switching companies right after CDL training

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Danvitt, Dec 17, 2014.

  1. Danvitt

    Danvitt Light Load Member

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    In an attempt to reduce my cost. I see that some companies such as CRST and Roehl have an option to pay for the training up front with no contract. Typically the cost is between $2400 to $2800. For private schools like Napier, that's a down payment. So its saves me like 3 grand. However, I don't want to work for those companies. I've read one too many $250.00 a week horror stories from those companies. I need to break 40k my first year.

    Anyway, will other companies consider me if I get my CDL through one of these companies and immediately jump ship? Right now I'm considering TMC and I have a few others in mind. They will all train but you must have your CDL first.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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    If you need to break 40k the 1st year try going to a community college to get your CDL. You'll get better training and most of them offer some sort of financial aid program. The once you get the license you won't be under any obligation to stay with a company. Most community colleges have pretty good job placement services available too. Much better than trying to scam the system or possibly mess up your work record before it really gets started.
     
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  4. crazyk

    crazyk Light Load Member

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    Danvitt:

    As someone who has signed a contract to attend Roehl's school in January, I can tell you that you'd pay 18% interest on it if you bail out right away along with lodging and food starting as soon as you leave. Is there a school close enough to where you live to not have those expenses or where? Also, some companies will pre-approve you for training on a contract. You ALWAYS sign a contract for the school or else they'd have people walk out and not pay them.

    Don't buy everything you hear b/c EVERY company has people gripe about something. If most of the people are whiners then you can be more wary. Roehl pays $90/day to you while being a trainee so they certainly expect you to gross more than $250.

    Also, where do you live? That will let some of the posters who know the industry give you some ideas. If I lived by a company's terminal for something like Conway, ABF, or others with a student program I wouldn't be going with Roehl to start my trucking career. Fed Ex also might train. Nothing against Roehl (after all, I chose them over a bunch of other companies), but I like hourly pay as a backup since shippers and receivers think your time is free.

    I looked at TMC but I don't live in their hiring area. Throwing that out there so you don't think I'm drinking anybody's Kool Aid. I don't know enough yet to know which Kool Aid will taste good.:biggrin_25519:
     
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  5. Danvitt

    Danvitt Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the replies. I'm living in Richmond, Indiana. What I mean is, I'll be paying a company such as Roehl out of my own pocket $2800 if i was to go through them. Up front, before any training happens. I planned on paying Napier $2300 down and financing $3000 over 36 months (total of $5300). So Roehl is way cheaper, and I was strongly considering driving for them. However, every thread I can find on them says they just don't have the miles to keep the money rolling :(
     
  6. White Dog

    White Dog Road Train Member

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    We should all learn to live within our means. If you NEED $40,000.00 a year in the bank to live...you will have to NET $770.00 a week for all 52 weeks of that year. As a first year company driver...that will be virtually impossible. Pick a different profession...or give up everything you have in your life that has created such demand for that income.
     
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  7. Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

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    Danvitt, I'll give you a test. An easy test. How would you react if someone did that to you? Your Dad? Your brother? Do you think a truck company is going to be happy with an untested rookie who pulled a scam on a truck company before driving his first mile for them? I don't think so. I think you can find a school that fits your budget and get a nice clean employment history started. Of course, if you have a CDL, some company will give you a ride. I just don't know if you'll want it. I don't know, but do these companies offer standalone school, so you could just pay them and go your merry way? Besides, like crazyk says, what's so bad about Roehl? You can't listen to negative comments from people you don't know, or you'll never find a job. Get a ride, be a good driver, give it a year and then make an informed choice. Actually, if you apply yourself and don't take a lot of time off, you could make a nice first year income. More than you would at the local hardware store, for sure. Go for it straight up, you won't be looking over your shoulder all the time. Best to you.
     
    Danvitt Thanks this.
  8. crazyk

    crazyk Light Load Member

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    Have you looked at the various companies' websites? Or driven around where you live to see if smaller carriers would hire you? Roehl has a new Flatbed Central fleet where you live that lists $1k/wk gross as the average. Your initial pay would be around $.35/mile plus the accessorials. I saw it listed as a new one when I looked for stuff in my area.

    Living within a few hours of Chicago should give you pretty good options for employment/pay with a lot of companies. Not to mention being within an hour and a half or so of Cincinnati. Yea Yahoo Maps. I'm just thinking you may want to actually avoid burning a bridge when you walk into an industry by taking up a training slot and then walking right out. Also, Roehl's school is meant to train on their equipment and their way. A different company might want you on different approaches.
     
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  9. Danvitt

    Danvitt Light Load Member

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    When I say 40k I mean gross, not net. My only splurge are a 50 dollar Internet bill, a wife, and a small house I rent. No car payment, etc, but I do have a hefty school bill. From my research, I don't think is to much to ask for some one who is willing to work hard.

    My intention is not to scam, they are getting paid what they ask for, either 2800 bucks or an 8 month contract.
     
  10. Danvitt

    Danvitt Light Load Member

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    I may possibly still give roehl a chance, nothing wrong with them, Im just afraid of going broke if I do.
     
  11. Danvitt

    Danvitt Light Load Member

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    My main question was whether or not the cdl would be accepted by other companies without the training. For example crst would prefer you get it from them if you are new.
     
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