First, thanks for having the forum here and to everyone who's put in the good information I'm finding!

Here's my situation: I was scheduled to train with Schneider starting 2/9. I get a call from the recruiter telling me I have to wait (classes in Fontana, CA going from 24 students to 12) until 2/22. My Significant Other broke her arm, my daughter was in the hospital, typical life BS hit me between the eyes. Contacted my recruiter and was told that NOW I can't train with them for six months. OK, part of that might be my fault but the problem is that I left my previous job to start training and now...NO JOB!

So, I'm sitting here with my brand new CDL permit, my health card and need somewhere to go. I would prefer to go with a company that will let me get the OTR training and go to work for them. I'm 42 years old, looking for a career change and trucking looks like just the ticket.

I hear bad things about so many companies out there I hardly know where to begin. So, here are my questions:

1. Who is another good company that does training that I can work for?

2. Will any of those companies pay me to train, cover meals, transportation, hotel, etc?

3. Health insurance for unmarried partners? Do any companies do that?

Any help anyone can give me would be great. I'd think I'll make a good, safe driver and I need to get OUT THERE!

Do you only have a permit? Or do you have a license? The majority of companies that are reputable would like you to at least have your license. There a few good companies out there that may be able to help you with a LICENSE. The only downfall right now in trucking is that frieght is slow for everyone. That is most likely why Schneider scaled back some of their recruits. One of my favorite companies is Watkins Shepard. I drove for them right out of school. I also like Celadon, Conway, Crete, and a few more. These are good companies that will hire you out of school. Although, I think they all require the actual license.

Ohhhh! I reread your post. You want the training FOR your license! Schneider was probably the best one for that. These other companies are trash. I am not going to mention any names but their reputation proceeds them.

But as I have said before, a little of something is better then nothing! Sometimes you just have to do what you gatta do.

What I would do is get on my hands and knees and beg Schneider to let you train with them sooner. Them having you wait 6 months is probably because for some reason you pissed the recruiter off. They dont just take anybody. They feel by them accepting you, you should feel priveledged and stick with your appointment. Sometimes people dont understand life happens, unforseen occurances, things out of your control, and you have to postpone appointments.
The same thing happened to me out of school. I had a few companies to choose from. I pissed off a recruiter and they said I was no longer eligible. It worked out for the best though.
I am not saying thats the only reason Schneider slapped a six month hold on you, but its sure worth a try to call that recruiter back and beg for her/his forgiveness.