Progressive Truck Driving School Student Reviews (January 2018)

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Progressive Truck Driving School is Chicagoland’s premier truck driving school. We have three locations to choose from. Interested in becoming a student? Apply here.

Hear what our graduates have to say about Progressive Truck Driving School:

Get your CDL quickly!

Nick got his degree in just one month. Congratulations to our newest truck driver!#cdltruck #progressivetruckdrivingschoool We can help you start the new year with a job, contact us today! http://ow.ly/Vrz630i7mod

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Congratulations Alasoully Nashat!

Kick-start Your Career For The New Year! Congratulations to Alasoully for obtaining his CDL today! Listen to another great testimonial of our graduate!We can help you start the new year with a job – http://ow.ly/Olku30i7rcD#cdltruck #progressivetruckdrivingschoool #truckdriver

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Your new career is waiting, call us today! Congratulations Oliver on obtaining your CDL and starting your new career. We can help you start the new year with a job – http://ow.ly/Olku30i7rcD#cdltruck #progressivetruckdrivingschoool #truckdriver

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Progressive Truck Driving School Student Reviews (2017)

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Watch recent video reviews from Progressive Truck Driving School graduates.

Progressive Truck Driving School is Chicagoland’s premier truck driving school w/ 49,000 graduated students and growing. We have three locations to choose from. Interested in becoming a student? Apply here.

Hear what our graduates have to say about Progressive Truck Driving School:

Mr. Artis from Chicago Graduate 2017, this is what he said:

Mr. Artis from Chicago Graduate 2017, this is what he said:

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Sunday, July 9, 2017

Mr. Hugo from Chicago, Graduate 2017, this is what he said:

Mr. Hugo from Chicago, Graduate 2017, this is what he said:

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Thursday, July 6, 2017

Ms. Brown from Chicago IL, Graduate 2016, this is what she said:

Ms. Brown from Chicago IL, Graduate 2016, this is what she said:

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Friday, December 30, 2016

Mr. Lemons from Rockford, just Graduated in 2017 and this is what he said:

Mr. Lemons from Rockford, just Graduated in 2017 and this is what he said;

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Friday, June 16, 2017

Mr. McCregg from Chicago, Graduate 2016, this is what he said:

Mr. McCregg from Chicago, Graduate 2016, this is what he said:

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Mr. Alzein from Burbank, Graduate 2017, this is what he said:

Mr. Alzein from Burbank Graduate 2017, this is what he said:

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Saturday, July 8, 2017

Mr. Dorsey from Chicago, IL has graduated from Progressive. This is what he said:

Mr. Dorsey from Chicago, IL has graduated from our school in 2016 and this is what he said:

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Thursday, August 4, 2016

Mr. Reaves from Chicago, IL has graduated from Progressive. This is what he said:

Mr. Reaves from Chicago, IL has graduated from our school in 2016 and this is what he said:

Posted by Progressive Truck Driving School on Friday, August 5, 2016

Are you interested in getting your CDL? Take the first step and apply to Progressive Truck Driving School!

The YWCA / Progressive Truck Driving School 2017 Graduating Class

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For over 5 years, Progressive Truck Driving School and the YWCA have partnered to help train YWCA program participants to get their CDL license.

The YWCA works every day to eliminate racism and empower women. Through advocacy and local programming, they create real change for women, families and communities.

In 2017, the YWCA worked with ComEd to help people obtain jobs – for some of these jobs a permit is required. Progressive Truck Driving School helped these job-seekers start new careers by training them to earn their license. In addition, Progressive Truck Driving School directs prospective students to our school to complete full training. Progressive has been successful every year helping people obtain their permit.

Progressive Truck Driving School is very proud to partner with the YWCA to help change the lives of their students for the better.

Congratulations to the 2017 graduating class!

 

Seriously Skilled Truck Driver

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Check out the turning skills by this truck driver! Are you interested in earning your CDL and seeing if you can make this turn? Apply to Progressive Truck Driving School.

Employee Appreciation: London!

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London makes things happen at Progressive Truck Driving School! We’re thrilled to have London as one of our star staff members!

London1

Complete this form to apply to Progressive Truck School!

A Letter From a Progressive Graduate to His Instructor

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Alberto Ledesma CDL Student

Why Trucking is a Safe Bet for Military Veterans

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Safety isn’t just a buzzword in the trucking industry — it’s a lifestyle. It has to be, for a reason more than familiar to military veterans: neglecting safety comes with consequences. Fortunately, veterans transitioning into trucking will find a familiar — and enduring — commitment to safety. The statistics prove it.

According to the American Trucking Associations, the number of truck-involved fatalities fell 21% between 2002 and 2012 (the most recent range data is available for). The number of truck-involved injuries fell 20% during the same period. Altogether, trucks have overall crash rates almost half that of other vehicles.

The numbers are even more impressive considering in 2012 there were nearly 3 million more registered large trucks on the road than in 2002. Every day, the drivers of those trucks travel millions of miles, facing challenges like careless motorists and fluctuating weather conditions.

A combination of factors contributes to safety progress made in the industry, including better equipment and technology. Ultimately, it comes down to each driver making safety a top priority, and working for a company that never compromises that commitment.

For example, Schneider, an industry leader for 80 years and the number eight G.I. Jobs Military Friendly employer, has a core value of “safety first and always.” No freight matches the value of a human life, and Schneider’s policies reflect that.

Learn more about Schneider’s commitment to safety, see why those with a military background choose Schneider and apply to join the team by visiting schneiderjobs.com or calling 800-44-PRIDE.

Top 5 Things Drivers Should Look for in a Carrier

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1. Integrity

A reputable trucking company has a set of core values it lives by and a track record to prove it. Anyone can claim to value safety, but what do the statistics say? Every company boasts respect for drivers, but what do the men and women behind the wheel really say? All carriers strive for excellence, but do they have decades of proven success to stand on? There are some fly-by-night operations in this industry, but you won’t regret working for a company with a reputation of integrity.

 2. Fair Compensation

Every driver deserves to be rewarded appropriately for the hard work they do, but it isn’t all about money either. Some companies will fill your wallet but treat you terribly. Others promise hefty pay per mile but don’t have the freight to make it worth it. Still others follow through with a great paycheck but don’t offer benefits. When you pick a carrier, look into the entire compensation package, along with opportunities for bonuses and career advancement.

 3. Career Options

The trucking industry has a notoriously high turnover rate, but finding the “green grass” right away will be just as helpful for you as it will for the company you choose. The best carriers will treat you right and pay you fairly, but they’ll also provide opportunities for advancement and movement within the company that meet your work-life balance needs. Some carriers put you through their school and funnel you in the direction that helps their bottom line or fits their limited freight base. Wouldn’t you rather be able to pick your driving school, and then find a company where you can continue to pick the best driving option for your life situation?

 4. Home Time

Let’s be honest: truck driving is more than a job – it’s a lifestyle. Being away from home is simply a reality as a truck driver, but a carrier worth choosing understands how to maximize that home time. Whether it’s special programs to get over-the-road drivers home for longer periods, or regional routes more conducive to drivers supporting families, or even part-time options, the best truck driving companies will encourage a healthy work-life balance.

 5. Equipment

The trucks you drive and the technology you use aren’t just accessories on the job. They impact your quality of life and even your livelihood. If you work for a company that promises great mileage-based pay, frequent home time and steady freight, but your tractor keeps breaking down before you can rack up miles, get home or haul your next load, what’s the point? What if the poor condition of equipment negatively impacts your CSA score? Look for a company that continually invests in new equipment and has a track record of technological innovation that makes a driver safer, more comfortable and more productive.

If you’re looking for a company with all of the above, and 80 years of proof, check out Schneider.

Tips for Choosing a Chicago CDL School

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There are multiple CDL schools in Chicago, so how do you find the right one for you? When choosing a CDL school in Chicago, there are a few key factors that you should take into account:

1. Look at their track record.

First and foremost, look at the track record of the school. How many commercial driver’s licenses have they issued? A school that advertises that they’re the “best driving school in Chicago”, but doesn’t have an established track record of helping students to graduate and find jobs is a school to avoid. At Progressive Truck School, we’ve graduated over 50,000 students since 1974 – those are the types of numbers you should be looking for when selecting a school.

Also, look at the testimonials on the school’s website and social media. Look carefully at what students say about the training and professionalism of the staff. Avoid schools where you aren’t able to find feedback from former students.

2. Check out the equipment they offer to students.

Does the school offer late-model conventional and cab-over tractors, day cabs and sleepers, with single and double axles and various transmissions, as well as different brands of vehicle, so you get an all-around training experience?

Also, what does their training terminal/lot look like? A school without a dedicated, large training terminal and parking lot is typically a CDL school to avoid. Also, look for a school that offers on-the-road training, so that you can get real-life experience.

3. Find out if they offer job placement assistance.

Does the school you’re considering offer Job Placement assistance? The last thing you want to be is a CDL graduate without a great job to jump-start your career.

Look for schools that have experience placing students with top companies. At Progressive Truck School, we assist students to get jobs at companies like Schneider National, Werner Enterprises, FedEx, Roehl, and Con-Way.  Also, look for CDL schools that offer job placement assistance free of charge!

By taking these factors into consideration, you are well on your way to finding a great truck school for your CDL certification! To apply to Progressive Truck Driving School, complete this form.

Trucking Companies are Upping Driver Pay to Attract New Drivers (Again).

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Wal-Mart, one of the countries’ largest retailer, has begun releasing radio ads in hopes of attracting drivers with a new compensation structure: Wal-Mart is offering qualified drivers with CDLs, like those obtainable through Progressive Truck Driving School, a $76,000 salary plus benefits.

According to a Wal-Mart spokesperson, the company currently has 7,200 drivers, but needs even more.

According to The American Trucking Associations, the US currently has 750,000 “for hire” drivers but needs at least 30,000 more right now. They estimate that the industry must hire 100,000 drivers every year for 10 years if it hopes to keep up with retirements, turnover and industry growth. This will no doubt lead to increased compensation packages and benefits to attract new drivers.

Average annual pay for drivers was under $50,000 last year, up roughly 28 percent from around $39,000 in 2000, according to data from ATA and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With Wal-Mart offering compensation of $70,000+, it is estimated that other companies will join suit to remain competitive, so increases in salary for 2015 are expected.

With pay on the rise, now is a great time to obtain your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and be on your way to a lucrative career in a fast-growing industry.

Contact us to talk to an admissions advisor about earning your CDL:  (773) 736-5522.