OTR Driver Training Program

Your Success Starts Here

At Sharkey, we understand the importance of gaining valuable experience in the industry. That’s why we’ve designed our 5-week (25 days) Over-the-Road (OTR) Driver Training Program to help new drivers like you get the experience you need to succeed. Along the way, you’ll reach experience-level pay faster than ever before.

If you’re a seasoned driver returning to the road, our Refresher Driver Training Program ensures a smooth transition by pairing you with a professional Driver Trainer, customizing a 2-3 week training plan to renew your skills, and providing essential updates on industry rules and regulations.

The Roadmap to Your Success

Orientation: Setting the Course

Our paid, comprehensive orientation is designed to amplify your industry knowledge and learn more about our company. You’ll meet with team members, tour facilities, get hands-on experience, and engage in interactive training sessions. While sign-on bonuses are not offered to Driver Trainees, the road ahead is filled with opportunities for growth and compensation.

Accelerated Earnings from Day One

• $500 Orientation Pay: Your commitment deserves recognition, starting with paid orientation.
• $140 Per 24 Hours with a Driver Trainer: Learn the ropes with hands-on training from experienced Driver Trainers.

Hauling Your Way to Experience-Level Pay

• 45 CPM Driving Solo for 24 Weeks: Hit the road solo and build the experience you need while earning competitive pay.
• 5 CPM Bonus for Safe Driving: Stay accident-free, incident-free, and clear of DOT reportable offenses to earn a bonus every four weeks.

Advancing to the Experienced Driver’s Seat

After a successful 24 weeks of solo driving, subject to safety department approval, you evolve from a Trainee to a Regular Driver. This progression unlocks the freedom to choose from various driver pay programs, including percentage-based, home weekly, and more.

Why Choose Sharkey’s OTR Driver Training?

• Accelerated Path to Experience-Level Pay: Our program is designed to expedite your journey to experience-level pay, giving you a head start in the industry.
• Real-World Experience: Gain practical, hands-on experience from seasoned professionals who understand the trucking industry.
• Tailored Pay Programs: Your success is our priority. Choose a pay program that aligns with your goals as you step into your role as a professional driver.

At Sharkey Transportation, we are more than a training program—we are your partner on the road to success. Apply now and start your career as a skilled and confident professional driver with Sharkey’s OTR Driver Training Program!

FAQs for Driver Training – Empowering You for Success

1. What are your driver trainee requirements?

If you’re looking to join an exceptional team and share our commitment to success through service, start by reviewing our minimum driver trainee requirements:

• Must have a current Class A CDL
• Must be at least 23 years of age
• Must pass DOT physical and drug test
• No more than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years
• Must live within our Midwest hiring and training area

Our OTR Driver Training Program is in high demand, with limited spots available each year. We carefully consider factors like your location, work history, safety record, and more to ensure the best fit for our program.

We primarily operate in the Midwest Regional area, including IA, IL, IN, MO, NE, OH, and WI, and prioritize applicants from these regions. With only about 30 students accepted annually, now’s the time to secure your spot!

2. I don’t have my CDL-A yet, do you offer training?

While we don’t have a CDL program, we recommend checking local options through community colleges or driving schools. Search for “CDL schools near me” and consider factors like training length, schedules, certifications, reviews, and costs. Once you have your CDL, explore opportunities with companies like ours that offer OTR Driver Training for new CDL Graduates.

3. What skills will be covered for new CDL drivers?

In our OTR Driver Training Program, we prioritize your safety and success on the road. We cover a comprehensive range of skills, including safety protocols, best practices, trip and route planning, metro driving, e-log management, compliance essentials, and top-notch customer service techniques. Valuable time alongside a professional Driver Trainer will enhance your confidence and skills before driving solo. This training typically spans 5-6 weeks, ensuring a solid foundation for your professional driving career.

4. Is there a Refresher Training option for experienced CDL drivers?

Absolutely! We understand that returning to the road after a hiatus may require a bit of recalibration. Our specially designed Refresher Driver Training pairs CDL drivers with seasoned professionals for skill and technique renewal. This tailored program, lasting 2-3 weeks, also includes updates on the latest industry rules and regulations.

5. Will I be paid during driver training?

Absolutely! At Sharkey Transportation, we believe in valuing your commitment. Both our OTR Driver Training and Refresher Driver Training are paid opportunities. As a Driver Trainee, you’ll earn $140.00 for every 24 hours spent with your dedicated Driver Trainer.

Training Duration	Gross Pay
120 hours (5 days)	$700
168 hours (7 days)	$980

Your training isn’t just an investment in your skills—it’s a rewarding experience from day one.

6. How often will I get home during driver training?

Home time during OTR Driver Training and Refresher Driver Training varies based on factors such as Driver Trainer availability, locations, desired home time, and other considerations like holidays or family commitments. Our priority is to accommodate your needs whenever possible.

7. What can I expect during OTR driver training?

We want to ensure you’re well-prepared for this unique experience. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

• Living Arrangements: During training, you’ll share cab space with your experienced Driver Trainer in a bunk-style condo. You will have your own bed in the truck. Light packing is recommended as this is a shared space, similar to bunk beds in a college dorm, but even smaller.

• Meals and Accommodations: Meals are not provided during training, and you won’t stay in hotels. Instead, this is an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the OTR lifestyle, learning how to efficiently run as a professional driver by living in your truck on the road.

• Transition to Independence: After weeks of sharing space with your trainer, you’ll gain valuable experience and appreciate the transition to your own truck. This means having the freedom to fully stock your truck, enjoy privacy, and benefit from more storage space.

• Communication and Planning: Before hitting the road, you’ll have a chance to talk with your Driver Trainer and collaboratively create a schedule, including home time during the 5-week (25 days) OTR Driver Training for new drivers or 2-week Refresher Driver Training for returning drivers. This will help you plan and pack accordingly.

• Tiny Living, Big Lessons: Think of this experience as “tiny living,” where space matters. Your Driver Trainer will confirm essential items they already have (like a small fridge, TV, etc.) and provide a list of recommended items to bring.

Remember, this training phase is designed to set you up for success as you embrace the challenges and rewards of the OTR lifestyle. We’re with you every mile!

8. Is there a Tuition Reimbursement option?

Yes! At Sharkey Transportation, we understand that investing in your education is key to your success as a driver. That’s why we offer Tuition Reimbursement to eligible Driver Trainees.

Receive financial support for your verifiable Driver Training Tuition, with a maximum reimbursement of $4,100. Students from Des Moines Area Community College, Hawkeye Community College, John Wood Community College, Lincoln Land Community College, Midwest Technical Institute, and other reputable programs have reaped the benefits of our Tuition Reimbursement. Join the ranks of these exceptional graduates when you take advantage of our reimbursement options.

9. Do you offer a scholarship?

Yes! We established a dedicated scholarship for qualified students enrolled in John Wood Community College’s Truck Driver Training Program.

Explore the road to success with Sharkey Transportation’s scholarship for the John Wood Community College Truck Driver Training Program. Our scholarship covers full tuition. This offers you the chance to excel in a cutting-edge, 44,000-square-foot newly remodeled facility, which includes a four-acre maneuvering range and a new 2024 Truck Driver Training addition. Discover program details here and take your first step towards an exciting future as a professional driver.

Need more inspiration? Hear from a JWCC student and Sharkey scholarship recipient who shares their journey here. Learn firsthand how this scholarship has propelled them toward a successful and fulfilling career in trucking with Sharkey Transportation.

Let’s talk about how our OTR Driver Training can help you!

Connect with our Recruiting team today for more information on these invaluable opportunities that can shape your future!

Call us at 800.354.8945 on weekdays between 7-5 CST or email recruiting@shke.com. Unlock your potential with Sharkey Transportation—where your success drives ours!