Hello,

I am currently weighing my options on re- starting out in a driving career. I used to drive many years ago in my prior life,LOL... I would prefer to run solo but will consider teaming for the right opportunity. The companies that I have narrowed down to for various reasons are the following in no particular order:

Millis Transfer
Roehl
Prime,Inc

I have applied to other company's but they either where not hiring out of my region (Connecticut) or would not provide company training but would reimburse any private school at various levels. The schools in this are are all about the same price +/- $7000 for the CDL training. I think I would prefer to hire on with a company right out of school and pay my dues. Looking to run some miles and gets lots of experience for the future. Not really to interested in jumping from job to job as it appears many drivers are doing. I have been lurking on this board for some time and appreciate all the great information being provided both good and bad. Thanks in advance for any help or additional ideas!

Stay Safe!!!

I did my research here and elsewhere and am starting at Roehl's RDTC on 11/26. Another guy named jim on this board from WI will be joining me there. Right now, of course, we believe we made the right decision. I plan on starting a newbie thread about my experiences when I get there. 2 elements of the RDTC thing that influenced me, besides the positive comments about Roehl in general - 1. only $2400 if you end up paying them back and 2. 3 weeks of training, then 2 10-13 day shifts with trainers and you are OUT THERE!

respects,
Dennis in se pa

Prime takes good care of you as a trainee. Their training program is longer than many, but to be honest, I think that's a good thing. I've seen some newbies with the short version (Some outfit with blue trucks and a big W***** on the side), have extreme trouble backing into a dock. I've also seen folks rocketing down 6% grades with smoking brakes... scary!

Getting good miles, and looking to get bumped up as a company solo driver in a couple of weeks. I'd say Prime has been good for me.

"The schools in this are are all about the same price +/- $7000 for the CDL training".

$7,000 is way too much for anyone to merely learn enough to get your CDL....... In simple terms, the function of CDL schools is merely to pass your state driving test. I'll plug Roehl's RDTC for $2,400. You will learn to operate from them, as well as pass your state driving test. I asked my 3 trainers about preference of students, and they ALL said hands down they love to have RDTC graduates as students. Why ? They know how to operate, and already have a very good understanding of the company.

Get value for your money, and valuable training from one of the safest..

Thanks Guys for the responses! IRONPONY how has your training experience been with Prime? Good and bad? Did you come in green needing your CDL? I would like to find a good company with miles available that pays decent and hopefully luck out and also get a quality trainer to learn the business from and start my career the right way. I guess it still the luck of the draw when your going through training as a newbie! Thanks for any additional information and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Stay Safe,

Oh ouch, boastin about roehl with a picture of a TMC pete on your sig :P


I'm offended!

I guess you are talking to me. I happen to like that pic. I wish I knew where I got it. I would like a large print of it. I don't know a pete from a freightliner. It is not the trucks that I am intersted in, it is the open road.
respects,
Dennis in se pa

Alamosa14 - Prime will run you through their own CDL class at the Springfield, MO terminal, or you can get a CDL through a school and work with a trainer OTR.

The CDL class at Prime is pretty standard... you stay at the company dorm (an old motel) and get your CDL learner's permit. They put you through the standard bunch of manuevers, and then you go on the road with a trainer.

I got my CDL through SAGE Technical Services (a school recommended by a couple of different companies that hire inexperienced drivers), and went to orientation at Prime. My track has me gaining experience with a trainer for 60,000 miles, then another 20,000 as a company driver. After that, I'll be able to run a lease. Sounds like a lot, but it really looks like about 3 months with the trainer before jumping into a truck as a company driver.

Impressions? I'm making reasonable money right now, working with a good trainer. I like Prime - they seem like a class company to me. The training period is longer than some, but I've seen new drivers floundering on the short training periods some other companies provide - there's more to it than just driving down the road. Prime's leases are very liberal - you can walk away from them (after settling any ballances due/owed) if it doesn't work for you.

So far, I'd say it's working well for me. If you want to check it out, call a Prime recruiter... Cyndy at 800.224.4585 x6662. She played straight with me.

Hey Alamosa14,

What part of CT are ya from??

Milestogo did you check out nationwide tractor trailer and any of the colleges in ct? Im from RI and Nationwide is about 5,000 NETTS has 2 programs 1 5g for 6wks and $7000(480 hrs finacial aid available).