Free CDL training: how company-sponsored programs really work
Updated October 2026
Many carriers offer CDL training for free or at low cost upfront. In return, you agree to drive for them for a set time, often around a year.
The catch: payback agreements
If you leave before the commitment ends, you may owe some or all of the training cost back. Some agreements reduce what you owe each month you drive; others don't. Get the terms in writing before you sign.
Questions to ask
How long is the commitment? What will I owe if I leave early, and does it go down each month? What is the pay during training and after? Where will I be based, and what kind of runs will I do? Can I talk to a recent graduate?
Run the numbers
Use our payback calculator to see what you'd owe if you left early, and compare it with funded or self-paid training.
Useful links
- Find your American Job Center (CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor)
- GI Bill Comparison Tool (VA)
- Fill out the FAFSA (Federal Student Aid)
- Apprenticeship job finder (U.S. Department of Labor)
- Training Provider Registry (FMCSA)
Not sure which programs fit you? Get your free funding plan.
We're not a government agency. Each program sets its own eligibility, and rules can change.
