Get on the road to a new career with Combined Energy Services!
Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) has become very difficult & expensive in recent years compared to years ago where you could simply take a written exam at the DMV, drive with a friend in their truck and take your road test. Today the USDOT requires “Entry Level Driver Training” through a registered training agency and do your practice driving time with a registered instructor. Getting this training and road time can be very costly and more often than not, nowhere near home. Thankfully CES is a USDOT certified training center making getting your CDL easier and at no cost.
Free CDL Program with CES
We’re looking for safe, reliable delivery drivers and service techs with CDLs. When you receive your CDL you start working the next day!
Requirements:
- Interview with CES to see if this is a fit for you and you for us
- Valid NYS drivers license (that isn’t too banged-up)
- Able to pass the required USDOT 5 panel drug test
- Pass the required ‘medical physical exam’ as required by the USDOT
- Able to pass the CDL written exam at the DMV along with tank & air brake endorsements
- Able to pass your ‘road test’ in a 33,000 lb truck with an automatic transmission
- Able to pass the FBI background check to obtain your hazmat endorsement
- Positive attitude and solid work background
What’s the catch? We want YOU!
When you get your CDL we’ll put you on full-time (or part time if that’s your goal) to train with an experienced delivery driver until you take/ pass your written hazmat test, get approved by the FBI and have that in your hands.
Minimum Work Time Requirement: Work for CES a minimum of 32 hours per month (4 working days) for two years. We love FULL-TIME delivery drivers but realize this might work well for part-timers as well. But no matter how we cut it, we want 9 months with us either full or part-time.
How the programs flows: After we accept you into the program, you pass the DMV written CDL B exam, take a physical exam with DOT physician / receive your “medical certificate” – then:
- Complete required “Entry Level Driver Training” online offered in our facility
- Practice driving with our registered trainer in a Class B (33,000 lb truck)
- Practice “pre-trip” inspections
- Use our truck for DMV road test, conveniently across the street from our office
- Reimbursement for your “medical exam certificate”, CDL cost & hazmat / tank endorsements after receiving certs
- Practice written exams available
Common Questions & Answers
Q: What does CES deliver?
A: Heating oil, propane gas, liquid chlorine for pools, compressed gases for our AllGas
division & bulk CO2 to restaurants & bars
Q: Where can I work from?
A: We have depots in Monticello, Liberty, Kerhonkson, Goshen, Red Hook, Saugerties
in NY, Dingmans Ferry PA and Newton NJ
Q: What does CES pay per hour once I get my CDL?
A: Pay ranges from $25 – $32 / hour depending on where work from and experience
Q: Where is training available?
A: Our training center at our Monticello, NY office on East Broadway
Q: What if I like smoking weed, consuming edibles, take pain killers, etc?
A: Sorry – the USDOT requires pre-employment, continual random and post-crash drug
tests so this isn’t the job for you. If you ever test positive in a random test, you lose
your CDL immediately and the positive test follows you. (Marijuana is “legal” in NY,
but not for CDL drivers since this is federally regulated!)
Q: What if I fail my road test?
A: We’ll keep working with you and hope second time’s a charm!
Q: What if I keep failing my road test?
A: We’ll probably shake your hand and wish you well, this might not be for you. In the
event you can’t obtain it – we don’t expect you to pay us back.
Q: What if I don’t fulfill my 24 month obligation?
A: You’ll owe us $1500. Before we start you’ll sign a contract that you agree to pay if
you don’t hold up to your end of the deal.
Q: Do I get paid to train?
A: No, we start paying once you pass your CDL and have it in your hand. We will pay
while you wait to get that hazmat endorsement after the FBI check
Q: When will CES reimburse me for my medical certificate / exam, CDL test and my
hazmat FBI background check?
A: We will reimburse you in full after you’re on-board for 90 days employed
Q: When can I do practice driving?
A: We try to be as flexible as possible and work it out with our trainers
Q: Do we offer CDL “Class A” training for free?
A: Unfortunately no, we only offer “Class B”, which is good for any truck without a trailer
Q: Where can I get my “Medical Certificate”?
A: Many physicians in the area are DOT certified but often we recommend using
“Partners in Safety” located on 17M in Middletown, NY where appointments are
readily available and this is all they do.
Q: Does CES offer dependable year-round employment?
A: Yes. We’re busy all the time with winter & summer being very hectic, plenty of
opportunity to work overtime when we’re busy!
Q: Will CES train me or allow me to take my road test me on a truck with a standard
transmission?
A: No, 99% of our fleet has automatic transmissions today and we’re not buying any
more standards. Automatics simply require much less maintenance and are easier
to drive.
Q: How about my road test?
A: You sign up for that, get your trainer the date in advance and we’ll provide the truck
for the test and get you there. (thankfully directly across the street from CES offices
at the Sullivan County solid waste transfer station in Monticello!).
Fill out our quick-application here and start the conversation, set up an interview.