CET’s Truck Driver Program

The road is calling, and the demand for truck drivers has never been higher. The trucking industry keeps shelves stocked, businesses running, and communities connected. Without truck drivers, the economy would grind to a halt.

At the Center for Employment Training (CET), we prepare truck drivers for a long-term, rewarding career in transportation. Our truck driver program provides hands-on training, real-world experience, and CDL preparation needed to thrive in this high-demand field.

With locations in El Centro, Soledad, and El Paso, we train students to safely operate 53-foot tractor-trailers, follow federal safety regulations, and navigate both city streets and interstate highways. In just 6–7 months, students go from the classroom to the driver’s seat, ready to take on a career that offers job security, competitive pay, and room to grow.

If you’ve ever imagined yourself behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, now is the time to make it happen.

What Is a Truck Driver?

Definition and Role

Truck drivers are the backbone of logistics. They ensure that everything, from groceries to medical supplies, reaches its destination safely and on time.

Operating a heavy or tractor-trailer truck requires skill, precision, and training. Most truck drivers handle vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds, maneuvering them across local, regional, or interstate routes. A driver must navigate tight city streets, open highways, and changing weather conditions while keeping their cargo secure.

Importance in the Industry

Truck drivers move over 72% of all freight in the United States. Every industry, from retail to manufacturing, depends on transportation to keep goods flowing. The demand for qualified truck drivers has skyrocketed, fueled by e-commerce, supply chain demands, and an aging workforce.

For those looking for job stability and career longevity, truck driving offers a future-proof path. Unlike industries vulnerable to economic downturns, the trucking sector remains strong, steady, and essential. As a result, the truck driver career outlook continues to show long-term growth with consistent hiring opportunities. 

Job Description and Duties of a Truck Driver

A truck driver wears many hats: operator, navigator, problem-solver, and safety expert. While driving is a significant part of the job, there’s more to the profession than just being behind the wheel. Here’s what a typical day on the road looks like:

• Transporting freight across long distances while following strict safety and legal requirements.
• Performing pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure brakes, lights, and engines function properly.
• Securing cargo to prevent shifting, damage, or accidents during transit.
• Maintaining a logbook to track hours of service, miles driven, and fuel consumption.
• Planning routes based on road conditions, weather, and delivery deadlines.
• Adhering to DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations regarding driving hours and rest breaks.
• Communicating with dispatchers to receive route updates and troubleshoot delays.
• Handling unexpected challenges like detours, mechanical issues, or difficult loading situations.

OTR vs. Local Driving

Not all truck drivers take the same route. Some spend weeks on the road, while others work closer to home.

• OTR (Over-the-Road) Drivers travel long distances, often crossing multiple states. These jobs offer higher pay and the chance to see the country.
• Local Delivery Drivers operate within a specific city or region, making short-haul deliveries. These roles provide more home time while still offering solid earning potential.

Why Pursue a Career in Truck Driving?

The truck driver job outlook is strong, with thousands of job openings every year. However, beyond demand, this career offers something many jobs can’t—independence, flexibility, and financial security.

Job Stability & High Demand

There’s a reason why so many people choose this profession. Trucking offers job security that few industries can match. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth in truck driving jobs from 2023 to 2033, meaning the industry will continue expanding for the foreseeable future.

Each year, the industry needs to fill approximately 240,300 new driver positions, largely due to retirements and career changes. Companies are constantly hiring, and those with a CDL from an accredited program like CET are in high demand.

Competitive Salaries

A career in truck driving also pays well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: 

• Median Salary: $54,320 per year ($26.12 per hour).
• Top 10% of truck drivers earn over $76,780 annually.

Many companies offer bonuses, per-mile pay, and additional earnings for drivers who take specialized hauls, like hazardous materials or oversized loads.

Those who move into owner-operator positions, where they own and manage their truck, can earn significantly more, sometimes exceeding six figures.

Career Growth & Flexibility

Unlike traditional 9-to-5 jobs, truck driving allows for flexibility and advancement. With experience, drivers can:

• Move into specialized trucking roles (hazmat transport, refrigerated freight, tanker trucks).
• Become a fleet manager and oversee other drivers.
• Start their own business as an owner-operator.

Independence & Travel

For those who love the open road and the freedom to work independently, trucking offers a unique lifestyle. OTR drivers get to:

• See different cities and states while earning a paycheck.
• Avoid office politics and routine desk jobs.
• Enjoy the freedom of life on the road, with music, podcasts, and personal time in between stops.

Team driving is another option for those who prefer to share the road with a co-driver, often allowing for faster delivery times and higher earning potential.

How to Become a Truck Driver

Education Requirements

Becoming a truck driver doesn’t require a four-year degree, but it does demand the right training and certification. Most employers expect applicants to have a high school diploma or GED, along with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

At CET, we designed our truck driver program to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to pass the CDL test and start a career in trucking. Our program is hands-on, fast-paced, and built for success.

Training Programs

Not all truck driving schools offer the same level of preparation. At CET, we provide real-world, practical training so students don’t just learn the rules—they experience them firsthand.

Here’s what students master in our truck driver program:

• Maneuvering a 53-foot tractor-trailer in tight spaces and open highways.
• Safety and maintenance procedures to prevent breakdowns.
• State and federal trucking laws, ensuring compliance on every haul.
• Cargo loading and securing best practices to protect shipments and keep roads safe.

Licensing and Certification

A CDL certification is the key to unlocking a career in trucking. At CET, we guide students through both the written knowledge test and the hands-on skills test, ensuring they’re prepared for every challenge.

In addition to the standard CDL license, students can earn specialized endorsements to qualify for higher-paying jobs:

• HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials): Required for drivers transporting flammable, explosive, or otherwise dangerous cargo.
• Tanker Trucks: Certification for hauling liquid cargo like fuel, chemicals, and milk.
• Double/Triple Trailers: Allows drivers to haul multiple trailers at once, a common practice in freight and logistics.

CET’s Truck Driver Program

At CET, we prepare truck drivers for long-term success in the trucking industry. Our truck driver program is designed to be efficient, practical, and career-focused, helping students get on the road as quickly as possible.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on training using full-size tractor-trailers.
• CDL test preparation, covering both written and driving exams.
• Comprehensive safety training, ensuring students understand the latest industry regulations.
• Real-world maneuvering practice, so students are ready for any road condition.

Curriculum Includes

Our curriculum focuses on practical skills and industry knowledge:

• Basic & Advanced Truck Operation: From learning how to shift gears properly to handling tight turns.
• Vehicle Maintenance & Safety: Preventative care for keeping rigs in top condition.
• State & Federal Regulations: Understanding the laws that govern the trucking industry.
• Job Readiness: Resume writing, interview prep, and employer connections to help students land jobs after graduation.

Career Outlook and Opportunities for Truck Drivers

Trucking is a career with stability, growth, and opportunity. The employment outlook for truck drivers continues to remain strong, with increasing demand year after year.

Job Market and Demand for Truck Drivers

The U.S. economy depends on trucking, and that’s reflected in the industry’s steady employment growth.

• More than 240,000 new jobs open annually due to retirements and industry expansion.
• 5% job growth projected between 2023 and 2033, keeping pace with many skilled trades.

Top employers hiring truck drivers include:

• Trucking companies: The backbone of long-haul freight.
• Wholesale trade: Transporting inventory for retailers.
• Manufacturing: Moving raw materials and finished goods.
• Construction: Delivering heavy equipment and building supplies.

Potential Career Paths and Advancement Opportunities

Earning a CDL opens the door to multiple career paths, many of which offer higher pay and increased flexibility.

• Long-haul freight driver: Cross-country trucking, often with higher pay and bonuses.
• Local delivery driver: Operate within specific regions or cities, allowing for daily home time.
• Hazmat-certified driver: Specialize in high-risk cargo, earning premium wages.
• Owner-Operator: Be your own boss, owning and managing your own truck.
• Fleet Manager: Oversee drivers and logistics operations, a step toward leadership roles.

FAQs About CET’s Truck Driver Program

1. What do I need to enroll?

A high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license.

2. Do I need experience to start?

No. Our truck driver program is designed for beginners with no prior commercial driving experience.

3. What certification will I receive?

Our program prepares students to pass the CDL test and earn their Commercial Driver’s License.

4. What types of jobs can I get after completing the program?

Graduates can become long-haul truck drivers, local delivery drivers, hazmat-certified drivers, or owner-operators.

5. Where is the CET Truck Driver Program offered?

Our truck driver program is available in El Centro, CA; Soledad, CA; and El Paso, TX.