We’re honored and humbled to announce that Midwest Truck Driving School has been awarded the 2025 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics. This recognition represents nearly three decades of commitment to doing right by our students, our team, and our Upper Michigan community.
But what does this award really mean for you—whether you’re considering CDL training, currently enrolled, or already part of our alumni family? Let’s break it down.
What Is the BBB Torch Award for Ethics?
The Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics is one of the most prestigious recognitions a business can receive. It’s not about revenue, size, or flashy marketing—it’s about character, integrity, and trust.
The BBB evaluates organizations based on:
- Ethical business practices and transparency
- Commitment to customers and community
- Workplace culture and team member treatment
- Accountability and honest communication
- Long-term community impact
Out of countless businesses across our region, Midwest Truck Driving School was selected for this honor. And we don’t take that lightly.
Why Trust Matters in CDL Training
When you’re choosing a CDL school, you’re not just picking a place to learn how to drive a truck. You’re investing in your future career, your family’s financial security, and your professional reputation.
As we’ve said time and time again: “For an organization like this, like Midwest that’s been around since 1998, we’re going on 28 years, you have to have trust. You have to have trust with your team members. You have to have trust with the community and you have to have trust with all the customers that are coming through. It’s really one of the staples to running a successful organization.”
Trust means:
- No hidden fees or surprise costs during your training
- Honest guidance about job placement and career expectations
- Transparent communication about what you’ll learn and how long it takes
- Experienced instructors with millions of safe miles under their belts
- Quality equipment and real-world training scenarios
Unfortunately, not all CDL schools operate this way. Some promise job guarantees they can’t deliver. Others lock students into restrictive contracts with carrier obligations. We’ve never done business that way, and we never will.
27 Years of Putting Students First
Since 1998, Midwest Truck Driving School has trained over 20,000 professional drivers. That’s not a small number—that’s generations of families, career changers, veterans transitioning to civilian life, and young adults starting their first real career.
“Every student that comes into this building, comes into this school, they’re going to feel like family. They’re going to be pushed. They’re going to be motivated. They’re going to have these goals going in of wanting to succeed and we’re going to do everything that we can to make sure they’re successful.”
This isn’t just talk. It’s how we’ve operated for nearly three decades. Our instructors bring over 200 years of combined experience. We offer:
Comprehensive CDL Training Programs:
- Class A CDL Training (8-speed, 10-speed, and 13-speed manual transmissions)
- Class B CDL Training
- School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) Endorsements
- Hazmat (H) Endorsement (ELDT-compliant)
- Tanker (N) Endorsement
- Doubles and Triples (T) Endorsement
- Online ELDT Theory Training (available nationwide)
Real-World Skills That Matter:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) training (Qualcomm, Rand McNally, PeopleNet)
- Bridge Law (weight, height, length restrictions)
- Coupling/uncoupling, drop and hooks
- FMCSA rules and regulations, CSA and MVR reports
- Adverse weather condition training
- Cat Scale training
- DOT scale house training
- Tire chain exercises
- Roundabout experience
We don’t just teach you how to pass the CDL test. We teach you how to be a safe, professional, career-ready driver.
What This Award Means for Our Students
Receiving the 2025 BBB Torch Award for Ethics isn’t just a plaque on our wall—it’s a promise to you.
“This award I think means so much for me and the team here. It shows that all the hard work and the right leadership and the right commitment to integrity and trust and ethics in our community hasn’t gone overlooked. And so for me it really just shines to light that we are making a difference and we are doing some great things here at the school and people are recognizing that and so for us it’s beyond exciting.”
Here’s what it means practically:
1. You’re learning from a recognized leader in ethical business practices
When you tell potential employers you trained at Midwest Truck Driving School, they know you learned from a school that does things right.
2. Your investment is protected
You’re not dealing with a fly-by-night operation. We’ve been here for 27 years, and we’ll be here for decades to come.
3. You’ll receive honest career guidance
We don’t make promises we can’t keep. We connect you with hiring partners, but we’re upfront about job placement realities and industry expectations.
4. Your training meets the highest standards
We’re FMCSA-approved and ELDT-compliant. Our curriculum exceeds minimum requirements because we believe you deserve better than “just enough.”
5. You have access to ongoing support
Our relationship doesn’t end when you pass your CDL test. We remain a resource throughout your career.
Why Students Choose Midwest Truck Driving School
Don’t just take our word for it. With hundreds of 5-star reviews across Google and Facebook, our students speak for themselves:
What Our Students Say:
“Best instructors I have ever had!”
“Staff is extremely knowledgeable and professional.”
“Will recommend to anyone looking to get their CDL!”
“Great instructors very knowledgeable and helpful. Built up my confidence greatly.”
“Very professional and taught very well. Their communication was outstanding when getting signed up for a class.”
Our Numbers Speak Too:
- Over 20,000 graduates since 1998
- 5.0-star rating on Google (664+ reviews)
- Nationwide ELDT training available in all 50 states
- Veteran-friendly (GI Bill® approved, Voc Rehab, Montgomery GI Bill®, National Guard tuition assistance)
- Multiple financing options available
Career Freedom: No Employer Lock-Ins
One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to your career freedom.
Unlike carrier-sponsored programs that require 9-24 month employment contracts, Midwest Truck Driving School gives you the skills and credentials to choose your own employer.
Here’s the difference:
| Carrier-Sponsored “Free” Training | Midwest Truck Driving School |
|---|---|
| “Free” but locked into 9-24 month contract | Pay once, keep your options forever |
| Limited to one employer | Interview with multiple carriers |
| Restricted routes and home time | Negotiate your worth and schedule |
| Contract penalties if you leave | Complete independence |
We believe in investing in yourself once so you can negotiate from a position of strength. Our graduates walk into interviews with:
- Comprehensive training on multiple transmission types
- Real-world experience beyond the basic CDL test
- Safety-first mentality and professional skills
- The freedom to choose the best fit for their lifestyle
What Makes Ethical CDL Training Different?
So what does “ethical” really look like in CDL training? Here’s how we operate:
1. Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. You know exactly what you’re paying for upfront.
2. Honest Timeline Expectations
We tell you realistically how long training takes and what to expect each week. No false promises of “get your CDL in 3 days.”
3. Quality Over Quantity
We limit class sizes so instructors can give you individual attention. You’re not just a number.
4. Safety-First Culture
We never cut corners on safety training. Ever. You’ll learn adverse weather driving, proper pre-trip inspections, and defensive driving techniques.
5. Real Equipment, Real Experience
You’ll train on actual semi-trucks with 8-speed, 10-speed, and 13-speed manual transmissions. No simulators as substitutes for real wheel time.
6. Experienced Instructors
Our team has over 200 years of combined experience. They’ve lived this career and know what you’ll face on the road.
7. No Job Guarantees (Because We’re Honest)
We don’t promise what we can’t control. What we DO promise: We’ll prepare you thoroughly and connect you with hiring partners who actively recruit our graduates.
8. Ongoing Support
Questions after graduation? Need a refresher? We’re here for you.
Beyond CDL Training: Heavy Equipment & Electrical Line Work
Midwest Truck Driving School is part of a larger family of trade schools committed to ethical, quality training.
North Country Heavy Equipment School
Since 1999, our sister school has trained operators in:
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Backhoes
- Motor graders
- Front-end loaders
- Track loaders
- And more
North Country Electrical Line Technician Program
Our newest program offers comprehensive 16-week lineman training, including:
- Pole climbing certification
- Bucket truck operation
- Heavy equipment operation
- Class A CDL training
- OSHA ET&D certification
- CPR/First Aid/AED training
All programs share the same ethical foundation: Honest training. Real skills. Career freedom.
The Midwest Difference: Culture Matters
Winning the BBB Torch Award for Ethics isn’t about one decision or one policy—it’s about culture.
It’s about the instructor who stays late to help a student master parallel parking.
It’s about the office staff who works with you to find financing options that fit your budget.
It’s about the leadership team that turns down shortcuts because doing things right matters more than doing things fast.
It’s about treating every student—whether you’re 18 or 58, whether it’s your first career or your fifth—with dignity, respect, and genuine care.
That’s the culture that earned us this award. And that’s the culture you’ll experience as our student.
Ready to Start Your CDL Journey?
If you’ve been thinking about CDL training, there’s no better time to get started. And there’s no better place to train than a school that’s been recognized for putting ethics and students first.
Next Steps:
1. Explore Your Options
2. Check Funding Options
We work with:
- VA Benefits (GI Bill® approved)
- WIOA grants
- 529 college savings plans
- Klarna financing
- Payment plans
3. Talk to Our Team
📞 For in-person classes: 906-789-6311
📞 For online classes: 906-212-5311
✉️ Email: info@midwesttruckdrivingschool.com
4. Apply Today
Spots fill fast—reserve yours today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the BBB Torch Award for Ethics really mean for me as a student?
A: It means you’re training with a school that’s been independently verified to operate with integrity, transparency, and commitment to student success. It’s third-party validation that we practice what we preach.
Q: Is Midwest Truck Driving School more expensive because of this award?
A: Not at all. Our pricing has always been competitive and transparent. This award recognizes how we’ve always done business—it doesn’t change our commitment to accessible, quality training.
Q: How do I know I’ll actually get a job after training?
A: We’re honest about this: We can’t guarantee employment because we don’t control hiring decisions. What we CAN promise is that we’ll prepare you thoroughly, connect you with hiring partners actively recruiting our graduates, and give you the skills to compete for the jobs you want.
Q: Do you have job placement assistance?
A: Yes! We work with numerous trucking companies and maintain relationships with hiring partners. Many recruiters specifically seek out our graduates because they know our training standards.
Q: Can I take classes if I live out of state?
A: Absolutely! We train students from all 50 states. We also offer online ELDT theory training that you can complete from anywhere, then come to Michigan for hands-on training.
Q: What financing options are available?
A: We accept VA benefits, WIOA grants, 529 plans, Klarna, and offer payment plans. Our admissions team will work with you to find a solution that fits your situation.
Join the Midwest Family
For 27 years, we’ve built something special here in Escanaba, Michigan. It’s more than a truck driving school—it’s a community of professionals who genuinely care about your success.
The 2025 BBB Torch Award for Ethics is recognition of what we’ve always known: When you do right by people, good things happen.
We can’t wait to welcome you into our family and help you start your new career with confidence.
Ready to get started? Call us today at 906-789-6311 or visit our enrollment page to begin your application.
Here’s to your success—we’ll see you in class! 🚛