Caledonia Haulers teams up with NICC and Hawkeye Community College to help meet growing demand for CDL tractor-trailer drivers
Semi simulation ... Hawkeye Community College Transportation Instructor Jake Ludeking demonstrates how the driving simulator works that is used as part of the CDL Semi-Truck Driver Class being held in Waukon in conjunction with Northeast Iowa Community College and Caledonia Haulers, Inc. The driving simulator first allows students to hone their manual shifting and other big rig driving skills before they head out on the open road with instructors to gain driving experience. Submitted photo.
Hands-on learning under the hood as well ... Students in the CDL Semi-Truck Driver Class being held in Waukon through a partnership between Northeast Iowa Community College, Hawkeye Community College and Caledonia Haulers, Inc. also get to experience some time “under the hood” to learn about the machines they are operating and to be able to perform pre-trip inspections that are part of the final testing procedure for obtaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). In an effort to help meet the growing demand for CDL drivers, Caledonia Haulers is allowing the class to be held in its Waukon facility and also provides a semi tractor-trailer for students to learn with. Submitted photo.
by Brianne Grimstad
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) has partnered with Hawkeye Community College and Caledonia Haulers, Inc. to offer a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Semi-Truck Driver class in Waukon. There is a demand for CDL drivers around the country, with consumers opting to have good delivered to their homes instead of going out and shopping in stores or at malls. NICC Transportation Program Developer Marty Hemann also noted that there is a retiring workforce of drivers who are going to need to be replaced in the near future.
Hemann further noted that the average salary for a CDL driver in Iowa (as of February 2025) is around $68,705 per year, or $33 an hour. Salaries can vary widely, depending on many factors, such as location, type of freight and experience. While newer drivers may start out earning less than that average, after having a few years of experience under their belt, they have the potential to earn above the average.
The class in Waukon is held at a building that is owned by Caledonia Haulers. In addition to providing a classroom and shop space, Caledonia Haulers has also generously provided a truck for students to practice their driving skills.
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