What is a CDL-A?

A CDL-A, or Commercial Driver's License Class A, is the highest level of commercial driver's license in the United States. This license allows individuals to operate a combination of vehicles, such as a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or tanker truck, with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. The CDL-A license is highly sought after by employers in the trucking industry, as it demonstrates a driver's ability to safely operate the largest and most complex commercial vehicles on the road.

Training Requirements

To obtain a CDL-A license in Memphis, individuals must complete a comprehensive training program that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of commercial driving. This typically involves classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and passing both written and skills-based exams.

What's the Fastest Someone Can Become a Truck Driver in Memphis?

The time it takes to become a truck driver in Memphis can vary depending on the individual's prior experience and the training program they choose. However, many CDL-A training programs in the area can be completed in as little as 4-6 weeks, allowing individuals to quickly enter the job market and start earning a truck driver salary.

CDL-A Classes in Memphis

There are several CDL-A training providers in the Memphis area, each offering slightly different programs and schedules. Here are a few examples:

1. Memphis Truck Driving School: This school offers a 4-week CDL-A training program that includes 160 hours of instruction, both in the classroom and behind the wheel. The program costs $4,995 and requires a high school diploma or GED.

2. Mid-South Truck Driving Academy: With a 5-week CDL-A program, Mid-South Truck Driving Academy provides 200 hours of training, including 120 hours of behind-the-wheel experience. The program costs $5,500, and applicants must have a valid driver's license and pass a drug test.

3. Truck Driver Institute: The Truck Driver Institute in Memphis offers a 4-week CDL-A program that includes 160 hours of training, with a focus on hands-on driving practice. The program costs $4,800, and students must have a valid driver's license and pass a background check.

Exploring a Career in CDL-A Outside Memphis

If you're aiming to pursue a career as a Truck Driver but find yourself in a different state, remember, your goal is still within reach. You can explore opportunities to start your career as a Truck Driver in places like Chicago, Denver, Omaha, Raleigh, Wichita. If these locations don't work for you, Dreambound simplifies the journey to becoming a Truck Driver no matter where you live. By enabling you to find and compare CDL-A classes with a quick zip code search, Dreambound empowers you to move forward confidently towards a rewarding career in trade, construction, and industry, regardless of your current location.

Online and Free CDL-A Options in Memphis

While in-person CDL-A training programs are the most common in Memphis, there are also some online and free options available for aspiring truck drivers.

Online CDL-A training programs, such as those offered by Memphis-based companies like Crete Carrier Corporation, allow students to complete the theoretical portion of the training remotely, before moving on to the hands-on, behind-the-wheel training at a local facility.

Additionally, some organizations in Memphis, such as the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, offer free or low-cost CDL-A training programs for eligible individuals, including veterans, low-income residents, and those transitioning from other careers.

The Certification Process

The process of obtaining a CDL-A license in Memphis typically involves the following steps:

1. Completing a state-approved CDL-A training program
2. Passing a written knowledge exam on general commercial driving knowledge, as well as endorsement-specific exams
3. Passing a skills-based driving exam that tests the applicant's ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle
4. Obtaining a medical certification to ensure the driver meets the necessary physical and mental requirements
5. Applying for and obtaining a CDL-A license from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

The Job Environment in Memphis

Memphis is a hub for the transportation and logistics industry, making it an excellent location for truck drivers to find employment. Some of the major employers of CDL-A drivers in the Memphis area include:

• FedEx Freight
• Old Dominion Freight Line
• UPS Freight
• Averitt Express
• Crete Carrier Corporation

These companies, and many others, offer a variety of truck driving positions, including long-haul, regional, and local routes, as well as opportunities for specialized hauling, such as hazardous materials or oversized loads.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a truck driver in Memphis can be a rewarding and lucrative career path. With the availability of CDL-A classes near you, the opportunity to earn a competitive truck driver salary, and the abundance of job opportunities in the city's thriving transportation industry, there has never been a better time to consider a career as a professional truck driver. Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch careers, the resources and training programs in Memphis can help you take the first step towards a fulfilling and in-demand profession.

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