Starting Over After a Layoff? How a CDL Can Steer You Toward a Brighter Future

Layoffs Are Tough—But Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Losing a job can feel like a punch to the gut. One day, you’re clocking in, planning for the future—the next, you’re handed a pink slip and left wondering, “What now?” At the Truck Driver’s Institute (TDI), we’ve met thousands of people in your shoes. Teachers, factory workers, retail managers, veterans—people who never imagined themselves behind the wheel of a big rig. But here’s the truth they’ve discovered: A layoff isn’t an ending. It’s a detour.

And trucking might just be the road you’ve been looking for.

Why Trucking?

Let’s cut to the chase: Trucking is one of the few industries where demand outpaces supply. Right now, carriers across the U.S. need 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade. Why?

• 11.84 billion tons of freight moved by trucks last in 2019, —that’s everything from hospital supplies to your morning coffee.
• 80% of U.S. communities rely solely on trucks for goods.
• $60,000+ average starting pay for drivers—with benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Trucking isn’t just a job. It’s a career that can’t be outsourced, automated, or downsized.

From Layoff to Launchpad: How TDI Helps You Pivot Fast

At TDI, we specialize in turning uncertainty into opportunity. Here’s how we do it:

1. Train in Just 3 Weeks—No Experience Needed

Forget years of school or debt. Our accelerated program gets you behind the wheel on Day 1. You’ll learn:

• Real-world driving on multi-acre training ranges (no simulators!).
• Safety skills that keep you—and everyone else—protected.
• Manual transmissions, backing, shifting—everything carriers require.

2. Job Placement Assistance Before You Graduate

Over 80% of our students have job offers lined up before they finish training. How?

• 20+ carrier partners (like Walmart, Schneider, and Swift) hire directly from our schools.
• Local and regional routes so you can choose home time that fits your life.
• Lifetime job support—even years after graduation.

3. Financial Flexibility When You Need It Most

We get it: Money’s tight after a layoff. That’s why we offer:

• Scholarships for single parents, veterans, and displaced workers.
• GI Bill®-approved training (VA benefits eligibility).
• Payment plans so you can start earning before you pay a dime.

“But I’ve Never Driven a Truck Before!”

You don’t need experience. You just need grit. Our instructors—many of whom are former drivers themselves—break down every skill step-by-step. From pre-trip inspections to highway merging, we’ll prepare you to pass your CDL test and thrive on the road.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

A layoff can leave you feeling stuck. But here’s the reality: The road is wide open. In 15 days, you could be:

• Earning a paycheck that supports your family.
• Gaining skills that can’t be taken away.
• Joining an industry that’s essential to every American.

Ready to shift gears?

1. Call (800) 848-7364 to chat with an advisor (no pressure—just answers).
2. Train risk-free: Many carriers cover tuition if you drive for them.
3. Graduate and go: Hit the road in weeks, not years.

About TDI

Since 1973, the Truck Driver’s Institute has helped over 100,000 Americans launch careers in trucking. With 10 campuses nationwide, 3-week CDL programs, and job placement assistance, we’re here to help you steer life forward—no matter what detours you’ve faced.