Hazmat vehicles.