“It’s really interesting, because I actually started my own medical transcription company when I was 21, and I did that for about six years,” Cuellar said. “Part of my job was to train people how to do medical transcription.”

That background shaped how the program developed. What started as a training business outside trucking eventually expanded into CDL programs as demand grew.

“I started exploring (the options), and in 2003 we implemented our very first CDL training program,” she said.

How does this CDL program differ from standard truck driver training?

MT Training Center offers multiple training paths instead of a single program, allowing drivers to choose based on experience level and career goals. Some students enter with a commercial learner’s permit and only need drive time, while others start from the beginning and complete a full training program. The school also offers both Class A and Class B CDL pathways, which support drivers targeting over-the-road work as well as local or passenger-focused roles.

“(I want to) meet the students where they are and help with their specific needs,” Cuellar said.

All program paths lead to a CDL, but the structure allows drivers to avoid repeating steps they do not need.

How much does CDL training cost, and how do drivers afford it?

A standard six-week CDL program costs around $6,500, which can be a barrier for many drivers entering the industry.

“With cash-based programs, a regular six-week CDL training program is about $6,500. It can be hard to come up with that up front. People don’t have that kind of money,” Cuellar said.

To address that, the program offers financial aid options such as Pell Grants and includes an advanced training track focused on long-term earning potential.

“We teach entrepreneurship, how to obtain your own authority and business planning all within this program while they’re also obtaining their CDL — and it’s federally approved,” she said.

This approach gives drivers the option to move into company roles or pursue owner-operator opportunities after training.

Why does this program focus on second-chance opportunities?

Many students entering the program have limited access to traditional employment due to their records or financial setbacks.

“The greater majority of our students… have been previously incarcerated,” Cuellar said. “I feel like it’s a population that has kind of been turned away by society.”

MT Training Center accepts students with backgrounds that other schools may reject, creating a pathway into trucking for drivers who might otherwise be excluded.

“Our CDL program is background-friendly,” she said.

That access creates opportunities for long-term income and stability in an industry that continues to need qualified drivers.

What kind of support do drivers receive during training?

Support at the MT Training Center extends beyond classroom instruction, especially for drivers facing financial pressure while completing the program.

“We decided to establish a food pantry to assist the students,” Cuellar said. “They basically can go there and get groceries every single week…”

The program also helps students find part-time work while training and provides resources that make it easier to complete the program without dropping out.

What happens after drivers complete the program?

Career support continues after graduation, which is not standard across all CDL schools.

“We help them with resume-writing and interviewing skills, and we start giving them job leads,” Cuellar said. “We also have employers that come here on-site.”

The program also offers long-term placement support.

“We also have lifetime placement… they come right back to us… and we help them again and again and again,” she said.

This gives drivers continued access to job opportunities as their careers change over time.

What long-term results can CDL training create for drivers?

The long-term impact of CDL training often shows up years after the program is completed.

“Last month I had my very first CDL student from 2003 come and visit… he said thank you for ‘basically saving me,’” Cuellar said.

That driver had served 12 years in prison and was unable to enroll in other programs, but later built and retired from his own logistics company.

“He’s made millions running his own operation. And I just couldn’t be more proud,” she said.

These outcomes show how access to training and support can change long-term earning potential for drivers.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How long does CDL training take?
Most standard CDL programs take about six weeks, while advanced programs can run up to 16 weeks.

Q: How much does CDL training cost?
A typical program costs around $6,500, though financial aid options may reduce that cost.

Q: Can drivers with a criminal record get CDL training?
Some programs are background-friendly and accept drivers with prior convictions.

Q: Does CDL training help drivers become owner-operators?
Some advanced programs include business training that prepares drivers to run their own operation.

Q: Do CDL schools help drivers find jobs?
Many programs offer job placement support, and some provide long-term assistance even after graduation.

CDL training can do more than help drivers earn a license. Programs that combine flexible training paths, financial support, and long-term placement assistance create opportunities for drivers to build stable careers and move into higher earning roles over time.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last Updated: April 22, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post How One CDL Training Program Is Creating Real Career Paths for Drivers Who Need a Second Start appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why OOIDA Launched the Program

Many drivers dream about becoming their own boss, but statistics show the odds are tough in the early years. According to the association, “The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has noticed that many small trucking businesses tend to fail within the first year of operating for a variety of reasons. The OOIDA Foundation, which is the educational and research affiliate of OOIDA, wants to help navigate those going through the change from a company driver to an owner-operator, or help with the desire to have a more successful trucking business.”

This new program guides industry experts who understand the challenges of starting and sustaining a trucking business.

Course Format and Schedule

Drivers can enroll in Truck to Success either virtually or in person. The three-day in-person seminar will be held October 21–23 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs, Missouri, while the live-streamed version will be available through Zoom.

For anyone planning to attend in person, the registration cutoff is October 1. Online registration remains open until October 20.

OOIDA emphasized that “Participants will hear from trucking experts dedicated to helping drivers become successful business owners. The training is designed to follow a logical path along the transition from a company driver to an independent contractor to an owner-operator with their own authority.”

What Drivers Will Learn

The program is structured to address the biggest pitfalls new owner-operators face. OOIDA explained, “The seminar covers some of the most important points you need to deal with to avoid failing as an owner-operator.”

Topics include:

• Building a business plan and understanding how it impacts long-term success
• Choosing the right truck and financing options
• Deciding whether to lease to a carrier or run under your own authority
• Managing taxes to keep more of your earnings
• How to work effectively with brokers

Additional areas of focus are just as critical for independent drivers:

• Insurance essentials
• The New Entrant Safety Audit and compliance reviews
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements
• UCR, IRP, and IFTA regulations
• Factoring and business structure choices (sole proprietor vs. incorporation)
• Current issues facing trucking today

Open to All Drivers

The Truck to Success course is not limited to OOIDA members. Any driver who wants to build a stronger foundation for their business is welcome to register.

For full course details or to sign up, visit OOIDA’s registration page.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Timur Shakerzianov (Unsplash)

The post Truck to Success with OOIDA’s Owner-Operator Training Course appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This three-day event, set for October 21-23 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs, Missouri, offers the latest insights from OOIDA and trucking industry experts. It’s designed to guide drivers through what it takes to succeed as an owner-operator and help determine if this path fits your business goals.

Reserve your place today for Truck to Success.

“There’s a lot of failure in this industry,” explained Andrew King, director of the OOIDA Foundation. “We not only want to show them how to do it, but also whether you should or can do it. Success looks different to different people. It’s an initial investment up front that in the end could save you lots.”

If you miss the early registration deadline, you can still sign up until October 1 at the full price of $600. Please note that the free one-year membership will no longer be included.

For those unable to attend in person, an online version is available for $275 per login via Zoom, with registration closing October 20.

Whether you’re a company driver or an owner-operator, OOIDA’s Truck To Success seminar provides essential knowledge to help build a thriving trucking operation.

“People get into trucking to have a career, and we want to make sure they are able to do that,” King said. “There are things they might not have any idea about. If you’re a company driver or even leased-on, there’s certain things your motor carrier does that you’ll have to do (as an owner-operator). Those that want to expand or have a small fleet you definitely need to know this stuff.”

What sets Truck To Success apart is OOIDA’s extensive experience and insider business expertise.

“It’s just different. We have been doing this for 50 years, and there’s aspects of the business we know very well,” King noted. “We’re doing it day in and day out. You are talking to the experts. We’re also bringing in outside people who specialize in things like taxes.”

The seminar covers vital topics including business planning, lease-purchase risks, and regulatory compliance.

Find out more about Truck To Success and register online today.
Source: LandLine. Media

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