So What Is a CDL Finishing Program?

First of all, when you search for a CDL finishing program, don’t accidentally type in “finishing school.” We’re thinking those are the fancy stone castles/schools in Europe where young girls learn how to sip a “spot of tea” with their pinky fingers up, ride horses sitting sideways, and sucker wealthy men into matrimony. Nope, a CDL finishing program is much, much different. Let Eagle Logistics lay it out for you. 

A CDL finishing program is designed to take newbie drivers and get them beyond road-ready. They’ll get real time guidance from expert trainers and a curriculum that is time tested and relevant to the job. No unnecessary filler lessons. It’s just what you need and nothing you don’t. While every program is a little different in its approach and objectives, here are some common points of focus in a CDL finishing program:

• Paperwork - Permits, Logs, and Documentation

• Pre-trip Inspections

• Use of Emergency Devices, Equipment, and Procedures

• Routing, Trip Planning

• Use of Controls

• Placing in Motion, Slowing, Stopping

• Parking

• Backing

• Scaling

• Coupling and Uncoupling

• Turning and Passing

• Misc. Driving Skills and Tips

• Tricks of the Trade (Don’t clog the left lane at 61 mph if you don’t want drivers to cuss in front of their children) 

There are some eligibility requirements to notice. In order to qualify for the programs, you must: 

• Have your Class A CDL

• Complete a Certified Truck Driving School

• Apply Within 100 days of the driving school

• Hold a clean personal driving record

• Be free from DWI or DUI convictions

• Pass a drug test

• Pass a DOT physical

• Be no less than 18 years of age (sometimes more)

We shouldn’t have been so hard on the finishing school people. First of all, people can drink their tea however they choose. It’s 2022. But, we will say pushing your tea beliefs onto ignorant children is not doing a good service to them. In America, our ignorant children are allowed to pay $7 dollars for coffee every morning, which, if you do the math, is roughly the price of riding a horse sideways at a European finishing school. And it makes just as much sense.  

At Eagle Logistics, we look at things like a CDL finishing program as a way to provide for our workers and keep them safe, while also keeping others safe on the road, and while providing expert and excellent service to our customers. Contact us to hear about all the ways we show we care about our drivers. We strive to care for each other the way we want to be treated. Feel like joining us? Click Here!