Start a Truck Driving Career in Weeks, Not Years

September 19, 2025

An STLCC truck driving students sits behind the wheel of a big rig

If you like driving, working independently and learning a skill that can lead to work quickly, truck driving may be worth a closer look. Truck drivers help move the goods people use every day, from groceries and furniture to building materials, medical supplies and equipment.

St. Louis Community College’s truck driving program helps students prepare for the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam through focused classroom instruction, hands-on driving practice and support from experienced instructors.

Why Truck Driving Still Matters

Truck drivers are an important part of the supply chain. They help stores stay stocked, businesses receive materials and communities get the products they need. When freight needs to move across town, across Missouri or across the country, truck drivers are often part of the process.

The work can appeal to people who want a career that feels active and practical. Some drivers prefer local routes that keep them close to home. Others like regional or long-haul routes that take them across several states. The right path depends on the driver, employer and type of license.

What Truck Drivers Do on the Job

Trucks Keep Freight Moving

In 2024, trucks moved roughly 72.7% of the nation’s freight by weight.

Source: American Trucking Associations

Truck driving involves more than getting behind the wheel. Drivers need to understand safety rules, plan routes, inspect vehicles and communicate clearly with dispatchers, customers and other team members.

Daily responsibilities may include:

Inspecting the truck before a trip to make sure it is safe to drive.
Planning routes and using GPS or other tools to stay on schedule.
Keeping records of driving hours, deliveries and inspections.
Communicating with dispatchers, customers and supervisors.
Handling different types of cargo, depending on the job and license.

Drivers also follow safety rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation. These rules help protect drivers, other people on the road and the cargo being delivered.

How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?

Pay can vary by license, route, employer, experience and endorsements. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $57,440 in May 2024, or $27.62 per hour.

Drivers with more experience or special endorsements may qualify for higher-paying roles. Some jobs may also include benefits, overtime opportunities or flexible schedule options.

How Long Does CDL Training Take?

The time it takes to train for a CDL depends on the program option you choose. STLCC offers several truck driving options designed to help students prepare for different types of vehicles and career goals.

Training Option	What It Prepares You For	Program Length
CDL-A: Commercial Driver License Class A	Large trucks such as semi-trailers, tankers and flatbeds. This option can support careers in trucking, fleet operations, safety and logistics.	Four weeks during the day or five weeks in the evening.
CDL-B: Commercial Driver License Class B	Smaller commercial vehicles such as dump trucks, concrete trucks and box trucks.	Seven full days.
CDL-B with Hazardous Materials Training	Commercial driving roles that may involve hazardous waste or materials.	Nine full days.
Hazmat Endorsement Course	Current CDL holders who want to add hazmat certification.	Four hours.

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Most students complete training quickly and may be ready to take the Missouri CDL exam after finishing the program.

What Kind of Truck Driving Fits Your Life?

Truck driving can look different depending on the job. Some drivers want to be home every night. Others like the idea of regional or long-haul routes. Before choosing a path, it helps to think about the schedule and work style that would fit your life.

Local routes: Drivers usually stay close to home and may return home daily.
Regional routes: Drivers may travel across nearby states or a larger service area.
Long-haul routes: Drivers may travel farther and spend more time away from home.

Truck drivers also learn how to manage their time, take required breaks, track driving hours and stay connected with family and friends while they are on the road.

Students who complete CDL training can prepare for different types of driving jobs, including local delivery, regional driving, long-haul trucking, construction-related driving or specialized freight work.

Truck Driving Offers Room to Grow

Drivers Are Needed

Federal labor data projects about 237,600 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A CDL can be the first step into a long-term transportation career. Some drivers stay behind the wheel and build experience with different routes, equipment or cargo. Others move into leadership, safety, training or logistics roles.

After earning a CDL, drivers may choose to add endorsements for tankers, hazardous materials or double and triple trailers. These added credentials can help drivers qualify for more specialized jobs.

Truck driving also builds skills that transfer into other fields, including communication, time management, problem-solving, safety awareness and customer service.

Why STLCC Truck Driving Training Stands Out

STLCC’s truck driving program is designed to help students build confidence before they test for their CDL. Students train with real trucks, simulators and instructors who guide them through the skills they need for the road and the exam.

The program includes:

Small class sizes, with four students per instructor.
Hands-on training with real trucks and high-tech simulators.
Practice on the actual Missouri driving exam course.
Transportation to the test site in an STLCC truck.
Classroom and lab instruction focused on safety, trip planning and DOT regulations.
Driving experience in urban, rural and highway settings.
Career counseling and job support after graduation.

Students also benefit from a strong first-time pass rate. Nearly 90% of STLCC truck driving students pass the driving test on their first try.

Start Your Truck Driving Career at STLCC

Truck driving can be a strong option for students who want a faster path to work, hands-on training and a career with room to grow. STLCC can help students prepare for CDL testing, understand safety rules and build the driving skills needed for commercial transportation careers.