Commercial Truck Driving
According to the American Trucking Association, more than 70% of all consumer goods in the U.S. are moved by truck.
If you like to travel and work independently, pay close attention to details, and enjoy driving for long periods of time, a career as a CDL-A driver may be a good fit for you. Like to drive but want to stay closer to home? CDL-B drivers may drive school buses, heavy equipment, and delivery vehicles.
Program Overview
This program is held in partnership with Cecil College and classes are held at their location.
CREDENTIAL EARNED
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) A or B (upon passing the MVA test)
Passenger endorsement courses are also available.
NO. OF COURSES
Classes are offered monthly at Cecil College and run either MON–FRI all day, or TUE,
WED, THU evenings, and weekends.
TIME TO COMPLETE
- CDL-A: 300 hours
- CDL-B: 93 hours
CONTACT
Tina Durborow, 410.287.1615, or tdurborow@cecil.edu.
COST
Approximate cost is $4,625 (CDL A); $2,125 (CDL B).
REQUIREMENTS
- Valid driver's license
- Good driving record
- Pass a DOT drug screen and physical
- Read and speak the English language
- Pass a basic math and reading test
- No felonies within the past 5 years
- No DUIs or DWIs in the past 10 years
What can I do when I complete this program?
As a CDL driver, you can choose employment where you travel cross-country regionally, or locally. You may haul dry goods, refrigerated items, containers or vehicles. Drivers can work for a company or choose to purchase their own truck and work for themselves s they can control their loads. Many choose to drive school, tour, or charter buses and work a steady route. By earning special endorsements, such as Hazardous Materials, drivers open up their opportunities and their pay scale.
Potential Careers
A 2017 report by the American Trucking Association said that this industry needs to hire almost 900,000 more drivers to meet the rising demand Employment of truck drivers is expected to increase by about 6% over the 2016-26 decade. Depending on the type of vehicle, cargo, and driving you do, commercial drivers may earn more than $60,000 a year, with some companies offering signing bonuses.
Next Steps
If you are interested in Harford Community College's Commercial Truck Driving program, review the CDL Information Packet. All students must be interviewed and accepted prior to registering for any CDL courses. To schedule your interview, contact Tina Durborow, 410.287.1615.