Truck Driver Institute’s CDL training in Gulfport MS is well-known as one of the most respected truck driving schools in the state because of our experienced instructors and connections in the trucking industry.
20214 Highway 49
Saucier, MS 39574
United States (US)
Phone: 1-800-848-7364
Get on the Road to a New Career Today
Serving the Gulfport / Biloxi / Pascagoula area for over 35 years, the 15+ acre facility is a spacious, modern training center. Couple these modern facilities with our advanced truck driving course material, industry-leading instructors and on-site Mississippi CDL testing facilities, and it’s not hard to see why more students and carriers choose TDI Gulfport as their training partner over any other CDL training in Mississippi.
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Our Gulfport Truck Driving School Location
Our CDL training in Mississippi is unlike any other. Our program is taught by long-time industry professionals who adjust the classes to fit your individual learning needs.
We won’t waste your time or money at our truck driving school Mississippi location. Our students are pre-screened to make sure that they fit the requirements of our partner companies. This process is done to ensure that you have a job offer when you graduate.
From the first day you start our CDL training Gulfport MS we place you with a staff member who ensures that you find a carrier that will meet your goals.
With our over 80% job placement rating, it’s no surprise that we are the best truck driving school Mississippi residents can trust. We are proud to not be contractually obligated to place you with any particular trucking company. Unlike other companies that masquerade as carriers’ hiring mills, we use the bonds that we’ve created over the last 47 years to make sure you are placed with the best carrier company for you.
Most of our students receive a job offer before they graduate. If you don’t, don’t worry our hiring services are free to our students and graduate students. We work with you until you find the best fit for you. If later you decide that you don’t like where you are, you can always come back and visit us! We love to help our graduate students find the perfect job that fits their goals.
While training at the Gulfport training facility, you will learn both the technical and the operational aspects of driving a semi-truck. Some of the technical information you will learn will include maintaining driver logs, reading maps, trip planning and conducting a pre-trip safety inspection of your vehicle. The hands-on portion of our training program puts you behind the wheel of a full-sized 18 wheeler while you learn shifting techniques, turning maneuvers and safely backing up the vehicle. Once you’ve mastered handling of the tractor trailer forwards and backwards, you’ll be tested on-site for your Mississippi Class A CDL License!
TDI vs. Vocational School
| TDI | Vocational School | |
|---|---|---|
| ELDT training | ✓ | |
| Ongoing job placement | ✓ | |
| Comprehensive 3-week program | ✓ | |
| Hands-on training (no simulators) | ✓ | |
| On-site training and testing | ✓ | |
| Established since 1973 | ✓ | |
| 80% job placement with thecarrier of your choice | ✓ | |
| Freedom to choose your employer | ✓ | |
| Contract requirements with carriers | X | |
| Lower pay right out of graduation | X | |
| Simulator training | X |
Our CDL Training in Mississippi Offers Class A CDL Training
We focus more on Class A CDL training in Mississippi, but there are also Class B and C licenses. This is a rundown for each license and what types of vehicles they allow you to operate
Class A CDL
This Class A CDL is the most advanced CDL you can obtain. That’s because it allows you to drive everything up to a truck capable of towing a trailer with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 10,000 pounds and over. The standard 18 wheeler requires a Class A commercial drivers license.
Note that a Class A CDL allows you to drive everything up to a full-sized semi-truck. That means you’re allowed to drive every vehicle that Class B and C drivers can operate. That’s why we recommend that new drivers obtain a Class A license even if they’re not interested in long-haul trucking with a full-sized truck. Also, a Class A CDL is required to drive over state lines with large cargo.
Class B CDL
This Class B CDL allows you to drive a vehicle which can carry less than 10,000 pounds GVWR and has a single-axle trailer. This means Class B drivers can drive all kinds of busses, box trucks, deliver trucks, dump trucks, tilt beds, tour busses, passenger vans, and more!
It’s worth mentioning that the Class B CDL is restricted to the state in which it was issued, meaning you won’t be able to drive between states to work long-haul jobs. On the other hand, it’s perfect for professionals who are seeking regional driving careers.
Class C CDL
The Class C CDL permits you to drive vehicles with GVWRs of less than 26,001 pounds, vehicles towing other vehicles that weigh less than 10,000 pounds, and vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
The Class C CDL allows you to drive tank trucks, small trucks towing a trailer, passenger vans, and hazmat vehicles, provided you obtain the proper training and endorsements to do so. Class C CDLs are the least versatile commercial driving licenses you can receive. That’s why they may be more prevalent among people who have a particular need for a CDL, such as a job requirement that does not focus on driving.
If you still aren’t sure which CDL you need, feel free to reach out to us with your questions. We’re happy to answer them for you and lead you in the direction you need to go!
The Saucier campus near Gulfport is conveniently located on Highway 49, just North of Gulfport, Mississippi, making it easy to commute for your daily CDL training classes — including students from Slidell, LA; Grand Bay, AL; Biloxi, MS, D’Iberville, MS, and Picayune, MS.
Don’t Live In the Gulfport Area?
Many of our students live out of area but still choose our Mississippi truck driving schools because of the high-quality training and established partnerships with major carriers throughout the United States. If you’re not in the area, consider one of our other 10 locations.
Truck Driver Institute was the best choice for us. TDI allowed us to explore all carriers opportunities. The instructors were top notch, caring supportive and patient. We would recommend TDI to anyone interested in a career in the trucking industry.Truck Driver Institute was the best choice for us. TDI allowed us to explore all carriers opportunities. The instructors were top notch, caring supportive and patient. We would recommend TDI to anyone interested in a career in the trucking industry.Our CDL Training in Mississippi Offers Class A CDL Training
We focus more on Class A CDL training in Mississippi, but there are also Class B and C licenses. This is a rundown for each license and what types of vehicles they allow you to operate
Class A CDL
This Class A CDL is the most advanced CDL you can obtain. That’s because it allows you to drive everything up to a truck capable of towing a trailer with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 10,000 pounds and over. The standard 18 wheeler requires a Class A commercial drivers license.
Note that a Class A CDL allows you to drive everything up to a full-sized semi-truck. That means you’re allowed to drive every vehicle that Class B and C drivers can operate. That’s why we recommend that new drivers obtain a Class A license even if they’re not interested in long-haul trucking with a full-sized truck. Also, a Class A CDL is required to drive over state lines with large cargo.
Class B CDL
This Class B CDL allows you to drive a vehicle which can carry less than 10,000 pounds GVWR and has a single-axle trailer. This means Class B drivers can drive all kinds of busses, box trucks, deliver trucks, dump trucks, tilt beds, tour busses, passenger vans, and more!
It’s worth mentioning that the Class B CDL is restricted to the state in which it was issued, meaning you won’t be able to drive between states to work long-haul jobs. On the other hand, it’s perfect for professionals who are seeking regional driving careers.
Class C CDL
The Class C CDL permits you to drive vehicles with GVWRs of less than 26,001 pounds, vehicles towing other vehicles that weigh less than 10,000 pounds, and vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
The Class C CDL allows you to drive tank trucks, small trucks towing a trailer, passenger vans, and hazmat vehicles, provided you obtain the proper training and endorsements to do so. Class C CDLs are the least versatile commercial driving licenses you can receive. That’s why they may be more prevalent among people who have a particular need for a CDL, such as a job requirement that does not focus on driving.
If you still aren’t sure which CDL you need, feel free to reach out to us with your questions. We’re happy to answer them for you and lead you in the direction you need to go!
Things to Do in Gulfport, MS
While you are working on your CDL training Gulfport MS, there are plenty of things to do in your free time. Gulfport is the second largest city in the state of Mississippi and has a variety of outdoor entertainment, museums, and other attractions.
Enjoy The Beach
One of the most popular things to do in Gulfport -besides our CDL training, of course – is to go and enjoy the beaches. With beautiful white sands, the Mississippi beaches sit on the Gulf Coast. Some perks of the Gulf include:
- Temperatures are slightly warmer than the Atlantic, allowing you to enjoy the beach for longer.
- While other beaches have browner, harder-packed sand, the white sands on the gulf beaches are softer and easier to walk on.
- The water on the Gulf Coast is clearer and has less dramatic waves than other American shorelines. While this means fewer options for boogie boarders, it does make it more relaxing for families with younger children to enjoy.
Many visitors say that the beaches are clean and have plenty of parking, making it an easy choice for those who want to spend their afternoons or weekends enjoying the surf.
Plenty of Fishing
With the beaches, naturally, there is plenty of saltwater fishing. There are docks and piers available for those who want to go out independently, or individuals can charter a boat and fish with an experienced captain. This makes Gulfport an excellent location for beginners and experienced anglers.
There are also a diverse array of fish species available. When it comes to on-shore fishing, there are sheephead, redfish, black drum, and speckled trout. With offshore fishing, the water includes shark, mahi-mahi, bluefish, cobia, king mackerel, shark, snapper, tuna, and many more, depending on how far out into the ocean you go. Gulfport is also famous for the tarpon, as the warm waters make it an ideal habitat.
Enjoy the Food
As a gulf shore town, it’s not surprising that many of Gulfport’s most popular restaurants are based around seafood menus. Ranging from white table cloth to casual, family-run locations, you can find some of the best oysters in the south, to die for shrimp, and other incredible seafood, all at Gulfport’s restaurants.
Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum
Mississippi’s number one museum for celebrating aviation is right in Gulfport. With touch tables, flight simulators, and over 30,000 square feet of displays, this is a great museum for anyone interested in the history of flight.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
If you have children visiting or with you while in CDL training Gulfport MS, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is the perfect place to take them.
This early 1900s school-turned-museum is the home to various learning experiences around art, science, mathematics, cooking, and more by using interactive exhibits, outdoor play, and other experiences to make learning fun. As one of the highest-ranked children’s museums in the state, this is a great family-friendly way to spend a day.
20214 Highway 49
Saucier, MS 39574
United States (US)
Phone: 1-800-848-7364
CALL US TODAY AT 800-848-7364
You can also contact us by filling out this quick and easy contact form. Once submitted we will be in contact with you as soon as we can.
*For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments. For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill® student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form. Students must provide school with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) prior to beginning class, but not later than the first day of training. A print screen of Statement of Benefits page will be accepted in lieu of COE and verification of benefits will be required. Please see 38 USC 3679(e) for complete details. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Public Notice of Title VI Program Rights
The Truck Driver Institute, Inc. gives public notice of its’ policy to uphold and assure full compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related Nondiscrimination authorities. Title VI and related Nondiscrimination authorities stipulate that no person in the United States of America shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, income level or Limited English Proficiency be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Any person who desires more information regarding Truck Driver Institute Inc.’s Title VI Program can contact its Title VI Coordinator – Mark Carey — at the address noted below. Any person who believes they have, individually or as a member of any specific class of persons, been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, income level or Limited English Proficiency has the right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint must be in writing and submitted within 180 days following the date of the alleged occurrence to: Title VI Program Coordinator Mark Carey / Truck Driver Institute Inc. PO Box 1599 Murfreesboro TN 37133 615-895-2070