Is It Worth Getting a CDL in 2024?

Is it worth getting a CDL in 2024? Yes, it absolutely is! Getting a CDL in 2024 is a good investment. The American Trucking Associations, a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the trucking industry in the United States, say that the trucking industry is expected to grow by 10% over the next decade, and there is a high demand for truck drivers. The ATA’s forecast is consistent with other forecasts of growth in the trucking industry. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of truck driver jobs will grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.

Overall, there is a strong consensus among experts that the trucking industry is expected to grow in the coming years. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing demand for goods and services, the growth of e-commerce, the aging population, and the growth of the manufacturing industry.

The median annual wage for truck drivers is $58,260, and 90% of truck drivers say they are satisfied with their jobs. There are a number of benefits to working as a truck driver, including good pay, job security, independence, and opportunity for advancement.

So if you’re interested in getting a CDL, I encourage you to research the cost of getting a CDL in your state and explore the financial assistance programs that are available to you. You should also contact the DMV in your state to learn more about the new requirements for getting a CDL in 2024.

Some Important Statistics

• The trucking industry is expected to grow by 10% over the next decade.
• The median annual wage for truck drivers is $58,260.
• 90% of truck drivers say they are satisfied with their jobs.
• The cost of getting a CDL can range from $3,000 to $10,000.
• 75% of trucking companies offer paid training programs for new drivers.

A Growing Field with Good Pay and Job Satisfaction

The trucking industry is a vital part of the U.S. economy, and it is expected to grow by 10% over the next decade. This growth is being driven by the increasing demand for goods and services, as well as the growth of e-commerce.

As a result of this growth, there is a high demand for truck drivers. The median annual wage for truck drivers is $58,260, and 90% of truck drivers say they are satisfied with their jobs.

Trucks transport goods and materials all over the world, and they play a key role in international trade. The trucking industry is also a major employer, with millions of people working in the industry worldwide.

In addition to the economic benefits, the trucking industry also provides many social benefits. Trucks deliver food, medicine, and other essential goods to communities all over the country. They also help to keep our roads and highways safe by transporting hazardous materials and waste. The trucking industry is a vital part of our economy and society, and it is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

Why is the Trucking Industry Growing?

There are several factors that are contributing to the growth of the trucking industry:

• The growth of e-commerce: E-commerce is growing rapidly, and this is leading to an increased demand for truck drivers to deliver goods to consumers.
• The aging population: The U.S. population is aging, and this is leading to an increased demand for goods and services that are delivered to people’s homes.
• The growth of the manufacturing industry: The manufacturing industry is growing, and this is leading to an increased demand for truck drivers to transport raw materials and finished goods.

The Cost of Getting a CDL in 2024

The cost of getting a CDL in 2024 will vary depending on a number of factors, including the state in which you live, the type of CDL you want to get, and the school or training program you choose. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 to get your CDL.

Breakdown of Costs

The following is a breakdown of the costs associated with getting a CDL:

• Tuition and fees: This is the cost of the CDL training program itself. The cost of tuition and fees can vary depending on the school or training program you choose. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for tuition and fees.
• Books and materials: You will also need to purchase books and materials for your CDL training program. The cost of books and materials can vary depending on the school or training program you choose, but you can expect to pay around $200 for books and materials.
• Road test fee: Once you have completed your CDL training program, you will need to take a road test in order to get your CDL. The cost of the road test fee varies from state to state, but you can expect to pay around $100 for the road test fee.
• Endorsements: If you want to get endorsements for your CDL, such as a tanker endorsement or a hazardous materials endorsement, you will need to pay additional fees. The cost of endorsements varies from state to state, but you can expect to pay around $100 for each endorsement.

Financial Assistance

There are a number of financial assistance programs available to help you pay for the cost of getting a CDL. These programs include:

• Federal Pell Grants: Federal Pell Grants are available to students who are enrolled in a CDL training program. The amount of Pell Grant money you can receive depends on your financial need.
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): This federal grant program provides funding for job training programs, including CDL training. WIOA grants are available to states, local governments, and non-profit organizations.
• State and local grants and scholarships: Many states offer grants and scholarships to help students pay for the cost of getting a CDL. The availability and amount of state grants and scholarships varies from state to state. Some local workforce development boards offer grants specifically for CDL training. hese grants may be available to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being unemployed or underemployed.
• Employer-sponsored training programs: Some employers offer training programs to help their employees get their CDLs. These programs can vary in cost, but they often offer tuition assistance or reimbursement.

To learn more about federal and state funding opportunities for CDL training, individuals should contact their local workforce development office or visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website. If you are interested in getting a CDL, I encourage you to research the cost of getting a CDL in your state and explore the financial assistance programs that are available to you.

How to Get a CDL in 2024

To get a CDL in 2024, you will need to:

1. Meet the requirements: You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a physical and drug test. You must also be able to read and speak English.
2. Complete an ELDT program: The ELDT program is a new requirement for all new CDL applicants. The ELDT program consists of two parts: a theory component and a behind-the-wheel component. The theory component can be completed online or in person, and the behind-the-wheel component must be completed in person.
3. Pass the CDL exam: Once you have completed the ELDT program, you will need to pass the CDL exam. The CDL exam consists of three parts: a written test, a skills test, and a road test.
4. Get a CDL learner’s permit: Once you have passed the CDL exam, you will be issued a CDL learner’s permit. The CDL learner’s permit allows you to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder.
5. Complete the required driving experience: While you have your CDL learner’s permit, you will need to complete the required driving experience. The required driving experience varies depending on the type of CDL you are applying for.
6. Apply for your CDL: Once you have completed the required driving experience, you can apply for your CDL. You will need to submit your CDL learner’s permit, proof of driving experience, and a fee to the DMV.

New CDL Requirements for 2024

The following are the new requirements for getting a CDL in 2024:

• Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): New drivers will be required to complete an ELDT program that includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
• Increased behind-the-wheel training: The amount of behind-the-wheel training required for new drivers has been increased from 10 hours to 30 hours.
• New endorsements: There are two new endorsements that will be required for certain types of CDL holders:
  • Tank vehicle endorsement: This endorsement is required for drivers who operate tank vehicles.
  • Hazmat endorsement: This endorsement is required for drivers who transport hazardous materials.

Additional Information

• The cost of getting a CDL varies depending on the state in which you live and the school or training program you choose.
• There are a number of financial assistance programs available to help you pay for the cost of getting a CDL.
• The CDL is a federally regulated license, but the requirements for getting a CDL can vary from state to state.

I recommend that you contact the DMV in your state for more information about the requirements for getting a CDL in 2024.

So Is It Worth Getting a CDL in 2024?

There are many benefits to working as a truck driver, including:

• Good pay: Truck drivers earn a good wage, with a median annual salary of $58,260.
• Job security: The trucking industry is growing, and there is a high demand for truck drivers. This means that truck drivers have job security.
• Independence: Truck drivers have a lot of independence. They are able to set their own hours and choose the loads they want to haul.
• Opportunity for advancement: There are many opportunities for advancement in the trucking industry. Truck drivers can move up to positions such as dispatcher, safety manager, or even owner-operator.

Before You Decide to Get Your CDL

There are a few very important things that unfortunately not too many people consider before making the decision to get their CDL. It’s a dangerous, and you have to have the right traits and personality. All in all, the best truck drivers are those who are safety-conscious, responsible, patient, physically fit, and have good communication and problem-solving skills. They are also independent, self-motivated, reliable, flexible, and team players.

Traits of a Good Truck Driver

• Safety: Truck drivers must always be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid accidents. They must also be able to operate their trucks safely in all weather conditions.
• Responsibility: Truck drivers are responsible for transporting valuable cargo and delivering it on time. They must be able to follow instructions and meet deadlines.
• Patience: Truck drivers often work long hours and spend a lot of time alone on the road. They must be able to remain patient and focused, even when faced with delays or difficult driving conditions.
• Physical fitness: Truck drivers must be able to lift heavy objects and work in all weather conditions. They must also be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Good communication skills: Truck drivers must be able to communicate effectively with shippers, receivers, and other drivers. They must also be able to read and write English fluently.
• Problem-solving skills: Truck drivers often encounter unexpected problems on the road. They must be able to think quickly and find solutions to these problems.
• Customer service skills: Truck drivers often interact with customers. They must be able to provide excellent customer service and resolve any issues that may arise.

Personalities That Work Best

• Independent: Truck drivers spend a lot of time alone on the road. They must be able to work independently and be comfortable with their own company.
• Self-motivated: Truck drivers must be able to stay motivated, even when faced with long hours and difficult driving conditions. They must also be able to set goals and achieve them.
• Reliable: Truck drivers must be reliable and trustworthy. They must be able to show up for work on time and meet deadlines.
• Flexible: Truck drivers must be able to adapt to changing schedules and unexpected events. They must also be able to work well under pressure.
• Team players: Truck drivers often work with other drivers and warehouse personnel. They must be able to work well as part of a team and cooperate with others.

Truck Driving is a Hazardous Occupation

• In 2021, truck driving ranked seventh on the list of the top twenty-five most dangerous occupations in the United States.
• Truck drivers had a fatality rate of 28.8 deaths per 100,000 drivers in 2021.

This means that truck drivers are more likely to die on the job than workers in many other occupations. There are a number of factors that contribute to the high fatality rate among truck drivers, including:

• Long hours and irregular sleep patterns
• Driving in all weather conditions
• Sharing the road with other large vehicles and passenger cars
• Dealing with aggressive drivers and unsafe driving conditions

Despite the dangers, truck driving is a vital part of the U.S. economy. Truck drivers transport goods and materials across the country, and they play a key role in keeping the economy moving.

If you are considering a career as a truck driver, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. However, if you are a safety-conscious and responsible driver, you can take steps to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.

AFT Dispatch: Your Partner in Trucking Success

If you are thinking about getting a CDL, AFT Dispatch can help you hit the road running once you have your CDL, MC Authority, and of course a truck and a trailer. We offer a variety of services to help truck drivers succeed, including:

• Load finding: We will find loads that match your specific needs and equipment.
• Rate negotiation: We will negotiate the best possible rates for your loads.
• Paperwork and communication: We will handle all of the paperwork and communication associated with your loads.
• Back office tasks: We can take care of your billing, invoicing, and other back office tasks.

With AFT Dispatch by your side, you can focus on what you do best: driving your truck and growing your business.

Call or text us at (801) 448-6363 or check out our vast library of free educational trucking videos. Are you ready to take your trucking career to the next level?