Companies with their own schools

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by LakeErieHillbilly, Jun 26, 2012.

  1. LakeErieHillbilly

    LakeErieHillbilly Light Load Member

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    Feb 5, 2012
    Northern Ohio
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    Whom are some of the trucking companies that teach and you will get your CDL with out there. Are they all where you need to sign a contract with to (if so) pay back the schooling? And if so (or not at some) how does that work?
    Thanks.
     
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  3. timd1978

    timd1978 Light Load Member

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    Feb 10, 2011
    Lowell, AR
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    Swift, Werner, USA, PAM, Central Ref just to name a few. Mostly they pay the school cost and you work for one yr and pay small mounts back tot hem each week (i.e. 25 bucks a week) and they forgive the remainder if there is any after 6mo to a yr of driving for them. If you are prior military Central Ref will give you no cost training...no money from your check if you stay for one yr
     
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  4. Elendil

    Elendil Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 27, 2011
    Ottawa, IL
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    All companies that run their own CDL school require some term of services with them after graduation.(Usually 1 year). If you leave before the term is up you will owe for the tuition, usually several thousand dollars. It could be a pro-rated amount or the full amount depending on the company.

    Many times these companies will pay a lower starting wage than if you went to a company with CDL in hand.

    Some companies that run their own school are:
    Swift
    C.R. England
    Prime
    Roehl

    There are several others.

    A common thread is that will will get pressure to "lease" on with them after graduation. The amount of pressure will vary from company to company. It is never a good idea for a new driver to lease a truck from the company. NEVER. Don't listen to the hype from the company. It is NEVER a good idea for a new CDL holder to lease a truck from the company. NEVER.

    As a new CDL holder, you do not know near enough to lease a truck at this point.

    I would avoid company schools at all costs. Some folks will disagree, but you are much better off getting your CDL through an independent school. One of the best ways is through a community college CDL course. Most are pretty good(with exceptions). The best thing about going the independent route is that you are free to work for any company you like (if they will hire you). You are free to leave a company anytime you like. You are beholden to no one.

    Don't not take the company school route out of desperation. Save for a few months if needed to get get the cash for an independent school. Look for sources of financial aid like the WIA (Workforce Investment Act), or other student loans. A community college can often point you to a dislocated workers center than can provide assistance.

    Make sure you qualify to be hired before paying for school.

    Clean driving record? Be sure. Go to your DMV and get a copy of your driving record. (usually a minimal charge for this)
    Clean criminal history?

    READ, READ, READ everything you can about any company you are considering.
    Look in your backyard. There are 400,000+ trucking companies out there. You would be surprise how many you have near you. They don't always advertise for help. They don't have websites. Present yourself to them in person looking neat and clean and see if they are hiring. Many will take a chance on a "newbie", especially if he is a local guy.

    There are many "easy" ways to get into trucking. The easier the way in, the tougher to get out. Oftentimes at a huge cost financially.

    Good luck
     
    dptrucker Thanks this.
  5. LakeErieHillbilly

    LakeErieHillbilly Light Load Member

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    Feb 5, 2012
    Northern Ohio
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    Second part of my question (forgot to ask) if you go to one of these schools is that considered part of your training where you have to put in a certain amount of hours/time in, or is this seperate. Yeah this might be a ######### question but I want to know for sure.
     
  6. Elendil

    Elendil Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 27, 2011
    Ottawa, IL
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    Not sure what you mean exactly. After completing school you will then go with a trainer for a period of time. It could be anywhere form 1 to 8 weeks. Only after that time will you get a truck. Beware. Some companies will tell you there are no trucks available for company drivers so go home and wait. But, if you want to lease they will have a truck available immediately. Don't fall for it. Or better yet, don't go to a company school to begin with.
     
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