Training & Orientation
We get it—starting a new job is stressful. That’s why all of us at Dot Transportation, Inc. (DTI) believe our training and orientation program is one of the best in the industry. We want to make you feel as comfortable as possible when taking the next step in your career.
The sooner you apply to drive with DTI, the sooner you get to hit the road as one of the safest drivers in the industry!
What to Expect When Training at DTI
At DTI, our goal is to make you feel confident and safe on the road. Because we want you to succeed, we have a training program that every driver goes through.
DTI has a business model that many drivers haven’t seen before, and a lot of processes and policies that must be thoroughly explained. That means the training you are put through may be on the longer side when you compare it to industry norms.
The length of the training will depend on your past experience and will continue until you are safe and comfortable behind the wheel of a DTI truck. That being said, after your training and orientation is done, you will be ready to hit the road with all of your new DTI knowledge.
DTI training and orientation takes 3-10 weeks depending on your experience
Driver Training & Orientation Schedule
Week 1: Classroom Orientation
Your first week at DTI will be spent in an in-house classroom-style orientation. During this orientation, you will become familiar with DTI’s brand, business model, supply chain model, and more.
Orientation includes a wide variety of modules and lessons. A few of those modules include:
- O.S.H.A. training
- Emergency Action Plan
- How driver pay works at DTI
- Company and driver programs, such as 401(k), tuition reimbursement; shirt, jacket, and boot programs; passenger program, and more.
- DTI history and economics
- Trip planning and delivery paperwork
- Injury prevention
- Material handling and forklift training
- Truck information and equipment
- Food safety and security
- Smith System 5 Keys
We know that list can seem long and overwhelming. But our goal is that all of the information you learn will become second nature once you are out on the road.
Week 2: On the Road
Training is what takes up the majority of your first three to 10 weeks as a DTI driver. Because everyone learns and adapts at a different speed, we do not state a specific number of weeks for our training program and leave it as a range of time instead.
During those weeks of training, you will be accompanied by a trainer. While this may seem similar to other companies’ training programs, DTI is different. Because we want you to develop your skills, you are accompanied by a trainer, but you do not team drive with a trainer. Your trainer will be in the passenger seat the entire time.
Our training program is very hands-on. After that week on the road, the driver trainee will start taking more initiative while our trainers are primarily there to supervise, shadow, and coach.
Week 3: Classroom Orientation
After being on the road for a week and putting your new Dot knowledge to work, our trainees will go back to the classroom to continue to tackle the wide variety of modules and lessons.
Week 4+: Back on the Road
For the remaining weeks of training, you will be back on the road with a driver trainer until you and your trainer feel that you are going to be safe and comfortable going solo on the road.
The Final Test
Before you are allowed to take a DTI truck out on the road on your own, you will have to complete a final test. Your trainer also has to feel that you and everyone driving near you would be safe on the road. But, once your trainer gives you the “green light” and you pass your test, you will be ready to be a solo DTI driver!
Hitting the Road Solo
Congratulations! Once you have completed your three to 10 weeks of orientation and are set to begin your next adventure as a DTI driver.
Getting Paid During Training & Orientation
We understand that you need to continue paying your bills and managing your finances while you are going through training—so we make sure we pay our drivers while they are training on the road with us.
Students & Inexperienced Drivers
Have you just completed driving school? Or have been driving with your CDL A for less than 200,000 miles? Here’s what you’ll receive:
- $800 per week during training
- Free lunch while in the classroom
- Daily budget for food costs while training on the road
Experienced Drivers
Do you have 200,000 miles or more under your belt? Experienced drivers can expect the following:
- $1,300 per week during training
- Free lunch while in the classroom
- Daily budget for food costs while training on the road
We know training isn’t anyone’s favorite part of a new job—but our goal is always to make sure you feel prepared to uphold DTI’s standards and brand promise, and you feel safe while behind the wheel of one of our 1,500+ trucks.
Future Drivers
Looking to earn your CDL and become a professional driver? DTI will pay for your driving school tuition and, in many cases, give you a weekly paycheck to boot! Visit our driving schools page to learn more and find a participating facility near you.
Want to learn more about what it takes to be a DTI driver?
