I'm currently located in Columbus, OH and very interested in a career in trucking. I've been reading about the industry for about a year now and it is now decision time. I want to do this but I have to choose a route for my training.

I have a couple options for training in Columbus. One of them is R-Master and I've heard some bad things about them. There are a few more similar outfits around the Columbus area but the whole private school thing sounds a bit shady.

I've been looking around for a community college program as well but so far have been unsuccessful in locating anything. Even if I do find a program I'm worried about spending 3 months or so without a job while I do the training.

I have heard good things about Schnieder National on these boards and a little bit around the internet. They do have a training program but it requires the even bigger step of going to Green Bay, Wisconsin for two weeks. I can either pay the $3500 fee for the two week training program or sign a one year contract. The idea of a one year contract terrifies me even though the job offered afterwards doesn't sound too bad and the idea of escaping the $3500 fee is tempting as all hell. There is also the fact that if I do it this way, I can have a paying job in about three weeks. Training pay just to start but it would drag me out of a huge hole.

There is also the fact that my family hates this whole idea which doesn't make it any easier. Luckily it's not a wife and kids thing, I'm single, it's a dealing with parents thing. They would rather I work 9 to 5 at a painful office job. Something I don't want right now.

To be honest, if I didn't have the stress level of my parents to deal with, I would be on the next bus to Green Bay even though the one year contract thing still worries me. I've been researching this work for a long time now and can't wait to get started. I realize trucking has long hours, an uncertain schedule, and is more of a lifestyle than a job. My eyes are wide open I'm just trying to determine the best way to get into the industry. Any help/advice is appreciated.

The Big Pumpkin is a good place to start. You'll be surprised how fast the first
year goes by. Have a couple of friends been with they for 20+ yrs.

Schneider is a very good deal in your case. Schneider's schools are also PTDI certified. A year will go by quickly, you'll gain valuable experience and with the PTDI cert you will be wanted by other companies.

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Knowledge is power, but sharing knowledge brings peace!

The great pumpkin training is very fast paced but they will keep doing things with you if you are having a hard time getting it. By the time you are actually all done training is more around 6 weeks. You have 3 weeks at the school just learning how to drive, then out for 2 weeks with a trainer. Then go back to school for SQT (Skills Qualifying Testing) then off for road test in your home state. SQT is usually 2 days. Then road test. They are nice an give you a few days off afterwards before they assign truck to you. Good luck

Go with SN, sounds like a good deal for you. You have to do what will make you happy not your parents.