Which companies out there offer training through them? And I don't mean just the ones that will take someone without experience, as most of them require you to already have the CDL. I am talking about the ones like Schneider and such that actually offer the training.

I already tried Watkins & Shepard, but they said they couldn't help me. That I needed to come up with the $4,000 some other way to be able to go through their CDL training. I got denied by Schneider because of my speeding ticket in October of 2004 (3.5 years ago, when their cutoff is 3 years). Preferrably ones with low out-of-pocket expenses, and allow pets after the training is over with, but that last one isn't too vital. And by pets, I mean a dog that is 45+ pounds.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I also looked at CRE, but would prefer to stay away from the mormons. Again, thank you for any information.

Oh, and the opportunity for flatbed would be a big plus. I know it's asking a bit much, but the only real criteria is they offer their own CDL training at low out-of-pocket upfront expense (food not included).

Have you checked with Prime, they have company training.

USA has no flatbead but i am here and happy. check out maverick for flatbed, they offer co. paid training.

__________________

tip for new truckers: to err is human, to forgive is not D.O.T. policy.
"i've been working all week, and i'm tired and i dont wanna sleep and i wanna have fun... it's time for a good time!!!!" alan jackson

Muffin-man - have you checked your county unemployment office regarding WIA? It's a grant, and it was approved within 2 weeks of my initial application.

Then, you come out of school a free man - beholden to no company.

alot of schools will take you if you have a small amount to put down. I am putting down $1500 and start roadmaster may 5th. that includes hotel. wia is good too if you can qualify

there has to be more I'm interested too . I have been trying to check into for years and I'm finally at a point in life where I'm really serious about it ...

my local unemployment office is a joke when it comes to many things. The biggest one is the WIA part of it. I have asked for information about the WIA, and all they said was "Fill out this piece of paper and we will give it to the people in charge of WIA, as we can't do anything about it." So, I put down that I am looking to get training to be a truck driver on the piece of paper. I include my name, address, and phone #. I have not heard anything the 2 times I tried it. The first was back in February. The second was late March. Haven't heard a thing.
I would prefer to not be stuck with a company, and go through a school. But with my credit so far in the crapper, it's impossible for me to get any sort of loan. I mean, W&S cosign for the loan to train you with their training school, but I was denied that. I couldn't even get a loan for $100. So I think that my only option is to go to a company that provides the training.

look at it this way. you are going to want to stay with your first co. at least a year anyway to have a shot at one of the better companies.
a contract is just extra incentive to stick it out if it gets a little rough.

__________________

tip for new truckers: to err is human, to forgive is not D.O.T. policy.
"i've been working all week, and i'm tired and i dont wanna sleep and i wanna have fun... it's time for a good time!!!!" alan jackson

Muffin-man,

That's intolerable. I'd be on them like stink on a democrat. If they can't point me at an office, it's time to start raising a little .. substantive argument. Point out that they've had two opportunities to get it right. Failed both times. Suggest that their system is in need of fixing.

Call your county commissioner's office and complain.

I'd bet one of the local TV stations has one of those idiot "Troubleshooter" reporters - get HIM involved.

Rattle cages, bang doors. Heck, call the next county over and ask for informatoin on YOUR county's office. Or, better, see if THEY can help you. If they provide the funds, it looks good on THEIR record.

Do NOT let them stonewall you.

"STINK ON A DEMOCRAT" That is pretty funny stuff. i will have to steal that from you.