Commercial vehicle operation is an important component of the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics industry. Due to a driver shortage, there are many career opportunities for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A holders. You can drive a tractor trailer, tanker, double and triples, flatbed, or refrigerated trailer. Commercial drivers of tractor trailers provide local service, regional, and interstate trips. Heavy truck and tractor trailer drivers may spend most of their time behind the wheel, but they may also be required to load or unload their cargo upon arrival at their final destination. Drivers conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and must report to the dispatcher any equipment that is inoperable, defective, or missing. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires drivers to keep a log of their activities, including the condition of the truck, hours of service, and the circumstances of any accidents.
This training prepares students to test for a Maryland CDL-A license. The program includes classroom instruction and practical experience behind the wheel on range and road. Students focus on safety, inspections, basic control, shifting, backing, coupling and uncoupling, trip planning, log books, and accident reporting. The Maryland MVA's CDL-A licensing exam is taken at the end of the course. The exam includes pre-trip inspections, range maneuvers, and completion of a road test of 14+ miles.
Successful candidates enjoy travel and the independence of the open road, but because drivers interact with many people (such as other drivers, clients, and fleet managers) communication skills are important. An interest in safe driving, problem solving, and understanding regulations is helpful.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 3,370. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.
Program Course Sequence
Course
Number
|
Course Title
|
Course Hours
|
Textbook Information
(approximate cost; subject to change)
|
Costs
T=Tuition/F=Fees
|
VOA 553
|
Learner Permit and Pre-Trip Introduction
|
98 |
none
|
$2100
T-$420/F-$1,680
|
VOA 554 |
CDL Class A - Maneuvers and Road Skill Basics |
91 |
none |
$1800
T-$360/F-$1,440
|
VOA 555 |
CDL-A Road and Advanced Safety Skills |
91 |
none |
$1600
T-$320/F-$1,280
|
Course Series Totals: |
|
280 |
NA |
$5500
T-$1,100/F-$4,400
|