Skip to content

CDL Training in Des Moines, IA

Compare CDL schools, training costs, and local trucking job opportunities in the Des Moines metro area.

Average Tuition

$2,500 - $5,500

Program Length

3-6 weeks

Job Market Strength

Strong

CDL Training Market in Des Moines

Des Moines is home to an unusual concentration of carrier headquarters -- Ruan Transportation, CRST International, Heartland Express, and TMC Transportation are all based here. I-80 and I-35 intersect in the metro, and CDL training is very affordable. The agricultural economy creates additional seasonal demand for grain and livestock haulers.

Major Interstates & Freight Corridors

I-35I-80I-235

These interstates create high freight volume and strong demand for CDL drivers in the Des Moines metro area.

CDL Schools in Des Moines

160 Driving Academy - Des Moines

Private
Visit Website

Des Moines Area Community College CDL Program

Community College
Visit Website

Ruan Transportation CDL Training

Company-Sponsored

Local Employers Hiring CDL Drivers

Ruan TransportationCRST InternationalHeartland ExpressTMC Transportation

CDL Training FAQs for Des Moines

Why is Des Moines good for CDL training?

Des Moines is home to four major carrier headquarters -- Ruan Transportation, CRST International, Heartland Express, and TMC Transportation -- giving CDL graduates immediate access to employers. The I-80 and I-35 corridors provide diverse freight lane options.

How much does CDL school cost in Des Moines?

CDL training in Des Moines ranges from $2,500 to $5,500, well below the national average. DMACC offers financial aid-eligible programs, and some local carriers like Ruan and CRST offer company-sponsored training with no upfront cost.

What carriers are headquartered near Des Moines?

Ruan Transportation, CRST International, Heartland Express, and TMC Transportation are all headquartered in the Des Moines area. This concentration of carrier headquarters creates one of the strongest local hiring pipelines for CDL graduates in the country.