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Quick Answer: Philadelphia's top CDL schools include Smith & Solomon and Global CDL School, both offering 3-5 week Class A programs starting around $4,000-$7,000. In San Diego, Felipe's Truck Driving School and National Truck Driving School lead the pack with programs ranging from $3,500-$6,500. Minneapolis-area standouts include Interstate Trucking Academy and Dakota County Technical College, with tuition from $3,500-$7,500. All three cities have strong job placement rates above 90%, and several schools offer WIOA-funded or company-sponsored options that can cut your out-of-pocket costs to zero.
Why These Three Cities Matter for CDL Training in 2026
Philadelphia, San Diego, and Minneapolis don't get the same attention as trucking hubs like Dallas or Atlanta. That's a mistake. Each of these metros sits at a logistics crossroads that creates real demand for new CDL holders — and that demand translates directly into better training options, stronger job placement, and higher starting pay.
Philadelphia anchors the I-95 corridor, the busiest freight lane on the East Coast. The Port of Philadelphia handled over 7.4 million tons of cargo in 2025, and that volume is climbing. Every container that moves through that port needs a truck. Every truck needs a driver.
San Diego's position on the U.S.-Mexico border makes it one of the top cross-border freight gateways in the country. The Otay Mesa port of entry alone processes over 900,000 commercial truck crossings per year. Drivers with a CDL and TWIC card in this market can command premium rates.
Minneapolis is the distribution backbone of the Upper Midwest. Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, and a constellation of agricultural shippers all headquarter here. The Twin Cities metro area employs over 29,000 truck drivers — and according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the state will need an additional 4,200 drivers by 2028 to keep up with demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth rate for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers through 2032, with roughly 240,300 openings per year nationwide. These three cities are positioned to capture an outsized share of that growth.
If you're weighing your options across these metros, this guide breaks down every school worth considering, what you'll pay, how long training takes, and what kind of job pipeline you're stepping into.
For a broader look at costs, check out our CDL Training Cost breakdown. And if you're deciding between paying out of pocket or going with a carrier-backed program, read our Company-Sponsored vs Paid comparison first.
Philadelphia CDL Schools: The Complete Breakdown
Philadelphia's CDL training market is mature and competitive. That's good for you — it means more options, better equipment, and schools that actually have to earn your enrollment. Pennsylvania requires all CDL training to meet FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards as of February 2022, so every school listed here is registered on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Smith & Solomon Training Solutions
Smith & Solomon is the name most people in the Mid-Atlantic associate with truck driving school. They've been training drivers since 1994 and operate multiple locations across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including a facility that serves the greater Philadelphia area.
Key details:
- Program length: 4 weeks (Class A), 3 weeks (Class B)
- Tuition: $5,495-$6,995 depending on license class
- Schedule options: Day and evening classes available
- Job placement rate: 93% within 30 days of graduation
- Financial aid: WIOA approved, VA benefits accepted, payment plans available
- Fleet: Late-model Freightliner Cascadias and Kenworth T680s
Smith & Solomon's strength is their employer network. They partner with carriers like Werner, Schneider, and XPO Logistics for direct hiring pipelines. Graduates regularly report receiving multiple job offers before they even finish the program.
The facility features a dedicated skills pad for backing maneuvers and a classroom equipped with simulators for pre-trip inspection practice. Instructors carry a minimum of 10 years over-the-road experience. That matters more than you'd think — there's a real difference between learning from someone who's logged a million miles and someone who just passed a teaching certification.
Global CDL School — Philadelphia
Global CDL operates one of the more accessible programs in the Philadelphia area, with a focus on getting students through the CDL process efficiently without cutting corners on behind-the-wheel hours.
Key details:
- Program length: 3-4 weeks (Class A)
- Tuition: $4,200-$5,800
- Schedule options: Weekday and weekend classes
- Job placement assistance: Yes, with regional and OTR carrier partners
- Financial aid: WIOA eligible, accepts GI Bill benefits
- Testing: On-site CDL testing available at select locations
Global CDL's main selling point is value. Their tuition runs $1,000-$2,000 below some competitors while still meeting all FMCSA ELDT requirements. They also offer weekend-only schedules, which is a genuine differentiator if you're working a day job and can't afford to quit before you've got your CDL in hand.
One thing to watch: class sizes can run larger here than at boutique schools. If you want more one-on-one cab time, ask about their student-to-instructor ratio before enrolling. Anything above 4:1 for behind-the-wheel training is a yellow flag.
Start CDL Training — Philadelphia
Start CDL has built a reputation on volume — over 10,000 graduates and counting. Their Philadelphia location serves as a regional training hub for southeastern Pennsylvania.
Key details:
- Program length: 3-5 weeks depending on program track
- Tuition: $3,900-$6,200
- Schedule options: Full-time and part-time tracks
- Job placement rate: 90%+ reported
- Financial aid: Payment plans, WIOA, employer-sponsored options
- Endorsements: Hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples training available
Start CDL is worth a close look if you want endorsement training bundled into your program. Getting your hazmat or tanker endorsement at the same time as your Class A CDL can add $5,000-$8,000 to your annual earning potential right out of the gate. We cover this in depth in our CDL Requirements by State guide.
Roadmaster Drivers School — Philadelphia Area
Roadmaster is a national chain with a location serving the Philadelphia market. They're one of the larger CDL training operations in the country, which comes with pros and cons.
Key details:
- Program length: 3-4 weeks
- Tuition: $5,048-$7,299
- Schedule options: Day classes, Monday-Friday
- Job placement rate: 95%+ (company-reported)
- Financial aid: WIOA, VA benefits, carrier-sponsored tuition reimbursement
- Housing: Assistance available for out-of-area students
The upside of Roadmaster is consistency. Their curriculum is standardized across locations, their equipment is generally well-maintained, and their carrier partnerships are deep. Werner, C.R. England, and KLLM all recruit directly from Roadmaster campuses.
The downside: you're a number in a pipeline. If you want the small-school feel with instructors who know your name, this isn't it. But if you want a reliable path from zero experience to a CDL with a job waiting, Roadmaster delivers that at scale.
Additional Philadelphia-Area Options
- 160 Driving Academy — Franchise model with multiple PA locations. 4-week Class A program, tuition around $5,000-$6,500. Strong WIOA participation.
- All-State Career School — Offers a more comprehensive 160-hour program. Higher tuition ($7,000+) but includes more behind-the-wheel hours than most competitors.
- Community College of Philadelphia — CDL training through their workforce development division. Lower cost ($3,500-$4,500) but longer timelines. Best for students who want an academic setting.
San Diego CDL Schools: West Coast Training Options
San Diego's CDL training market is smaller than Philadelphia's but punches above its weight thanks to the city's unique position in the freight ecosystem. Cross-border logistics, military base proximity (Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego produce a steady stream of transitioning service members), and California's massive economy all fuel demand.
California has some of the strictest trucking regulations in the country, including the CARB Advanced Clean Fleets rule. Training in-state means you'll learn California-specific compliance from day one. That's not optional knowledge — it's a career requirement if you plan to drive here.
Felipe's Truck Driving School
Felipe's is the locally-owned standout in San Diego. They've been training drivers for over 15 years and have a loyal following among graduates who appreciate the hands-on, no-nonsense approach.
Key details:
- Program length: 4-6 weeks (Class A), 3 weeks (Class B)
- Tuition: $4,500-$6,500
- Schedule options: Day, evening, and weekend classes
- Languages: Training available in English and Spanish
- Job placement assistance: Yes, with Southern California carriers
- Behind-the-wheel hours: 40+ hours minimum
Felipe's bilingual training is a significant advantage in the San Diego market. Roughly 34% of San Diego County's population is Hispanic or Latino, and offering CDL instruction in Spanish opens the door for students who might otherwise struggle with English-only programs. If language access matters to you or someone you know, this is the school.
Their behind-the-wheel hours also exceed the FMCSA minimum, which is a good sign. More cab time means more confidence on test day and — more importantly — on your first day behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound rig with live freight.
National Truck Driving School — San Diego
National Truck Driving School operates across Southern California with a training facility serving the San Diego area. They offer both Class A and Class B programs with a focus on rapid completion.
Key details:
- Program length: 3-4 weeks (accelerated), 8-10 weeks (standard)
- Tuition: $3,500-$5,500
- Schedule options: Flexible scheduling, including evenings
- Job placement rate: 88%+ reported
- Financial aid: WIOA approved, VA benefits, payment plans
- Fleet: Mix of manual and automatic transmission trucks
The accelerated track here is aggressive. Three weeks is tight for a Class A CDL if you're starting from zero. Ask pointed questions about how many behind-the-wheel hours you'll actually get in the accelerated format. If it's under 30 hours, consider the standard track instead. Saving two weeks isn't worth failing your road test or being unprepared for real traffic.
That said, their standard 8-10 week program is one of the more thorough options in the San Diego market. It's a good fit for career changers who want to build genuine competence before stepping into a truck.
Western Truck School — San Diego Region
Western Truck School has operated in Southern California for decades and serves the broader San Diego area from their training yards.
Key details:
- Program length: 4-8 weeks
- Tuition: $4,000-$6,000
- Schedule options: Day and evening
- Job placement assistance: Yes, with regional carriers
- Endorsements: Hazmat, tanker, passenger available
- CDL testing: Third-party testing available on-site
Western Truck School's longevity says something. Schools that have been around for 20+ years in a competitive market are doing something right. Their endorsement add-ons are competitively priced and can be bundled with the base Class A program for a discounted rate.
Additional San Diego Options
- United Truck Driving School — Compact program, good for Class B. Tuition around $3,000-$4,500.
- California Truck Driving Academy — Focuses on Class A with an emphasis on automated manual transmissions (AMTs), which increasingly dominate new fleet purchases.
- San Diego Continuing Education (SDCE) — Community college-affiliated program with the lowest tuition in the area ($2,000-$3,500). Waitlists can be long, so plan ahead.
The community college route through SDCE deserves special mention. If cost is your primary constraint and you can handle a longer timeline, this is hands-down the best value in San Diego. Public institutions are also more likely to qualify for Pell Grants and state financial aid.
Minneapolis CDL Schools: Upper Midwest Training
Minneapolis sits at the intersection of I-94 and I-35, two of the most important freight corridors in the Midwest. The Twin Cities are home to 19 Fortune 500 companies — more per capita than any other metro in the country. All of those companies need goods moved, and all of those goods need drivers.
Minnesota winters add a training dimension you won't find in San Diego or even Philadelphia. Learning to drive an 18-wheeler on icy roads is a skill you either have or you don't. Training in Minneapolis means you'll practice in conditions that would shut down trucking in warmer climates. That experience makes you a more versatile — and more employable — driver nationwide.
According to the Minnesota Trucking Association, the average starting salary for CDL-A drivers in the Twin Cities metro area hit $58,200 in 2025, up 8% from the prior year. Experienced drivers pulling tanker or hazmat loads routinely clear $75,000-$85,000.
Interstate Trucking Academy — Minneapolis
Interstate Trucking Academy is one of the most established CDL training programs in the Twin Cities. Their focus on Class A training with real-world route experience sets them apart from classroom-heavy programs.
Key details:
- Program length: 4 weeks (Class A intensive)
- Tuition: $5,000-$6,500
- Schedule options: Day classes, Monday-Friday
- Job placement rate: 92% within 45 days
- Financial aid: WIOA approved, VA benefits, Minnesota GI Bill eligible
- Training routes: Include highway, urban, and rural Minnesota routes
What makes Interstate stand out is their route diversity. Students don't just loop around a parking lot. You'll drive I-94, navigate downtown Minneapolis, and handle rural two-lane highways in Greater Minnesota. That range of experience matters when you're sitting in a carrier's hiring office and they ask if you've driven in winter conditions on both highways and backroads.
Dakota County Technical College — Rosemount, MN
Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) is a public two-year institution located in Rosemount, about 20 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis. Their CDL program is one of the best-value options in the state.
Key details:
- Program length: 8 weeks (full-time), 16 weeks (part-time)
- Tuition: $3,500-$5,200 (Minnesota residents pay less)
- Schedule options: Day and evening tracks
- Financial aid: Pell Grant eligible, state grants, WIOA, VA benefits
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Additional training: Forklift certification, dock operations
DCTC's community college model means lower tuition and access to financial aid that private schools can't match. If you qualify for a Pell Grant and Minnesota state aid, your out-of-pocket cost could drop below $1,000. That's not a typo.
The trade-off is time. Eight weeks is double the length of some private programs. But you'll graduate with more total training hours, a credential from an accredited institution, and potentially zero student debt. For most people, that math works out.
160 Driving Academy — Twin Cities Locations
160 Driving Academy operates multiple locations in the Twin Cities metro, making them one of the most accessible options geographically.
Key details:
- Program length: 4 weeks
- Tuition: $5,000-$6,200
- Schedule options: Day, evening, and weekend
- Job placement rate: 90%+ (network-wide)
- Financial aid: WIOA, payment plans, carrier sponsorship options
- Locations: Brooklyn Park, Eagan, and Burnsville
160 Driving Academy's franchise model means consistency across locations — same curriculum, same standards, same employer partnerships. Their weekend schedule is a lifeline for students who can't leave a day job during training. Check if weekend cohorts have the same behind-the-wheel hours as weekday cohorts, though. Some franchise locations compress the weekend schedule in ways that reduce cab time.
CDL Schools USA — Minnesota Locations
CDL Schools USA operates training programs across Minnesota with several locations serving the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
Key details:
- Program length: 3-5 weeks
- Tuition: $4,200-$7,500
- Schedule options: Flexible scheduling
- Financial aid: WIOA verified, VA benefits accepted
- Programs: Class A and Class B options
- FMCSA verified: All programs listed on the TPR
Their tuition range is wider than most competitors, which reflects different program tiers. The $4,200 price point gets you a no-frills Class A program with minimum required hours. The $7,500 tier adds endorsement training, extended behind-the-wheel time, and job placement services. Ask for a detailed line-item breakdown before choosing a tier.
Additional Minneapolis-Area Options
- Hennepin Technical College — Another strong community college option. CDL training through their Transportation division. Tuition under $5,000 for residents.
- Minnesota Trucking Academy — Small, locally-owned program with good word-of-mouth reputation. Class sizes stay under 10 students.
- Truck America Training of Minnesota — Part of a multi-state network. Competitive tuition and strong carrier partnerships with Midwest-focused fleets.
How to Compare CDL Schools: The Factors That Actually Matter
Glossy brochures and slick websites don't make a good CDL school. Here's what does.
Behind-the-Wheel Hours
This is the single most important metric when comparing programs. The FMCSA requires a minimum number of behind-the-wheel hours for ELDT compliance, but the minimum isn't enough. Look for programs offering 40+ hours of actual driving time. Not simulator time. Not observation time. Hands-on-the-wheel, truck-in-gear driving.
According to a 2025 study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), CDL graduates who logged 45+ behind-the-wheel hours had a 23% lower accident rate in their first year compared to graduates with fewer than 30 hours. That statistic should drive your decision more than any marketing claim.
Job Placement Rate and Carrier Partnerships
A 90%+ job placement rate is the baseline. Below that, something's wrong. But the number alone isn't enough — ask where graduates are getting placed. A school that funnels everyone into one mega-carrier with a high turnover rate isn't the same as a school that connects graduates with multiple carriers, including local and regional options.
The best schools maintain active relationships with 10+ carriers and can show you a list of companies that hired their graduates in the last 12 months. Ask for it. If they won't share it, walk.
Total Cost of Training (Not Just Tuition)
Tuition is the biggest number, but it's not the only one. Factor in:
- CDL permit fees: $30-$100 depending on state
- Drug testing and physicals: $100-$200
- Endorsement test fees: $10-$50 per endorsement
- Background check fees: $25-$75
- Lost wages during training: This is the hidden cost. A 4-week full-time program means a month without income.
Our CDL Training Cost guide breaks down every line item by state.
Accreditation and ELDT Compliance
Every CDL school must be registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) to issue ELDT certificates. This is non-negotiable. If a school isn't on the TPR, your training won't count, and you won't be eligible to take the CDL skills test. Verify registration at the FMCSA's TPR website before paying a dime.
Beyond TPR registration, look for schools accredited by recognized bodies like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or affiliated with accredited community colleges. Accreditation isn't required, but it signals a level of institutional quality and often unlocks additional financial aid options.
Equipment Quality and Maintenance
You should be training on trucks manufactured within the last 10 years. Older equipment is fine for learning basic mechanics, but carrier fleets are increasingly standardized around newer models with automated manual transmissions (AMTs), collision mitigation systems, and electronic logging devices (ELDs). If you train on a 2008 Freightliner with a 10-speed manual, you'll face a learning curve when you climb into a 2024 Cascadia with a 12-speed AMT. Ask what year models are in the training fleet.
Funding Your CDL Training: Options in All Three Cities
Cost is the number-one barrier to CDL training. But it doesn't have to be. All three cities offer multiple pathways to reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs.
WIOA Funding (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)
WIOA funding is administered through local American Job Centers and can cover the full cost of CDL training for eligible individuals. Eligibility typically requires:
- Being unemployed or underemployed
- Meeting income thresholds
- Being a U.S. citizen or authorized worker
Philadelphia: Contact the PA CareerLink Philadelphia office. WIOA funds are available and several schools listed above are approved providers.
San Diego: The San Diego Workforce Partnership administers WIOA funds through their America's Job Centers of California locations.
Minneapolis: DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) manages WIOA through local CareerForce locations. Minnesota has been particularly aggressive about funding CDL training due to the state's driver shortage.
Company-Sponsored CDL Training
Major carriers like Werner, CRST, Schneider, and C.R. England offer CDL training programs where the company pays for your school in exchange for a 1-2 year employment commitment. These programs are available in all three cities through partnering schools.
The trade-off: you're locked into a specific carrier for 12-24 months, and if you leave early, you'll owe back the tuition cost. For some people, that's a great deal. For others, it's a trap. We break down the pros and cons in detail in our Company-Sponsored vs Paid guide.
VA Benefits and Military Transition Programs
All three cities have strong veteran populations, and most CDL schools accept GI Bill and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover 100% of CDL training costs at approved schools, plus a monthly housing allowance during training.
Camp Pendleton's proximity to San Diego makes it a particularly strong market for transitioning military members. Minneapolis's VA medical center and extensive veteran services network provide additional support infrastructure.
Pell Grants and State Financial Aid
Community college CDL programs — like DCTC in Minneapolis, SDCE in San Diego, and Community College of Philadelphia — are eligible for federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for the 2025-2026 award year). Most CDL programs cost less than the maximum Pell Grant, meaning eligible students can complete training with money left over for living expenses.
City-by-City Salary Expectations After Graduation
What you earn depends on where you drive, what you haul, and who you drive for. Here's what the data shows for each metro.
Philadelphia Starting Salaries
| Role | Year 1 Salary Range |
|---|---|
| OTR Class A (dry van) | $52,000-$62,000 |
| Regional Class A | $55,000-$68,000 |
| Local Class B (delivery) | $42,000-$52,000 |
| Hazmat/Tanker | $62,000-$78,000 |
| LTL (Old Dominion, XPO) | $65,000-$80,000 |
Philadelphia's LTL sector is a standout. Companies like Old Dominion, XPO, and Estes have major terminals in the metro area and pay significantly above average for local CDL-A drivers. Getting into an LTL position typically requires 6-12 months of OTR experience first, but the payoff is worth the wait: home daily, union or union-equivalent benefits, and top-tier pay.
San Diego Starting Salaries
| Role | Year 1 Salary Range |
|---|---|
| OTR Class A (dry van) | $54,000-$65,000 |
| Regional Class A | $58,000-$72,000 |
| Local Class B (delivery) | $44,000-$55,000 |
| Cross-border freight | $65,000-$82,000 |
| Port drayage | $60,000-$78,000 |
San Diego's cost of living is higher than the national average, but so are driver wages. Cross-border freight is the premium niche here — drivers who can navigate U.S.-Mexico customs procedures and hold a TWIC card or FAST card earn a significant premium. If you speak Spanish, your earning potential in this market increases further.
Minneapolis Starting Salaries
| Role | Year 1 Salary Range |
|---|---|
| OTR Class A (dry van) | $50,000-$60,000 |
| Regional Class A | $54,000-$66,000 |
| Local Class B (delivery) | $40,000-$50,000 |
| Hazmat/Tanker | $60,000-$76,000 |
| Ag/bulk commodities | $55,000-$70,000 |
Minneapolis has a seasonal dynamic worth knowing about. Agricultural hauling demand spikes from September through November during harvest season, and carriers offer premium rates to attract drivers. CDL holders who time their entry to the market around late summer can take advantage of this surge. Winter driving also commands premium pay — not everyone wants to haul freight through a Minnesota blizzard, and carriers compensate accordingly.
For a comprehensive salary breakdown, see our Complete CDL Guide which covers earning trajectories from year one through year five.
How We Ranked
CDL-school rankings combine three sources:
- Verifiable program attributes: state CDL license-program approval, FMCSA ELDT compliance, employer-partnership counts (paid CDL programs), VA-approval status for GI Bill recipients, and total program cost (tuition + fees + endorsement add-ons).
- Student-reported outcomes: Google reviews from the past 24 months, r/Truckers and r/CDL threads, and BBB complaints. We track patterns in dropout rates, job-placement promises, and contract-breakage clauses.
- First-hand intake calls: identical script asking about tuition, financial aid (Workforce Innovation Act funding eligibility), job-placement rate, and class size.
What we never accept: paid placement, sponsorship in exchange for ranking, or contractual relationships with carriers that would bias employer recommendations. Disclosure: we do use affiliate referral links to a small set of online CDL theory-prep tools — these never affect school rankings.
Update cadence: each school re-checked quarterly; tuition updates on demand. Last-updated at top. Email research@findcdlschool.com to flag corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a CDL in Philadelphia, San Diego, or Minneapolis?
Most private CDL schools in all three cities offer programs that run 3-5 weeks for a Class A license. Community college programs take longer — typically 8-16 weeks — but cost less and offer more comprehensive training. The fastest path is a 3-week intensive program, but only if you can commit to full-time, Monday-Friday training. Part-time and weekend schedules add 2-4 weeks to the timeline. After completing your training, you'll need to pass the CDL skills test at a state-approved testing facility, which can add another 1-2 weeks depending on scheduling availability.
What is the cheapest CDL school in these cities?
San Diego Continuing Education (SDCE) and Community College of Philadelphia offer the lowest published tuition rates, typically $2,000-$3,500. In Minneapolis, Dakota County Technical College comes in under $4,000 for Minnesota residents after financial aid. However, the cheapest option overall is company-sponsored training through carriers like Werner, CRST, or Schneider — these programs cost $0 upfront in exchange for a post-graduation employment commitment of 12-24 months. WIOA funding through your local workforce development office can also cover 100% of tuition at approved schools, effectively making any qualifying program free.
Can I get my CDL with no prior driving experience?
Yes. Every school listed in this guide accepts students with zero commercial driving experience. That's the entire point of CDL training — taking you from a standard passenger vehicle driver to a licensed commercial operator. You will need a valid driver's license (non-CDL) and a clean driving record. Most schools require no more than 2-3 moving violations in the past 3 years and no DUI/DWI convictions within the past 5-10 years. You'll also need to pass a DOT physical and drug screening before starting training. Some schools help you obtain your CDL learner's permit (CLP) as part of the enrollment process, while others require you to have it before your first day.
Do I need to live in the city where I train to get a CDL?
No. Your CDL is issued by the state where you hold your driver's license, regardless of where you train. You could train in San Diego but hold a Pennsylvania CDL if that's where your license is issued. However, you'll need to take your CDL skills test in your home state (some reciprocity agreements exist, but they're limited). For practical purposes, training in the state where you plan to work makes the most sense — you'll test locally, build carrier relationships locally, and learn state-specific regulations during your program. Some schools, like Roadmaster, offer housing assistance for out-of-area students who want to train at a specific location. Check our CDL Requirements by State guide for state-specific licensing rules.
What endorsements should I get along with my CDL?
At minimum, get your hazmat endorsement (H) and tanker endorsement (N) — or the combined hazmat-tanker (X) endorsement. According to industry salary data, drivers with an X endorsement earn $8,000-$12,000 more per year than drivers with a base Class A CDL. The endorsements require passing additional written tests and, for hazmat, a TSA background check. Most CDL schools in Philadelphia, San Diego, and Minneapolis offer endorsement preparation as an add-on or bundled package. The doubles/triples (T) endorsement is also worth considering if you plan to work in LTL freight, as companies like FedEx Freight and Old Dominion require it.
Related Reading
- CDL Training Cost: The Complete 2026 Breakdown
- Company-Sponsored vs Paid CDL School: Which Is Right for You?
- CDL Requirements by State: What You Need to Know
- Complete CDL Guide: From Zero to Licensed
-- The MileMarker Team