Take a shot with a major or pay for trucking school first?

Discussion in 'Oilfield Trucking Forum' started by raisethebarr, May 2, 2014.

  1. Patrickm213

    Patrickm213 Medium Load Member

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    We can argue about it all you want, but the fact is that I am living proof of what I say while your statement is just conjecture.

    The OP is free to make his own decision.
     
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  3. Driver5

    Driver5 Light Load Member

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    How is what he says conjecture? He's explaining his first-hand experience with a company he's been working for and what their hiring preferences are.

    Seems to me like you both make valid points; some places will hire without a CDL-A, while others prefer you have it as a requirement for employment.

    There is no one "right" answer that applies to all companies.
     
  4. Patrickm213

    Patrickm213 Medium Load Member

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    "Most companies want to see that 160 hr certificate."

    That is conjecture. Unless he can offer up some kind of proof of his claim.
     
  5. em2owe

    em2owe Bobtail Member

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    I just got hired on with a major company for frac and did not go to cdl school, but I did get it on my own...written tests were pretty easy to get the permit. Although I have never driven a commercial vehicle I went to a local driving school for a "refresher" intended for people who had previous experience...after about 5 hours total spaced over a about a week I tested and passed first try. I had already applied before I even took my written test bc I was that committed to getting it and by the time they were ready to schedule an interview I had my cdl in hand and the rest is history or better yet "future". I'm from Florida so I'm also proof it can be done from out of state
     
  6. Driver5

    Driver5 Light Load Member

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    Lol no one has to offer up "proof" of anything here; this is a trucking forum, not a judicial inquest or a senate hearing.

    As for the OP's topic, I already responded in my PM but for others who may want to know, there is no "right" answer as to whether it's smart to go to trucking school before applying. Getting a CDL-A before applying is a prerequisite for some, and it isn't for others. Many of the majors are happy to train, especially those with military/labor/farming backgrounds.

    Seems to me the OP has 3 decent options:

    1. Go to Trucking School to get a CDL-A
    2. Get a CDL-A another way (rent a truck off craigslist, maybe?)
    3. Get the CDL-A permit and just start applying

    Honestly, I think option 1 would put him at the top of the application stack for newbies, whereas option 2 would be a close second, and option 3 a distant third.

    Either way, if he actually heads out to an oilfield area and puts his best foot forward, he'll be able to get in somewhere solid.
     
    Wild Murphy Thanks this.
  7. Wild Murphy

    Wild Murphy HAPPY TRUCK DRIVER

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    Driver5, i agree with you totally. Being top of the list is always a good thing. Best of luck to you all.
     
  8. Me99

    Me99 Medium Load Member

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    I've worked for quite a few oilfield companies. Not one has asked me how I got my cdl or how well I could drive. I don't know of one frac company that cares how you got your cdl only that you have one. If you come to midland and apply at all the frac companies out here you will definitely get a job. A travel trailer would be a much better investment.

    If you do come don't just focus on the big companies. They have a harder time keeping work in west tx because of all the competition. The company I work for would probably be considered midsized and we have more work than we can handle. They can't buy equipment fast enough to fulfill the demand.
     
    Patrickm213 Thanks this.
  9. Nuttinlikeanap

    Nuttinlikeanap Light Load Member

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    HI

    Is there any openings for class b drivers with hazmat and tanker endorsements down in Bakken. If so, what cities/companys would u suggest?
     
  10. glenn71

    glenn71 Medium Load Member

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    That it's only half-true. If you're going into frac, then nobody is going to care, but if you take a driving job, they are going to want some proof of training.
     
  11. Patrickm213

    Patrickm213 Medium Load Member

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    I took a vacuum truck position. The question of CDL school never came up.
     
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