Do I need to go to a trucking school if I got my cdl on my own?

Think all starter companies require you have attended a school.

 

Maverick is the only company I'm aware of that doesn't require school.

Maybe check with Raider Express in Ft. Worth. They have some type of training program, but don't know if it would apply to you or not.

 

I basically have the same question as OP. I passed the tests and paid a guy with a truck to do my drive test and passed it as well. Is there an opportunity for me to jump into some OTR or should I just build up experience working for a small business in my area of DFW Texas? There's hundreds of CDL jobs here, so I assumed it wouldn't be very hard. What are some of the paths taken by some of the more experienced drivers that got their CDL on their own post CDL requirements?
Thanks, Brent

 

If you have a CDL you can get a job as a trainee. Schools only help you get CDL then when you get hired is when you learn to drive. Schools are an unnecessary rip off. Skip the school and get a CDL on your own and you will easily find a job with a trainer. That is how I did it and most other drivers I know personally.

 

You can get work with just about anyone if you can convince them you have experience. You will have to have people willing to say you worked for them. If you know some company owners well they might do it. Better yet they might take you on and let you get more experience. Just don't get caught lying. That really pisses most of them off. If they are running adds in Spanish as well as English you can probably get on.

 

It's getting harder & harder to get good trucking jobs without some formal training. Yes, it can be done & chances are you will work for a small company or one man operation, with no benefits. I'm neutral on that route, because, that's personal choice. A single person might make different choices than a married person. One post on here today, a new driver said JBS Carriers fronted him the money for a private school, then he will pay them back through payroll deduction. Maybe check with them then shop around for the cheapest school they will accept.

 

Yes! I did just that. But then I ran a harvest season for a custom cutter outfit. Then ran a rock bucket locally for a couple months, before hiring on to a small OTR company for 8 months. That was enough time for a larger outfit to give me a shot. It's just a matter of working to your goals selling yourself.

 

I work for Swift and they fronted the training, now I have $75 a week deducted from my pay and as long as I work for them they give half of it back weekly so by the end of the year I paid $1900 for my school.

 

that is confusing as heck wolfinc if the take 75 from u a week how do they give you 37.50 back? shouldnt it just be a 37.50 deduction and if you work for them for the 13 months than they pay you 37.50 extra on your pay? for the other 13 months your with them in essence your school was free as long as you stay with swift for the 26 months?
would love to know how what your saying works

to Op sure there are companys that may hire you with out actual school training i wish you luck on your venture though many have insurance companys dictating who they can let drive there trucks with out proper training