Tri Area Trucking School

Fantastic experience: Tri Area Trucking School is awesome. The office staff if friendly and inviting. They all seem like they like coming to work which is hard to find these days. The instructors are knowledgeable and professional. My instructor was Rick. I can’t speak highly enough of him. Rick is highly knowledgeable and gave me all of the tools needed to succeed. He actually cares about his students success and is not there just to get a paycheck. He even offered to come in on his day off to help review if needed. Good luck finding that anywhere else. If you are needing a cdl look no farther than Tri Area Trucking School.

Negative experience: I was able to secure a grant through Michigan Works for the course completely paid for.The instructor at Kirkland College campus in Grayling was great. Fast forward to the testing with an independent state tester. You WILL TEST with whatever truck the school has available at that time. My first safety test was an older truck that when doing the brake air pressure loss test did not completely disengage the emergency valve all the way out. Emergency valve did release but the actual button did not COMPLETELY engage. The state tester knew this was a problem with this particular truck as it had happened with other students in the same truck. I was failed and scheduled a retest. I retested and had a hard time with the alley dock as most people do. My bad. Third time got through yard test and driving test pass. I'm a truck driver. A YEAR later I start getting billing statements for a $900.00 bill from ROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL that I did not know was associated with tri-area. Apparently this is a "retest fee" although my instructor had said there is no fee to retest. I had just started driving and $900 was not a possibility in my budget at the time. My hard earned credit was damaged as they reported it to a credit company (Jefferson Financial). I called Ross, Tri Area, and Michigan Works right away and really just got snubbed by everybody. I have retained a lawyer and took the hit on my credit for now. This feels like a cdl mill. I definitely feel like the school tries to bilk you for every dollar even though they are well aware you are taking the course with a grant due to unemployment. Also this whole process with yard time at the school and scheduling drive tests that have lengthy wait times this whole process took about 3 agonizing months not 1. I had to drive ALOT from my home town regularly to Grayling over an hour as well as Midland to state test and Freeland for road and yard time. Remember YOU WILL COMMONLY HAVE DIFFERENT TRACTOR/TRAILER COMBINATIONS as well. Good luck with this school. You may want to consider research on other schools.

Fantastic experience: Such an amazing experience. Had a blast from the first day in the class up till the day of my graduation. Huge shout out to STAN the man he is a great instructor and the rest of the staff making me feel welcomed to the school and making trucking seem not as nerve racking as it is . 11/10 recommend going to this school.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend this school. When i started a month ago I had no clue on how to start a semi and a month later im graduated and passed the state test. The instructors go above and beyond to make sure their students get the help they need. Everyone there has been friendly and made great friends along the way. Thanks again TRI AREA TRUCKING SCHOOL.

Fantastic experience: The Best trucking school. The most fun and informative school I’ve ever been too. Every single instructor is amazing and will make sure you are learning and having fun. Eric Zolinski was hands down the best. Very informative and will help you no matter what. At times I had problems focusing and Eric made sure that I understood the topic that was being discussed. Rick, Jason, Stan and Cowboy are all incredible instructors, they will always make sure you have a better understanding of everything being taught. I will recommend Tri Area Trucking school to anyone who is looking to better their career. They will not leave you behind and will make sure that you pass! Love yall forever and thanks for making it fun. -Big Boy

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend this place for CDL training. All of the staff were extremely personable, knowledgeable and experienced. They made sure that we all felt like we were able to gain the knowledge and experience to pass the State test.

Fantastic experience: I was there for the Class B class. The two instructors I had, for theory and road/range, were excellent and helpful to me achieving the goal of graduating the program, and getting my CDL.

Fantastic experience: I went into to cdl A training with zero experience behind the wheel of a truck in 2 short weeks they had me prepared to pass the state test. I passed my state test on my first try. Special thanks to my instructor Jason he went above and beyond for us and made it his personal goal to see us pass and move on to get our cdls.

Fantastic experience: The school really is about making sure you are ready for your state test! After a couple hiccups, Mrs Kim took the time out of her day to really help us out personally! I couldn’t have done it without her!! A big shout out to Stan and Jason the instructors for all their hard work!!

Fantastic experience: I had the privilege in being part of this amazing Hazmat 8hr Haz-Mat class under the supervision of Jason N. His knowledge and experience with "Hands On" teaching was nothing like I've been through before. Not only did Jason make sure you 100% understood the objections of this course he would pause the program and literally work as a group to make sure you knew exactly how to understand a question. From Jason's teaching and Kim's directing, to Amy's positive attitude / at the front desk, I wouldn't have made it were I am today. I wanna thank you all for a wonderful and anxiety free experience. Tri Area Truck Driving School is hands down "The best of the best 2024"!

Fantastic experience: Awesome place to learn.....very professional, fun, and they all care!!!! Thank you for a great couple of weeks

Fantastic experience: I did my virtual class with Jason when I started back on January 2nd Jason is the best a spot on instructor with a lot of driving experience I have been very impressed with his knowledge and teaching skills I learned a lot from Jason I just took my Hazmat class with Jason and again a very informative very professional instructor.. I am pleased with tri area trucking but I will be honest if I could do this again I would make it so Jason was my instructor Hats off to Jason !!!! Brian Antcliff Concrete

Fantastic experience: Instructors are great and genuinely want the students to succeed. School is top notch and prepares new drivers to be successful in the industry. Would recommend to anyone whole heartedly.

Fantastic experience: My son just graduated from linemens school and needed to complete his CDL. The team there was more than helpful and gave him 40 hours of 1 on 1 instruction that insured he was ready for the test. Thanks Jason Neitzel for all your help.

Fantastic experience: I gave Tri-Area Trucking a 5-star rating, and if I could have given more I would have. I have absolutely no complaints about this school. I took the course at the Freeland, MI campus, and would recommend this school to anyone trying to obtain their CDL. I could really tell from day one I was not just a number to these instructors. Every day they exemplified professionalism while giving advice, techniques, and skillsets from text and real-world situations to teach me how to drive. I could tell immediately the whole staff wanted to pass their knowledge on to the next generation of CDL drivers, and would not stop until they knew everyone felt over prepared for the state road test. From start to finish was 5 weeks (Start 12/18/23 passed state road test 1/18/24) and I had my CDL. I owe a huge THANK YOU to all at the Freeland Campus Kim, Jason, Adam, Eric, Jeremy, Rick, Rob, and Amy. From the top down one of the best schooling experiences I have had. Key reasons I would choose this school are small class sizes, top notch instructors, timely start to finish timeline, equipment was in good working order, will work to find you employment after if needed, and by the end you really feel like part of the Tri-Area Trucking Family!! PS. I was able to pass all of test the 1st attempt and I owe all of that success to the Instructors and Program at Tri-Area Trucking!

Fantastic experience: Awesome school! I absolutely recommend choosing this place to grow your career. They gave me the resources and tools to build my confidence behind the wheel. It took a couple tries for me to pass the state test but they gave me extra help and never gave up on me. A big thank you to all the instructors and staff!

Fantastic experience: Best trucking school hands down amazing instructors. They take their time with you and make sure you understand what they're teaching, So that way you're prepared for the test wouldn't recommend anybody else.

Fantastic experience: Being a seasoned CDL driver for over 42+ years I retired in 2019 as a result of Covid voluntarily surrendering my CDL License. Due to economic impact from a fire disaster, and the place where I live that relies on tourism as it’s primarily source of income, it made good sense to return to what I still have a passion for…… driving trucks. After doing my research and multiple times passing by this school, I decided to enroll in their CDL Refresher Course. Being “Grandfathered” into this occupation, I never knew how much a New Driver would have to learn to obtain their CDL license. Wow! Little did I know!! Many thanks to the entire staff at Tri Area Trucking School, Freeland Campus for their help getting me back in the “Groove” ( That no less than 4/32’s for you truck drivers)! A special thanks to Jason( Lead Instructor) Eric, and Brent for teaching this “ Old Dog Some New Tricks” I would highly recommend this school to anyone who has a passion for driving trucks. They will definitely steer you in the right direction to pursue this as a career.

Fantastic experience: Great school, great instructors,lots of drive time,smaller class size was very nice, very organized and on task with getting new people prepared to drive!

Fantastic experience: Had a great experience at Tri-Area Trucking School in Freeland. Came into the class having no skills or knowledge and left there with everything I needed to pass my CDL road test on the first try! Everyone there was friendly and open to help any way they could. If you’re thinking about where to go, this is the place!

Fantastic experience: The instructors are exceptionally kind, the attention to individual learning and the care provided to slower learners is commendable. An incredible way to jump start your new career! (:

Fantastic experience: The absolute best school in the area. They do in four weeks what others fail to do in more. If you want to get your CDL go here, pay attention and trust the process. It will seem like there’s no way you can do it at first but trust me, I passed my state test, on the first try, after just four weeks.

Fantastic experience: Great school, great people, great experience.

Fantastic experience: They actually care to train you to be a good and safe driver….. It’s not just about collecting a check. The instructors seem to genuinely enjoy what they do…. Only thing missing here is cookies. We like cookies.

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable and helpful, paul is an excellent instructor, very knowledgeable and experienced, and a great person, his patience and kindness definitely made it a great experience, highly recommended

Fantastic experience: Good school, great instructors they were there to answer answer any questions I had. I started my 4 week course not to sure of how it was going to go but once we started yard training on week 3 it was game time I knew that it was going to be possible for me to get my CDL. Took my state test one week after graduation and here I am actually driving for a living! Big shout out to the Tri Area Trucking team they helped me make my dream come true!

Fantastic experience: Great place to learn! Very Patient teaching me how to drive a manual for the first time in a Class B truck. Passed the state test on my first try! could not have done it without them!

Fantastic experience: If you’re truly serious about gaining a great individual experience, and furthering your career…then this is definitely the place for you! From the management, to the instructors, I can’t speak highly enough about the folks at Tri Area Trucking. They truly care about the work they do!

Negative experience: Heard nothing but bad things about this school. I plan on going elsewhere when I get my cdl. What a shame ripping honest hard-working people off like that. Greed is one of the worst things a company could operate on.

Fantastic experience: I had a wonderful experience @ Tri-Area! Will be recommending to everyone.

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable, and great at what they do. Staff are friendly, and willing to share their experience. Definitely recommend this school.

Fantastic experience: TATS was awesome, my instructors were veterans, the trucks were nice, and the progress we all made in a month was insane. Some went from never sitting in a truck to knocking out 90° backs consistently! There was no high pressure selling involved. If you don’t realize the benefit they offer they are not gonna twist your arm. I made good relationships and I can feel how genuine everyone is with providing me a better future. Everyone is excited for each other and the paths we will take from here.

Fantastic experience: Just want to say that everyone here is great especially Paul and Jason. They want to see you succeed. 3 day course and I passed the State Test. Thanks everyone Made my dream come true.

Fantastic experience: Recently did my Class A training at Tri Area and was very happy with all of the training. All of the instructors are good fun guys and are all very helpful. Wouldn’t recommend wearing your Jordan’s for yard work though, boots are a must in the mud pit.

Negative experience: Don’t go to this school guys. These guys are money hungry peoples, they will tell you it’s 4 weeks class but when you finish your theory class they will tell you to wait 3-4 months for the yard training class and by that time they will not return your money too, we went through this situation and when we ask for the refund and they took 6 weeks for us to get out refund and we have to drive 6 times from lansing to freeland mi then they deduct $1600 of only theory class and return only $3300 out of $5000 So please guys better go to other schools then tri area trucking I wouldn’t recommend anyone to go in there schools.

Negative experience: They state its a 3 a week course, but won't tell you its not consecutive 3 week until after you pay the $5000. The class started immediately but 2week training in the trucks was scheduled 3-4 months out. Just a money hungry school.

Fantastic experience: Honest review. Initially had a bad experience here, but found out that it was the way the instructor was running the course, not how it’s actually supposed to be ran. The owner’s personally came to speak to us in person and made sure everything was right and the situation was fixed. I’ve since changed instructors, and things are much easier and the new instructor I’m working with, Jim, is awesome so far and he’s very hands on, patient, and great at communicating. The difference has been night and day and I love it now. The owners are great and really care about their business and it being ran the correct way. If you have an issue, just bring it to their attention and their great about working it out! Would highly recommend this place to any driver looking for cdl, with or without experience.

Fantastic experience: Friendly helpful knowledgeable staff excellent program overall

Fantastic experience: I called trying to get a copy of my graduation certificate. I got put through to voicemail and blowed off it's costing me a really good job!! Update:The ladies in the office made a mistake and didn't realize the manager was out at the doctor's. The manager called and took care of the situation!!

Fantastic experience: I recommend this school to anyone that’s trying to get there CDL. The trainer was great with me Rick and Jim. They made sure that I got all the proper driving and Instruction that I needed. Took my state test the first time and passed it. Thank you, Tri Area Trucking school.

Fantastic experience: Honest and Meaningful Review about TRI Area Trucking. First I'd like to admit after a shaky start with paperwork enrollment and dealing with S.O.S. was hammered out and I was put on track. ENROLLMENT was not what I was looking for. SOMEONE to teach me the skills I needed not only to Pass a State exam but also a Skilled trade. MY Trainer( Darik Sarko) was more than you could even expect. LOOKING for someone with patiences and nerves of steel this is the guy and Place. I had NEVER drove a Tractor-trailer and this guy worked with me from the start, showed me everything that I need to succeed the first Time at state level and ACTUALLY walk you through real time predicaments and scenarios!!! HE was so calm and knowledgeable throughout my time training. TRI AREA has very KNOWLEDGEABLE staff. I had opportunity to stop in to Freeland, Took a short drive with Mike again great guy!! Nerves of steel also cause I had many of hiccups in the city and he coached to throughout the whole drive when needed. ALL The staff were very polite and experienced. Again couldn't ask for a better training program. I BELIEVE I got more than what I paid for! DEFINITELY would recommend SOMEONE looking to get a CDl and have no experience and would like to get what you need at one place! THANKS everyone at Tri-area for guiding me through my journey.

Fantastic experience: I am a recent Graduate.By far the best CDL school around. I would recommend anyone who is looking to obtain their CDL to go through TRI-Area trucking school. All the instructors I’ve worked with are very helpful And take the time to make sure you pass. Especially Jose. Thanks TRI-area trucking

Fantastic experience: As a recent graduate of this school I would recommend it to anyone looking to obtain their CDL. All instructors and staff were very knowledgeable and dedicated to make sure you passed with flying colors!

Fantastic experience: This School is Perfect. Good Price, Instructors are very Well Trained with Experience and Knowledge. They make learning and getting your CDL easy! Professional Atmosphere to become a Professional Driver.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly environment and great instructors. They taught me everything I needed to pass my third party test for my CDL A. I also would like to personally thank Adam, Brad, Dave, Ron, Elmer, AJ, Chuck, Carl, Mike, Travis, and especially Stephanie. Thanks for everything!

Fantastic experience: I just graduated from tri area trucking school didnt think that i would pass but with the help of the instructors i did it. With these guys help i went from never knowing how to shift a semi to passing the class and finally driving test it only took me 3wks of hard work and a lot of listening to the guys on how to drive. I'm very thankful i did decide to go here. If they can get me an a few others that was in class to get us on the road i no they can you. Thank you tri area

Positive experience: Adam is a great instructor but it is very hard to get anyone to give you the one on one help you really need. Their equipment is pretty poor which makes it difficult to learn. I would truly consider this a CDL mill. The number of graduates they post doesn't mean all them people got their CDL. I graduated but never passed my road test. With the exception of the people there I wouldn't go to this school

Fantastic experience: After all the struggle trying to do my 3rd party testing by myself I went to school for 3 days for my B and passed.

Fantastic experience: Very good school the lead instructor Adam is very passionate about what he does you can not get better training anywhere

Fantastic experience: I had a very good experience at Tri Area Trucking School everyone is very nice there and they go out of there way to help you succeed. My instructor Adam was very cool he took his time to actually show me how to drive the truck unlike another school I went to. I passed my third party tests last Friday and I now have my cdl a license and I will be going to work for a big trucking company soon. If anyone wants to get their cdl license I highly recommend Trip Area.

Fantastic experience: They get to know you and your strengths and weaknesses and are very helpful in developing your ability to drive safely. The price is good and the people are great.