Autonomous trucks are being tested on Ohio highways right now. Before anyone celebrates the technology, someone needs to ask: who pays the price when the driver’s seat goes empty? Right now, somewhere on an Ohio highway, a driverless truck is hauling freight. No coffee stops. No CB radio chatter. No human being behind the wheel. Swedish autonomous trucking company Einride has begun testing its electric, cab-free “pods” on public roads in Ohio. The tech press is calling it a glimpse of the future. From where we sit in Hamilton, Ohio, training the next generation of commercial drivers, it looks less like progress and more like a warning shot. We are not Luddites, we’re not against technology. We understand that industries change and evolve over time. But there is a big difference between change and elimination. What is being proposed with fully autonomous Class 8 trucking is not an upgrade. It is a replacement. And the human cost of that replacement has barely entered the conversation.

Ohio Is Not a Test Track. It Is Someone’s Livelihood.

Einride’s Ohio testing, covered recently by FreightWaves, is just the beginning of a much larger wave. Aurora Innovation, Waymo Via, Kodiak Robotics, and several other well-funded companies are all competing to put driverless trucks on the road. The freight routes cutting through Ohio — including I-70, I-71, and I-75 — are not just lines on a map. They are the economic lifelines of working families in Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, and dozens of smaller communities in between. Ohio is home to roughly 170,000 commercial truck drivers. Across the country, the Bureau of Labor Statistics counts more than 3.5 million. These are not low-skill workers waiting to be “freed” from their jobs by technology. They are trained, licensed professionals who invested time, money, and effort earning their CDL — the same credential we help students earn right here in Hamilton every single day. “I am deeply concerned about the disruption that AI and automation could bring to the U.S. economy. We need serious policy conversations about how to support workers through this transition, or we risk serious social and economic instability.”  — Jamie Dimon, Chairman & CEO, JPMorgan Chase Jamie Dimon is not someone known for his hand-wringing. In shareholder letters and public forums, the JPMorgan Chase CEO has warned that the pace of AI and automation threatens to outrun the economy’s ability to absorb workers who lose their jobs. He is not alone. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has called the potential job loss from automation “the defining economic challenge of our time.” When the people who built modern capitalism are worried, the rest of us should be paying close attention.

It Is Not Just the Driver’s Seat That Goes Empty

The debate around autonomous trucking tends to focus narrowly on the driver. But the driver is just the most visible piece of a massive economic ecosystem. Think about what actually disappears when the human driver disappears from a long-haul route.

The Ripple Effect: What Gets Lost Beyond the Driver

Truck stop diners, fuel stations, and motels along freight corridors depend heavily on drivers stopping in. So do independent repair shops, CDL testing facilities, trucking schools, and freight brokers who work directly with owner-operators. Remove the driver, and all of those businesses feel it. That ripple effect is estimated to be two to three times the number of direct driving jobs — meaning potentially 7 to 10 million Americans whose jobs depend on trucking. In small and mid-sized Ohio cities like Hamilton, Findlay, and Lima, those connected jobs are not a small detail. They are the economic foundation. A truck stop off I-75 employs cooks, cashiers, maintenance workers, and managers. A CDL school like ours employs instructors, administrators, and support staff, while putting tuition dollars back into the local economy. These are not Silicon Valley abstractions. These are our neighbors.

The Technology Is Not Ready, and the Rules Do Not Exist

Supporters of autonomous trucking love to talk about what the technology will eventually be able to do. The reality today is far more limited. Current autonomous systems work well in controlled conditions: clear weather, well-marked highways, predictable traffic. What they cannot reliably handle is everything else. The ice storm on I-70 in January. The debris in the road at 2 a.m. The split-second judgment call when a child darts into a construction zone. The complex backing maneuver required at a cramped distribution center. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has not yet set up a clear set of rules for fully driverless trucks operating in regular traffic. Ohio has been open to welcoming AV testing, but allowing test vehicles on the road is not the same as answering the hard questions about liability, insurance, cybersecurity, and what happens when a 40-ton autonomous vehicle fails. In plain terms, we are making the rules up as we go. “The question is not whether automation will come. The question is whether we have the courage to manage its arrival in a way that does not hollow out the middle of America.”  A sentiment echoed by economists, labor leaders, and policymakers across the political spectrum

What We Are Really Talking About Is a Choice

Autonomous trucking is not an act of nature. It is a business decision made by investors, executives, and shareholders who stand to profit enormously from removing the biggest single cost in freight operations: driver pay. It is being pushed forward by investor money and welcomed by lawmakers who may not fully understand what these communities stand to lose. Society has a choice here. We can allow unmanaged automation to move forward at the pace that gets investors the best return, or we can insist on a transition that takes seriously the obligation we have to working people. That does not mean banning autonomous vehicles. It means demanding real answers before these technologies spread: What is the plan for drivers who lose their jobs? What retraining programs will be funded, by whom, and when? What communities will receive support? How will the tax base hold up when millions of middle-income workers are replaced by machines that pay no income tax and spend nothing at local restaurants? Jamie Dimon said it plainly in his 2024 annual letter to JPMorgan shareholders: the economy and government need to prepare for a world where automation displaces workers faster than new jobs are created. He pushed for investment in job training, infrastructure, and economic safety nets. We agree completely — and we would add that part of that preparation means not speeding up the displacement before the support system to absorb it actually exists.

The Road We Choose Matters

At Napier Truck Driver Training, we have spent years preparing Ohioans for careers that offer real wages, real independence, and real dignity. The CDL is one of the most accessible paths to a middle-class life that does not require a four-year degree. Our graduates drive for regional carriers, national fleets, and local municipalities. They own homes in Hamilton. They coach Little League. They are the working backbone of this region. We are not afraid of the future. But we refuse to accept a future built on the idea that the people who keep America supplied with food, fuel, medicine, and goods are simply a cost to be engineered away. Before the next autonomous truck rolls onto an Ohio highway, we deserve a real conversation — not a press release — about who benefits, who bears the burden, and what kind of economy we actually want to build. The road ahead has room for innovation. It must also have room for the people who built it.

The choice of truck driving school shapes a driver's entire career. Recent U.S. Department of Transportation enforcement removed thousands of non-compliant schools from the federal registry, and not all CDL programs deliver the same quality training. The wrong school costs more than money. It leaves students unprepared for the realities of professional driving. This guide covers how to verify school credentials, spot warning signs, compare programs, and choose training that leads to real career success.

Step 1: Understand Why the Choice of Truck Driving School Matters

The school a student chooses affects earning potential and career path. According to the Ohio Labor Market Information office, Ohio employs about 97,460 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, with more than 10,400 job openings projected each year through 2032. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 237,600 openings per year between 2024 and 2034. Graduates from quality programs tend to receive more job offers and higher starting pay. Strong schools maintain carrier relationships that lead to:

• Recruiter visits and on-site hiring events
• Access to specialized routes such as flatbed and hazmat
• Advancement pathways including trainer positions

What Quality Training Covers

Beyond basic vehicle operation, a thorough program prepares students for:

• Trip planning and route management
• Cargo securement and load verification
• Federal Hours of Service regulations
• Pre-trip inspections and daily compliance
• Defensive driving and emergency response

ELDT: The Federal Training Standard

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations took effect in February, 2022. They apply to:

• First-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants
• License upgrades
• Passenger, hazardous materials, and school bus endorsements

ELDT requires studying theory subjects plus behind-the-wheel instruction. Students must score at least 80 percent on these assessments. Schools must submit completion records to the Training Provider Registry.

Step 2: Verify School Credentials and Quality Standards

Start by confirming the school is listed on the Federal Training Provider Registry. Only TPR-registered schools can legally submit completion records to state DMVs. If a school is not on the list, it cannot certify training.

Step 3: Identify Red Flags and What to Avoid

Warning signs to watch for

• Unrealistic timelines: Programs advertising 20 days or less focus on test memorization, not real skills. Students may pass the CDL test but fail carrier road tests during orientation.
• Short training hours: Programs under three weeks or 120 hours typically teach test routes instead of actual driving.
• High-pressure sales: Manufactured urgency about expiring deals is a sign the school relies on pressure rather than program quality.
• No online presence: Check Reddit (r/Truckers) and The Truckers Report for real graduate feedback. Vague reviews with generic names are often fabricated.
• Guaranteed placement: No school can legally guarantee a job. Pre-hire letters can be revoked at any time.

Step 4: Compare Programs and Make a Final Decision

Questions to ask every school

• What is the student-to-instructor ratio for range and road training?
• Are manual transmissions available, or is training automatic-only?
• How many behind-the-wheel hours are included in the program?
• Is DMV testing done on-site, and are road test fees included in tuition?
• What is the first-time pass rate, and what support is available for students who need extra practice?

Company-Sponsored vs. Private CDL School

Both paths lead to a CDL, but the right choice comes down to flexibility. Company-sponsored training offers low-cost entry and guaranteed employment in exchange for a 1-year+ commitment, while private school gives students open carrier choice and no employment contract, at a higher upfront cost.

Other Factors to Consider

• WIOA grants and tuition reimbursement may reduce upfront costs at private schools. Always get a written breakdown of all fees.
• Visit the school before enrolling. Watching how instructors interact with students reveals more than any brochure.
• Ask schools to connect prospective students with recent graduates for an honest account of the job placement experience.

Conclusion

Choosing a truck driving school is one of the most important steps in starting a CDL career. Start by confirming TPR registration, ask the right questions, and visit the facility before committing. Quality preparation matters more than a fast graduation date. The school a student chooses today shapes the professional driver they become.

FAQs

Do students need prior driving experience to enroll in CDL school?

No. CDL Schools do not require prior commercial driving experience. Students need a valid driver’s license in the state where they plan to earn their CDL and must meet basic requirements before enrolling.

What is a Commercial Learner’s Permit and does a student need one before starting CDL school?

A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is required before a student can take the CDL skills test, but. Most schools do not require one before enrollment.

What should a student ask about a school’s CDL exam pass rate?

Students should ask for both the program completion rate and the first-time CDL skills test pass rate. Quality programs typically report pass rates above 80 percent.

What student-to-instructor ratio should a CDL school have?

For backing and range exercises, 3:1 to 4:1 is recommended. Ratios above 5:1 reduce individual practice time and slow skill development.

Ready to start your trucking career with one of the industry's most respected companies? Napier's partnership with Schneider Transportation creates a direct path from our training facility to your first professional driving job. You'll receive hands-on training that matches exactly what Schneider expects from their drivers. Schneider, among other top trucking companies, consistently hires Napier graduates because they know Napier students arrive with the practical skills employers value. Our personalized training approach means you get individual attention and extra practice time when you need it. That's why Schneider trusts us to prepare their next generation of professional drivers.

Who is Schneider Transportation?

Schneider Transportation stands as one of America's largest and most established trucking companies, with a history spanning over 90 years in the transportation industry. Founded in 1935, Schneider has grown into a transportation and logistics powerhouse, operating thousands of trucks across North America and employing professional drivers in virtually every region of the country. What makes Schneider particularly attractive to new drivers is their commitment to driver development and career advancement. Whether you're interested in regional routes that get you home regularly or over-the-road opportunities that maximize your earning potential, Schneider provides options that fit different lifestyle needs. Schneider's reputation in the industry reflects their professional standards and driver-focused approach. They invest heavily in modern equipment, safety technology, and ongoing training programs that help drivers succeed throughout their careers. Many Napier graduates who start with Schneider find themselves advancing into specialized positions or leadership roles within just a few years—that's the kind of career growth opportunity this partnership creates for our students.

Why Schneider Partners with Napier

Decades of trust built our partnership with Schneider Transportation. Our reputation as one of Ohio's oldest established CDL schools gives us credibility that newer programs simply can't match. Schneider knows when they hire a Napier graduate, they're getting a driver ready to work from day one. Schneider values our consistent track record of producing qualified drivers who meet industry standards immediately. While many schools focus on test preparation, we prepare students for actual trucking careers. That's exactly what Schneider needs to address the nationwide driver shortage—professionals who can handle real-world driving demands. Graduates benefit from Schneider's commitment to career development once they're hired. Their growth opportunities within one of America's largest transportation companies make these positions especially attractive. Many of our graduates advance quickly within Schneider's organization because they arrive with solid foundational skills. Schneider is one of the carriers that actively recruit our graduates. However, their long-standing relationship with us has proven not only our dedication to quality training, but Schneider’s dedication to competent and skilled employees. Schneider Transportation jobs remain  available to our students, creating that reliable pathway from our classroom to your professional driving career.

What Graduates Can Expect After Training

Napier graduates step into a job market that needs qualified drivers right now. Our job placement rates rank among the highest throughout the Midwest because we prepare you for student success from day one. Your job prospects begin before you even graduate. We meet with every student to make sure they meet our employment partners' hiring standards. This means you're already qualified for positions before completing training. Napier Truck Driver Training maintains relationships with over 30 trucking companies across local, regional, and over-the-road positions, like Schneider Our coordinators have years of experience working with national and regional carriers, and they connect directly with recruiters from major transportation companies. What makes Napier different is our lifetime job placement assistance. Every graduate in good financial standing can return for career guidance at any point during their professional driving career. Whether you need your first job or want to advance to a better position, we're here to help. Your Schneider Transportation connection opens doors immediately after graduation. But that's just one option among dozens of respected carriers that actively recruit our students. You graduate with more than a CDL—you have immediate job prospects and industry connections that last throughout your career.

Your Professional Driving Career Starts at Napier

Napier graduates enter the workforce with immediate job prospects and industry connections that last throughout their careers. We've built a relationship with Schneider because they know our students arrive prepared for real-world driving challenges. Your training here gives you credibility with top companies like Schneider across local, regional, and over-the-road positions. You'll graduate with more than a CDL. You gain immediate employment prospects, ongoing career support, and connections throughout the transportation industry. Ready to start your new career? Contact us today to learn how our partnership with Schneider Transportation can launch your professional driving journey.

FAQs

How does Napier Truck Driver Training prepare students for careers with Schneider?

Napier meets with students to ensure candidates meet Schneider's hiring standards. The program provides hands-on training tailored to real-world driving demands and offers lifetime job placement assistance to graduates.

What types of driving positions are available at Schneider for new graduates?

Schneider offers various driving positions for new graduates, including local, regional, and over-the-road opportunities. The company provides a direct pipeline to employment and offers potential for long-term career growth within the organization.

How does the partnership between Napier and Schneider benefit aspiring truck drivers?

The partnership provides students with exclusive job opportunities at Schneider upon graduation. It addresses the nationwide driver shortage while creating a reliable pathway for career success, offering immediate job prospects, industry connections, and ongoing support throughout a driver's career.

Location matters when you're building a professional driving career. Ohio's geographic position creates real-world advantages that make your daily work more efficient and your home time more frequent. The state ranks fifth nationwide for heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver employment, with 89,560 positions available for qualified drivers. Ohio also ranks fourth nationally for driver/sales workers employment, with 23,490 jobs, and third among states with the highest concentration of jobs in this field. Table of Contents:

• Convenient Location
• Transportation Infrastructure
• CDL Job Market

Access to 60% of U.S. and Canada Within a Day

Ohio sits at the heart of America's industrial corridor, a strategically planned region connecting major economic hubs. This central position means you can reach approximately 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population within a single day's drive, a geographic advantage that transforms how you approach your routes. A base in Ohio creates practical benefits every working day:

• More time at home between hauls
• Better route planning flexibility
• Lower fuel costs than coastal starting points
• Fewer deadhead miles (empty return trips)

When you can reach major destinations within a standard driving shift, you maintain competitive earnings while enjoying better work-life balance. Many of our Ohio-based drivers find this central location gives them scheduling flexibility that drivers in other states simply can't match.

Proximity to Major Cities and Corporate Hubs

Ohio puts you within easy reach of North America's economic powerhouses. Major metropolitan areas like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland provide abundant local opportunities. Beyond state borders, you'll reach:

• Chicago within 4-5 hours from western Ohio
• Detroit in 2-3 hours from Toledo
• Pittsburgh in approximately 2 hours from eastern Ohio
• Indianapolis in about 2 hours from Cincinnati
• Louisville in roughly 2 hours from Cincinnati

Fortune 500 companies maintain significant operations throughout this region, creating steady freight opportunities. The state's strategic position explains why Ohio ranks #2 nationally in intermodal terminals, giving you access to critical transfer points that keep freight moving efficiently.

Ideal for Regional and Long-Haul Routes

Ohio works whether you prefer staying close to home or crossing the continent. The dense network of manufacturing and distribution centers offers ample regional opportunities. Many Ohio drivers build successful careers without spending weeks away from family. Long-haul drivers benefit from Ohio's balanced position too. Coast-to-coast routes start from the middle rather than one edge, making trip planning more efficient and potentially boosting earnings. You'll experience diverse driving environments—urban deliveries, rural routes, interstate highways, and local roads. This variety makes Ohio particularly valuable for newer CDL holders building diverse experience. Whether you're starting your Ohio CDL journey or you're a veteran driver seeking a more strategic home base, Ohio's central location delivers the accessibility and convenience that supports long-term career success.

Top-Tier Infrastructure for Every Mode of Transport

Ohio's infrastructure puts you at the center of America's freight network. This comprehensive transportation system creates the foundation for a successful driving career that few other states can match.

Highway Network and Intermodal Terminals

Your daily routes benefit from Ohio's massive interstate system—the nation's fourth-largest with nearly 7,000 lane miles across eight major routes. This network handles the fifth-highest average daily vehicle miles traveled in America, proving its critical role in keeping goods moving. Ohio's 15 intermodal terminals rank second nationwide, processing approximately 800,000 container lifts annually. These facilities reduce your wait times significantly. This intermodal strength positions Ohio as a top-10 freight destination state by value of goods shipped annually. For you, this means consistent freight availability throughout your career.

Rail Access for Carriers

Ohio's fourth-largest network of operating railroads in America spans 5,388 miles of active freight rail, ranking third nationwide. There are four major providers in Ohio that provide great opportunities:

• CSX
• Norfolk Southern
• Canadian Pacific
• Canadian National

This rail infrastructure generates steady intermodal transport opportunities. These connections reach major East Coast and West Coast seaports, creating reliable freight volumes for drivers who prefer this specialized work.

Air Cargo Hubs

Rickenbacker International Airport stands as one of the world's few cargo-dedicated airports. This Columbus-based facility serves global destinations including Hong Kong, Dubai, Luxembourg, and other major cities. The airport operates around the clock with no nighttime noise restrictions, offering flexible scheduling opportunities for drivers who prefer non-traditional hours.

Waterways and Port Access

Ohio's 736 navigable miles of waterway include 264 coastal miles along Lake Erie and 451 miles along the Ohio River. The state ranks eighth nationally in maritime tonnage, with eight principal Lake Erie ports and over 160 commercial docks along the Ohio River. Cleveland's port alone supports over 23,000 jobs and generates approximately $7.07 billion in annual economic activity from roughly 13 million tons of cargo yearly. These ports create specialized hauling opportunities for drivers seeking variety in their work.

Foreign Trade Zones for Global Logistics

Ohio houses nine Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)— secure designated areas for foreign and domestic goods to be stored, manufactured, and processed. This is the Midwest’s largest presence. These federally designated areas allow the storage of merchandise without customs duties and certain taxes. Working with FTZs provides distinct advantages:

• Weekly entry options for combined shipments
• Direct delivery possibilities that bypass congested ports
• Enhanced logistics efficiency creating steady freight volumes

FTZ #138 at Rickenbacker ranks among the top 10 FTZs nationwide, offering premium opportunities for Ohio CDL holders. This comprehensive infrastructure across highways, rail, air, and waterways creates career stability and freight diversity that sets Ohio apart from other states.

Ohio's Booming Trucking Job Market

You can find professional driving opportunities in Ohio's thriving job market. CDL holders discover abundant opportunities that extend far beyond simple employment statistics—this translates to real career security and growth potential. Ohio recognizes the need for drivers and invests in your success. The state recently allocated $815,085 in tax credits to support training for CDL drivers. Opening up the job market to more skilled drivers.

Career Stability for CDL Holders

Ohio's trucking industry creates genuine stability for qualified drivers. Beyond the impressive employment numbers, what matters most is how this translates to your daily work life. When you hold an Ohio CDL, you become part of an essential workforce that powers the state's economy. Companies actively seek skilled drivers, and this consistent demand means you'll find job-ready opportunities whether you prefer local routes or long-haul assignments.

Strong Demand Across Rural and Urban Areas

Ohio offers something many states can't: employment flexibility across diverse geographic regions. You're not limited to major metropolitan areas for quality driving positions. Urban centers like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland serve as logistics hubs with constant freight movement. These areas provide opportunities for local and regional routes that get you home regularly. Rural regions throughout Ohio also maintain strong demand due to agricultural production and manufacturing facilities distributed statewide. The variety in the state’s geography gives you choices. You might prefer urban-based positions for their convenience, or rural operations that offer less congested driving conditions and often lower living costs. Either way, Ohio's balanced distribution of opportunities supports your individual preferences and lifestyle needs.

Conclusion

Ohio stands out as the premier choice for truck drivers seeking career success. The state delivers on every factor that matters to your professional driving career—from strategic location advantages to robust job opportunities. Whether you're starting your CDL journey or seeking a better home base for your established career, Ohio provides the foundation for long-term success. Ready to explore what Ohio can offer your professional driving career? The Buckeye State welcomes drivers who value opportunity, stability, and quality of life.

Starting your career as a commercial truck driver begins with the right training and passing your CDL permit test in Ohio is one of the first big steps. Napier Truck Driver Training delivers complete CDL instruction designed to fully prepare students for every step of the licensing process. Here's what to expect when it's time to take your test and how to prepare for a passing score.

What is the Ohio CDL Permit Test?

The CDL permit test in Ohio is required for anyone looking to operate a commercial vehicle. It’s your first major checkpoint before getting behind the wheel in CDL training. The test includes three key sections: General Knowledge – Covers basic road rules, vehicle control, and safe driving practices. Air Brakes – Focuses on how air brake systems work and how to operate them safely. Combination Vehicles – Applies to vehicles like tractor-trailers, and includes information on turning, backing, and handling combined units. Together, these topics make up the written knowledge portion of the CDL test.

Can You Take the CDL Permit Test Online in Ohio?

No. The CDL permit test in Ohio must be taken in person at a BMV office. There is currently no online option for testing, and appointments must be scheduled in advance, especially if you're taking the test outside of regular class hours. If you're enrolled in Napier's weekday Class A CDL program, your training schedule includes instruction on all test material, and you'll be guided through the testing process as part of your course. If you're in the weekend CDL program, you’ll still receive the same in-depth instruction, but you’ll need to schedule your own testing time since BMVs are closed on weekends.

How Much Does the CDL A Permit Cost?

The CDL A permit cost in Ohio can vary slightly by location, but generally expect to pay around $27 for your CLP test. Additional fees may apply depending on whether you need to retake a section of the test or apply for endorsements later.

How to Prepare for the Ohio CDL Permit Test

The best way to get ready is with the right tools and support from a reputable truck driving school. At Napier, we provide all students with expert instruction, classroom materials, and guided real-world practice. You’ll be taught exactly what you need to know to pass each section of the test with confidence. To boost your confidence, consider using an Ohio CDL permit practice test online, reading up on helpful CDL permit test tips, or reviewing the official Ohio CDL Manual, available for free from the BMV. Practice tests are a great way to get used to the format and types of questions you’ll see on the real exam.

Get a Strong CDL Start at Napier Truck Driver Training

Passing your CDL permit test in Ohio is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. With help from Napier Truck Driver Training, you’ll be prepared with the knowledge, practice, and confidence to tackle this first step in your trucking journey. From learning the rules of the road to mastering driving maneuvers and safety, our program covers everything you need to build a successful, lasting career in trucking.

Have more questions or want to enroll in one of our CDL training programs? Fill out the form on this page to get started!

Napier graduate Jesse H. has found great success and satisfaction in his new career as a truck driver. While he did not originally intend to join the trucking industry, disappointment in the corporate world forced him to change direction … all of which ended up being for the best.

Career Before Trucking

Starting on the factory floor, Jesse climbed the corporate ladder over a 23-year period to get to a leadership role. This growth came to an end when his company informed him that his position was being eliminated. This resulted in an extreme pay cut. Considering his family and their financial needs, Jesse made the decision to pursue a new career. While considering his options, he took a part-tine job to help make ends meet. Though his father and uncle were both seasoned truckers, Jesse never considered this career due to fears of missing time with his family. However, based on the income potential for professional truck drivers and the variety of jobs in trucking, he made the decision to move in that direction.

Earning his Class A CDL at Napier

With the decision to be a trucker made, the next step was getting certified and finding the best place to do his training. Based on the recommendation of a friend, Jesse enrolled at Napier. Joel, his classroom instructor, had a knack for breaking down complex concepts, which allowed him to take in a lot of information quickly. Transitioning to behind-the-wheel training, his instructor Lamonte guided him smoothly through on-road challenges. Jesse had initial concerns about needing extra assistance as a student with no experience but was relieved by how patient and encouraging his instructors were. Looking back on his experience, he couldn't be more grateful for the supportive environment that helped him acquire not only his CDL but the other certifications he needed to land his post-graduation job.

Beginning a new career at XPO Logistics

After graduating, Jesse had a lot of opportunities and landed a job with XPO Logistics, one of the largest transport companies in the country. With overtime pay and raises on the horizon, Jesse’s trucking future with XPO looks bright! Not only is he able to be home with his family every night, but he’s also happy to have a career that meets his financial needs. He cherishes the ability to be with his kids before school in the morning, as his position allows him to make his family a priority. Everyone at Napier is so proud of Jesse and the way that he has changed his life. Since 1994, Napier has been helping students just like Jesse begin rewarding, high-paying, and stable careers in the trucking industry. Are you ready to earn your CDL? Give us a call at 1-513-756-2172 to learn how to get started!