USA, Millis or some other??

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by GWIZ2260, Jul 7, 2014.

  1. GWIZ2260

    GWIZ2260 Light Load Member

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    Live in Lafayette, IN, deciding which way to go with attaining CDL-A, either company sponsored training, or pay myself. Wife will eventually ride along, kids all grown and out of the nest as well. Was looking into trucking as I love to drive, and have always wanted to do this. Have been reading my eyes out on this forum, and sometimes things get jumbled up... LOL. Anyways, USA through Driver's Solutions and C1 driving school in Indianapolis, IN is available, and Millis Transfer in Trenton, OH is available. USA no up front schooling cost, must do 12 mo or it is 6K, end up paying about 4K out of pocket if you stay year, Millis 500 upfront with 12 mo or it is 5k, 2.5K out of pocket if you stay year. USA is 32cpm to start, Millis is 29cpm but is regional and 2500 per week is what they are saying. Any advice appreciated, can pay for schooling, just don't want it to take 3 months... for schooling. I know it will take longer to be considered experienced.
     
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  3. Mev

    Mev Road Train Member

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    Millis was a top notch outfit to train with back in the day (thats where i got started years ago )
    The money was low but they provided free training if you entered an agreement to stay for a certain time.
    They were consistent in that i was either hauling beer or paper.
    Decent equipment also
     
  4. joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

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    I would second Millis. Great equipment, treated good and a great place to start your career. That's where I started, and I think they are a great company.
     
  5. GWIZ2260

    GWIZ2260 Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the responses, that is what I also gathered from this past 2 weeks reading this forum. So much eye opening to the trucking world which I never knew. Had a SAGE school out of Indianapolis, IN call today, basically $4,395 plus $290 additional fees, for 4 week class, 46 hours drive time (2 for CDL test). Lifetime job placement assistance. I can afford to pay for it, but is it really worth it? Would this be a smart move to go this on my own and then look at the other companies??? Sounds like i answered my own question there.... HMMMMMM Next class is July 21, so have some time to confuse myself further.... LOL
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  6. bigred81

    bigred81 Medium Load Member

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    If you pay for it, you are not bound to stay in a difficult situation, either way look into a few other companies as well. Prime has an excellent program as does Stevens, but they don't pay nearly as well as Prime.
     
  7. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    That's it right there. Doesn't matter who you go with, but if you pay your way through, you can run for whoever you like.
    Plus, there are MANY companies that will reimburse your tuition.....
    I paid my own way (it was only $1500 at a community college) and Schneider gave me every dime back.
    Option "c", pay Millis or whomever up front.....they'll take your money for sure. But will they keep training you until you can pass the test? A reputable tech school will.

    Keep looking and keep exploring your options. It doesn't have to be company sponsored training. And if you've got the money, I'd go that way.
     
  8. fastfitz70

    fastfitz70 Bobtail Member

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    Did Millis in 2003, good co for a year, pay hasn't changed tho, that was good money then. You'll probably have to work a year or more to get a better job anyway so do your year and start looking, that's the cheapest way, better to be payed while learning.
     
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Since you can afford Sage; I recommend attending that school. In the meantime, shop around for companies that allow your wife to ride along; not all companies have rider policy.

    Get all the endorsements plus TWIC and a passport so you will have more options as to companies.

    Start a list of companies that have rider policy, then you can start submitting applications the day you start CDL classes. Submit as many applications as you want, then pick and choose, and start work the day you graduate.
     
  10. GWIZ2260

    GWIZ2260 Light Load Member

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    Jul 3, 2014
    Lafayette, IN
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    Thanks for everyone's opinions and suggestions. Think I will attend SAGE school, should start 21st of this month. Although it is expensive, in the end I think it will offer more options for myself. Thanks about the rider policy reminder, that would definitely be a high priority. If wife cannot ride along, will just have to leave them off of the list at this time. So far Millis and Melton I have talked with, will leave USA off the list, as too many unknowns with that company. Melton would be flatbedding, so although more physical, that isn't a problem for me, although some of the loads definitely will! Would really like to see the country, so doesn't matter where the loads are to me. I already have a passport so that also isn't a concern. SAGE did tell me that there will be many companies which will come in looking for newbies such as myself. Uncertain what TWIC is, but will research that. Thanks again.
     
    bigred81 Thanks this.
  11. GWIZ2260

    GWIZ2260 Light Load Member

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    Lafayette, IN
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    Ugh.... found out what TWIC stood for, so good there.... Roehl just called and it is only $2800 for training in WI... they provide lodging, 3 week school, if I run 120K solo miles, they will cover the tuition... I am not concerned about the cost of tuition. But beginning to wonder is it necessary to spend all of this money to get the CDL schooling, or best to get the CDL and get the real experience OTR.... Any suggestions on this are much appreciated.
     
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