Face it, truck driving school is not cheap and it can be hard to manage the financial burden of truck driving school if you have not been saving up for the financial expense. If you dream of being an owner operator on the open highways of this greatest nation on God's green earth, listen up, we have some essential tips that may help you accomplish your truck driver training requirements without draining your bank account.

Research and locate progressive trucking companies.

Recent statistics indicate that the over the road truck driver shortage is close to 80,000 in this country alone. One way to get the training you need without having to take out a second mortgage on you home is to go with Carrier Sponsored Training. Other than a clean driving record and no felony convictions during the last year, most trucking companies require little to no experience, no tuition down payments and fast turnaround time for getting your license. Just make sure you get all of the basics you need to safely operate the vehicle on the open road.

Tuition reimbursements are common throughout the trucking industry.

Other training facilities offer tuition reimbursements plans through the carrier company provided you work for them at least a year after completion of training. This is a good option since you are guaranteed a position after graduation and will get your tuition reimbursed in the process. These schools may have some stricter requirements like background checks, the ability to pass a DOT physical and drug test, as well as having no felony convictions in the last seven years or currently being on parole.

Look for truck driving schools and trucking companies that make safety a priority.

Safety is top priority for first rate truck driving schools and trucking companies. If safety training is a major part of the truck driving school's curriculum and is mentioned multiple times during your interview, rest assured that you are in the right place. You want to make sure the training you receive will keep you (and others) safe on the road.

Regardless of what route your choose to finance your truck driving education, do your research and make sure you are comfortable with the terms - i.e. job placement in lieu of tuition, carrier sponsored training, etc. We encourage you to talk to at least 3-5 truck driving schools, check graduate references and speak to the truck driving school career counseling department before you make your final decision.