Get Your CDL at TMC
If you want to get started in a career as a truck driver, you’ll need to have your commercial driver’s license (CDL).
With TMC’s paid CDL training, you can get your CDL A and start driving for the leader in flatbed transportation. We offer performance-based percentage pay, and first-year drivers at TMC are earning up to $100,000!
At TMC, we have several different divisions to fit your career goals. Whether you see yourself excelling in our Specialized Division or traveling the country as a regional driver, the first step is getting your CDL. TMC’s paid CDL training will get you on the road to a great career as a flatbed driver.
TMC offers paid CDL training at our training centers in Des Moines, Iowa, and Columbia, South Carolina, through our truck driver school, TMC Pro Driving Academy. Our program is even approved by the Department of Labor as a certified Heavy Truck Driver Apprenticeship program.
Apply today to drive for TMC! Or call 1-800-247-2460 to talk to a recruiter!
Already have your CDL? Learn more about our training and orientation program for current CDL holders!
We’re currently looking for drivers throughout our hiring area!
Why Get Your CDL with TMC?
- Great career. TMC offers a variety of career opportunities for our drivers. You’ll start out in our Linehaul Division, but many experienced drivers later choose to move to a Dedicated route or drive for our Specialized Division. View our open driving jobs!
- Industry-leading training. TMC has been training drivers for more than 30 years, and our instructors will make sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to be safe and successful on the road.
- No upfront cost to you. You don’t pay anything upfront for our CDL training program. Please note that you will be required to drive for TMC for one year after getting your CDL. If you leave TMC before that point, you will need to reimburse TMC for some of the cost of your CDL training.
- Get paid while training for your CDL. You’ll receive $500 per week while you’re at our training facility. TMC will even pay for your transportation to and from our training center and your accommodations. While you’re in over-the-road training, you’ll also earn $500 per week.
- Great facilities. Our training centers in Des Moines, IA, and Columbia, SC, offer computers for every student, spacious break areas, and training yards so you can practice your driving skills.
- Drive for the best flatbed company. For more than 50 years, TMC has been proud to offer some of the best home time, pay, driver benefits, and equipment in the industry, so drivers who start their career with us want to stay with us. Plus, since we’re employee-owned, you benefit from TMC’s success!
CDL Training Schedule
Our in-house CDL training is a three-week program that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to get your CDL and start your career as a TMC flatbed driver.
Here’s how the program works:
- Week 1 (Mon-Sun): Classroom instruction in driving skills and the rules of the road, as well as hands-on load securement training
- Week 2 (Mon-Sun): Equipment familiarization, driving and backing instruction, and training in how to complete a thorough DOT pre-trip inspection
- Week 3: (Mon-Fri): Refine the skills you learned in Week 2 and test for your Class A CDL at our training center. We will submit your test results to your home state.
- Once you’ve got your Class A CDL, you’ll spend four weeks in over-the-road training with one of our driver trainers, so you can practice the skills you learned in training and gain real-world experience
- Then you’ll start your career as a TMC flatbed driver!
How to Get Started
- Apply online. If you’re ready to drive for TMC, fill out an application today!
- Get your commercial learner’s permit. Before you start our CDL training program, you’ll need to obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Learn more about how to get your CLP and access study materials for your state!
- Follow up on your application. After you’ve submitted your application, we encourage you to follow up with your recruiter to learn more about TMC.
- Get ready to start your driving career. Did you know that first-year TMC drivers can earn up to $100,000? With our paid CDL training, you’ll be on your way to a great-paying, rewarding career as a flatbed driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is TMC’s CDL training program?
It is 19 consecutive days, including weekends.
I’d rather get my CDL at a local CDL school. Can I do that and then come work for TMC?
Certainly! Once you have your CDL, you can attend our training and orientation program to get the skills you need to become a flatbed driver.
I don’t have my commercial learner’s permit yet. Can I still fill out an application?
Yes—we encourage you to apply with TMC at any point in time. We will work to determine your eligibility to drive for TMC while you are getting your permit.
How do I get my commercial learner’s permit?
Check out our How to Get Your Commercial Learner’s Permit page for more information and state-specific study guides.
Do I have to work for TMC if I get my CDL with you?
Yes, we do require that you drive for TMC for one year after you get your CDL with us. If you choose to leave TMC before that time is up, you will be responsible for repaying a prorated part of the cost of your training.
Will I get home during my over-the-road training?
Yes, most trainees get home every weekend when they are out with one of our driver trainers.
Do I need to test for my CDL in my home state?
No. TMC is a certified third-party tester, so you can test at our training facility. We will submit your results to your home state.
Does TMC require any endorsements on my CDL?
In general, no. However, New York residents will need to test for and obtain the metals endorsement.
What do I need to bring to training?
Check out our Orientation Checklists for a list of items we recommend bringing with you.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA CDL ORIENTATION CHECKLIST
DES MOINES, IOWA CDL ORIENTATION CHECKLIST
What are the physical requirements for driving flatbed?
Watch the video below to learn more about the physical requirements to drive for TMC.
You can also look at this checklist for more information.
Detailed TMC Essential Job Functions
Our Training Centers