Situated in the heart of the Midlands, TransTech’s Columbia campus on Rosewood Drive serves students from across Richland and Lexington counties and surrounding communities including West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and Lexington.
Our Class A CDL program takes students from the classroom through the range and out on the road. Students learn about air brakes, trip planning, pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, and behind-the-wheel training, building the skills needed to pass the South Carolina CDL exam and start working as a truck driver. TransTech will help you schedule your skills test at the SCDMV. The program is ELDT-compliant and can be completed in as little as four weeks. No prior experience required.
Class B CDL training is also available at the Columbia campus for students pursuing careers in straight truck, dump truck, delivery, construction, or waste and recycling driving. The Columbia area supports consistent demand for Class B drivers across multiple industries.
The full-time CDL program can be completed in four weeks and begins every Monday. Classes are in session Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm.
The weekend program runs for ten weeks and is built for students who are currently working. Class schedule is Saturday–Sunday, 7am–5pm.
Columbia sits at the intersection of I-20, I-26, and I-77, putting it within reach of major freight markets across the Southeast. The Midlands region supports a range of industries that depend on CDL drivers, including manufacturing, construction, and food and beverage distribution. It also plays a key role in government and military logistics due to the presence of Fort Jackson. As South Carolina’s capital and one of its largest cities, Columbia generates steady, year-round freight movement that keeps demand for truck drivers consistent.
The Columbia market supports opportunities across local delivery, regional hauling, and over-the-road routes. Southeastern Freight Lines, one of the most well-regarded carriers in the Southeast, is headquartered in South Carolina and actively recruits in the area. National carriers including Schneider National, Stevens Transport, TMC Transportation, and Werner Enterprises also hire from the region. TransTech’s job placement program connects graduates with carriers hiring across all route types.
Entry-level CDL drivers in the Columbia area typically earn:
$48,000 – $65,000 per year
Based on data from Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor for the Columbia, SC market. Drivers moving into regional or OTR roles commonly earn $65,000–$85,000, with higher pay tied to mileage, endorsements, and experience. Drivers in specialized roles or with consistent OTR miles can earn $85,000 or more annually.
New classes begin every Monday. Fill out the form on this page to get in touch with admissions.
View Next Columbia Class StartTransTech’s Columbia campus offers Class A CDL training and Class B CDL training. Both programs are ELDT compliant and approved by the State of South Carolina.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate commerce or hazardous materials), hold a valid South Carolina driver’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and pass a DOT physical and drug screen. Your license cannot be suspended, disqualified, or revoked, and you cannot hold more than one driver’s license. Learn more about South Carolina CDL Requirements.
Yes, the class schedule is Saturday & Sunday, 7am–5pm for ten weeks.
No. You do not need any prior commercial driving experience to enroll in the Class A program at TransTech Columbia. You will earn your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) in the first week of training.
The Columbia market has consistent demand for CDL drivers across local, regional, and OTR routes. TransTech’s job placement assistance connects graduates with carriers and recruiters during and after training.
TransTech works with students on a range of payment options including financing, VA benefits, SC Works grants, and carrier sponsorship programs. Contact our admissions team and we will walk you through what fits your situation.
Students come to the Rosewood Drive campus from across the Midlands region. Common areas include Richland and Lexington counties, with students traveling from West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, Lexington, Blythewood, Elgin, and surrounding communities. The campus is accessible from I-20, I-26, and I-77.
