Frequently Asked Questions

To operate in interstate commerce, a driver must be at least 21 years of age, pass a rigid physical examination every 2 years and submit to testing for drug and alcohol use, including unannounced random testing. Drivers of all trucks with gross-weight ratings of more than 26,000 pounds and drivers of vehicles carrying any quantity of hazardous materials that are required to display warning signs must obtain a “Commercial Driver's License (CDL)” by passing rigorous tests of their knowledge of safety regulations and their ability to drive the large trucks. Drug and alcohol convictions or combinations of various serious driving violations can draw temporary or even permanent loss of driving privileges.

In one word - EXCELLENT! The sizzling economy of the past few years has brought the freight moved to a record level crescendo this year, about 7 billion tons. The Federal Government estimates a current driver shortage of somewhere around 80,000 drivers. There has never been a better time for novice drivers to enter the industry.

The personnel offices of the trucking industry are busy creating new innovative approaches for attracting new drivers. The trucking industry reports that it is likely pay will increase by 40 to 60 percent over current levels within the next 3 years. That would put the average trucker salary in the $50,000 to $55,000 category. For new drivers qualified to enter the industry, they most likely will receive a reimbursement for all tuition and training costs, a retreat from the old long haul trucker itinerary of being away from home for several weeks to the new "relay system" where drivers will be gone from home for probably only a few nights a week.

The competitive battle between truck manufacturers will continue for supremacy in the "who can produce the most luxurious truck" battle. Naturally, these new modern trucks will be sold to the trucking industry for the lure of new drivers.

Not True - while it is standard for trucking companies to not accept novices, many are eager to hire graduates from an accredited established school like National Training. We have immediate openings with many of the top companies in the country, such as Central Refrigerated Service Inc., FFE Transport, Stevens Transport, Swift Transportation, USA Truck, US Xpress, Werner Enterprises, Wil-Trans, and many others.

Depending on your qualifications and school acceptability, NTI can have you road-ready and interviewing for jobs in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. NTI has also designed the course so you don't have to quit your present job!

A recent survey by the American Trucking Association reports the average trucker salary is $35,000 per year. During round table discussions at the March 2000 annual convention of the combined membership of CVTA (Commercial Vehicle Training Association) and APFTDS (Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools) in Orlando, Florida, trucking CEO’s from C.R. England, Roberson Trucking and Crete Carriers predicted salaries would rise from the current levels by about 40 to 60 percent over the next three years.

From what we have seen and heard, they are trying to counter with such perks as;

• Home leave policies. More companies are trying to get their drivers home on weekends. An alternative: About a 80% of long distance truckers now use electronic mail (email) to stay in touch.
• Fancier trucks. An example; drivers who have worked for Star Transportation in Nashville for 10 years can pick out their own trucks, complete with accessories.
• From our experience, such things as higher pay, better scheduling and, of course, 'scouting the schools' is also being done.

Some of the School's best graduates were people who had limited financial means. NTI offers convenient student loans. In many instances, NTI can direct our graduates to companies that will actually reimburse your tuition costs.

All of National Training, Inc. programs are approved for Educational Benefits for Active Duty personnel through Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES). NTI's “CDL Prepared Independent Trucker's Program” is “VA Approved”. Active duty military cannot use a combination of DANTES and VA entitlement at the same time.

For all G.I. Bill programs, the educational benefits portion must be used within 10 years of your official discharge date. Eligible chapters are;

• Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill,
• Chapter 32: VEAP

and in cases where the Veterans Administration has counseled and approved them;

• Chapter 31: Disabled Veterans
• Chapter 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.

Reimbursement benefit amounts vary from 55% to 100% depending on which chapter of the GI Bill you are in.

Complete the Tuition Assistance Registration Form. Attach an approved Special Request Chit and submit it through your normal chain of command. Upon command approval, submit your TA registration form to your base Education Services Officer for processing in the NCMIS system.

Individuals desiring to utilize their VA entitlement must enroll in an eligible course, provide a copy of their DD-214, complete the VA 22-1990 (Application for Education Benefits). NTI will then submit your application for benefit payment.