Sharkey Transportation offers paid OTR Driver Training for new CDL-A graduates and Refresher Driver Training for experienced drivers returning to the road. New drivers complete 25 days of hands-on training with an experienced Driver Trainer, typically completed over five weeks.
Sharkey Transportation’s paid OTR Driver Training Program helps new CDL-A graduates gain the professional driving experience needed to begin their trucking careers. Our program combines paid orientation in Quincy, Illinois, 25 days of hands-on training with an experienced Driver Trainer, and a structured transition to solo driving.
For experienced CDL-A drivers returning to the industry, we also offer a Refresher Driver Training Program tailored to individual experience and training needs.
Begin with three days of paid orientation, typically Monday through Wednesday, at Sharkey Transportation in Quincy, Illinois. You’ll meet members of our team, learn company procedures, complete required onboarding activities, and prepare for OTR training.
Student Driver Orientation Pay: $500
For information about what to bring, required documents, and other orientation details, visit our Driver FAQs.
You’ll work alongside an experienced Driver Trainer to build confidence and develop practical skills, including vehicle inspections, safe driving, trip planning, electronic logs, Hours of Service compliance, and customer pickups and deliveries.
Training pay: $140 per 24 hours with your Driver Trainer.
The required 25 training days are typically completed over five weeks. Training schedules may include planned home time, holidays, and other scheduling considerations.
After successfully completing OTR training and receiving approval to drive independently, you’ll transition to solo driving.
During your first 24 weeks of solo driving, you’ll earn 45 cents per mile (CPM), plus an additional 5 CPM safety bonus every four weeks when eligibility requirements are met.
After 24 successful weeks of solo driving, subject to Safety Department approval, you’ll become eligible for Sharkey’s regular driver pay programs, including mileage-based and percentage-based options. Available positions and home time options depend on your location and qualifications.
| Training Stage | Pay |
|---|---|
| Paid Orientation | $500 |
| OTR training with a Driver Trainer | $140 per 24 hours |
| First 24 weeks driving solo | 45 CPM |
| Eligible safety bonus | Additional 5 CPM |
| After 24 successful solo weeks | Eligible for regular driver pay programs, subject to approval |
To qualify for Sharkey Transportation’s OTR Driver Training Program, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Our primary hiring and training area includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Sharkey accepts approximately 30 student drivers annually. Selection also considers Driver Trainer availability, location, work history, safety record, and other qualifications.
No. Sharkey Transportation does not operate a CDL school or provide CDL permit training. Our paid OTR Driver Training Program is designed for new drivers who have already earned their CDL-A but need professional driving experience.
If you haven’t earned your CDL-A, consider a community college or truck driving school. Once licensed, you may qualify for Sharkey’s OTR Driver Training Program.
Sharkey’s OTR Driver Training Program provides hands-on experience with an experienced Driver Trainer. Training covers:
New CDL-A drivers must complete 25 days of OTR training, typically spread over five weeks. Your Driver Trainer will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to transition to solo driving.
Yes. Sharkey offers paid Refresher Driver Training for qualified experienced CDL-A drivers returning to the road.
You’ll work with an experienced Driver Trainer to refresh driving skills, safety procedures, equipment operation, and current industry regulations.
Refresher training is tailored to your experience and needs, generally lasting two to three weeks.
Yes. Both OTR Driver Training and Refresher Driver Training are paid opportunities at Sharkey Transportation.
Driver Trainees earn $140 for every 24 hours spent with their Driver Trainer.
| Training Duration | Gross Pay |
|---|---|
| 120 hours (5 days) | $700 |
| 168 hours (7 days) | $980 |
These examples reflect gross training pay and do not include the separate $500 Student Driver Orientation Pay.
Home time during OTR Driver Training varies based on location, Driver Trainer availability, scheduling needs, and holidays.
Before heading out, you’ll discuss your training schedule and planned home time with your Driver Trainer.
For example, a trainee may spend two weeks on the road, return home for two days, and then resume training. Some trainees and trainers may agree to complete all 25 required training days consecutively, although this is less common.
The program requires 25 days of OTR training, not necessarily 25 consecutive calendar days.
During OTR training, you’ll share a double-bunk condo sleeper truck with your experienced Driver Trainer. You’ll have your own bunk bed, but living and storage space are shared.
Here’s what to expect:
Once you successfully complete training and transition to your own assigned truck, you’ll have more privacy and storage space to arrange your truck to suit your needs.
| Item | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Reflective Safety Vest | Required for roadside safety and at certain customer facilities. Sharkey can provide one if needed. |
| Work Gloves | Bring a durable pair for handling equipment and completing tasks outside the truck. |
| Proper Footwear | Bring shoes or boots with non-slip soles, as outlined in Sharkey’s Driver Handbook. |
| Flashlight | Bring a dedicated flashlight rather than relying on your phone. |
| Personal Essentials | Bring appropriate clothing, toiletries, medications, and other daily necessities, keeping limited storage space in mind. |
Your Driver Trainer will help you determine what else to pack based on the available equipment, space, and training schedule.
For additional information about orientation, required documents, and preparing for your first day, visit our Driver FAQs.
Yes. Eligible Driver Trainees may receive up to $4,100 in tuition reimbursement for verifiable truck driving school tuition expenses.
Graduates of Des Moines Area Community College, Hawkeye Community College, John Wood Community College, Lincoln Land Community College, Midwest Technical Institute, and other qualifying programs may be eligible.
Contact Sharkey Recruiting for current tuition reimbursement requirements and eligibility details.
Yes. Sharkey Transportation offers a full-tuition scholarship for qualified students enrolled in John Wood Community College’s Truck Driver Training Program in Quincy, Illinois.
The program features a 44,000-square-foot training facility, a four-acre maneuvering range, and a truck driver training addition completed in 2024.
Learn more about the John Wood Community College Truck Driver Training Program and contact Sharkey Recruiting for scholarship eligibility and availability.
No. Student drivers entering Sharkey’s OTR Driver Training Program are not eligible for a sign-on bonus.
However, eligible student drivers receive $500 in orientation pay, $140 per 24 hours during OTR training, and a structured progression toward experienced driver pay.
Whether you’re a new CDL-A graduate or an experienced driver returning to the road, Sharkey Transportation’s Recruiting team can help you determine if our training program is a good fit.
Call 800-354-8945 Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Central Time, or email recruiting@shke.com to learn more about our paid OTR Driver Training and Refresher Driver Training programs.
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