In the logistics and transportation industry, your drivers are your most valuable asset. But, as the driver shortage continues to impact supply chains across the country, many companies are taking matters into their own hands. Instead of waiting for the perfect driver to apply, businesses are choosing to train their own existing staff or partner with schools to create a pipeline of talent.
However, not all training is created equal. Sending your employees to a subpar school can result in safety liabilities, higher insurance premiums, and wasted time.
If you are a fleet manager or business owner looking to upskill your workforce, here is how to choose the right corporate CDL program for your company.
Verify ELDT Compliance (Non-Negotiable)
Since February 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has enforced the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate. This means your employees cannot simply go to the DMV and take a test; they must complete a specific curriculum provided by a registered training provider.
What to look for: Before you sign a contract, verify that the school is listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). If they aren’t, your employees will not be eligible to take their CDL skills test. Coastal Truck Driving School is fully ELDT compliant, ensuring all legal and federal standards are met.
Look for a “Safety First” Curriculum
There is a big difference between teaching someone how to pass a test and teaching someone how to be a safe professional driver. A “CDL mill” might get your employee a license in record time, but will they know how to handle a blowout in bad weather? Will they understand proper load securement?
What to look for: Choose a program that emphasizes defensive driving, pre-trip inspections, and shifting techniques. A robust safety curriculum protects your equipment, your cargo, and your brand’s reputation on the road.
[Related: Improving Truck Driver Turnover Rates]
Flexibility and Scheduling
When you send an employee to training, you are often taking them away from their current duties. Minimizing downtime is essential for your bottom line.
What to look for: Look for a school that offers flexible scheduling options. Do they have weekend classes? Do they offer accelerated programs for students who pick up skills quickly? A rigid “one-size-fits-all” schedule rarely works for dynamic businesses.
Equipment Quality
You don’t want your employees training on trucks that are 20 years older than the fleet they will actually be driving. Training on outdated equipment can lead to bad habits and a difficult transition once they return to your company.
What to look for: A reputable corporate partner invests in their own fleet. Ask to see the yard. The trucks should be well-maintained and representative of modern industry standards.
Instructor Experience
The quality of the driver depends heavily on the quality of the instructor. You want your team learning from veterans of the road who have seen it all—not from someone who just got their license last year.
What to look for: Ask about the instructors’ tenure. High-quality schools pride themselves on having instructors with millions of safe miles under their belts.
The Coastal Advantage
At Coastal Truck Driving School, we understand that when a company trusts us with their employees, they are trusting us with the future of their fleet.
We have been a premier educational partner for the transportation industry since 1985. Here is why companies across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida choose Coastal for their corporate training needs:
- Proven Track Record: We have graduated thousands of students who are now top-tier professional drivers.
- State-of-the-Art Training: From our classrooms to our yard, we utilize modern equipment and current industry best practices.
- Job Placement & Partnership: We don’t just train; we partner. We work with companies to understand their specific needs and timelines.
Ready to Strengthen Your Fleet?
Investing in a corporate CDL program is one of the smartest moves you can make to secure your company’s logistics. Don’t settle for the bare minimum. Choose a partner that prioritizes safety, compliance, and professionalism.
Contact Coastal Truck Driving School today to discuss our corporate training options and let us help you keep your business moving.