I have been reading lots of posts here with good informtion. Thanks.

I have some questions I haven't seen answered, yet.

1. Several trucking companies have rotating driving plans like 7-4/3 and 14/7, etc, but I haven't read many posts that verify these plans. Are these plans really available to new drivers?

2. If I decide on a career change, I will probably be able to pay for the schooling upfront. Any recommendations on private vs company schools? Is a company more likely to hire me because I went through their school? Or do I just have more options if I get the CDL privately?

3. I live in the Chicago area, where many companies have a terminal. However, the cost of living here is higher than a rural area. Is there an advantage to living in such an area; a transportation hub, so to speak?

I appreciate any information I can get.

Thanks again.

it will depend on the company, you'll have to talk to recruiting/dispatch to ask how it all works. keep in mind that just because a company says they will get you home every 7 days doesn't mean it'll always happen that way.
i would go to a private school and arrange payment yourself, if you go with company provided training you'll basically be a slave to them.
you're always better off living close to where you work, if you want to live in a rural area i would make sure that the company you work for will allow you to take your truck home when not working. i still would not want to live any further than about 2 hours from the terminal.

__________________
1% MAKE IT HAPPEN
9% WATCH IT HAPPEN
90% SAY GEE, WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?
Fairtax... The Best Thing to Come Along Since the Constitution

Thought I would jump in since I am sitting here in the CHI-TOWN area again for the second day waiting/looking for a load.

To reinterate also what cajun stated above..........

1. The programs are available after some time being with a company most do not allow it first 2-3 months depending.

2. This is a very tricky question: Since you have never driven before the starter companes want to run you for every bit they can get out of you for the cheapest amount possible. This is done by training you with a contract. Very profitable for the companies and very attractive for them. This includes working for a period of time with lower pay and resignation stipulation that are very high...............The other side is get your CDL on your own you are marketable to a few companies starting out new. Their are a handful that recruit right out of school and have tuition re-imbursements. They usually start pay higher than the above mentioned and do not require a contract. ( DO YOUR RESEARCH FOR PARTICULAR COMPANIES AND TYPE OF HAULING)

3. their are alot of local companies that run this area that you could be home regularly and regional and OTR. Pounding the pavement and figuring out what specifically you are looking for will make it easier to help you.


I live in the south now and don't know anymore than what I hear on this site and on the CB for this region, so their are a couple of people on here that can help you further.......................Good Luck..............J

Just to add, yes the 7/7 and 7/4-7/3 is available once you put in some time (6 months I think) but the catch is you need to live close to a terminal or drop yard and need to be compatible with another driver close by.(if you are considering ROEHL for example) the guarantee is to get you home when u r supposed to because you share the truck with another driver (one driver for 7/7 and 2 trucks 3 drivers for 7/3-7/4 I believe that is how it works.
The drivers I had spoken with who were like on the 7/7 were getting excellent miles, like 3000-3500wk however, as good as it sounds just remember u r only working 26 wks a yr. Wait.... that sounds really good

Thanks for the responses. Very helpful.

Anyone have any ideas about ATS driving school in Wauconda IL?

Roehl and Schneider look good for new drivers in the midwest. Any new drivers want to comment? (Yes, I have been reading the good company/bad company threads.)

Any comments about sleep deprivation and handling it?

Could a new driver with a CDL work for an independent O/O on a per mile basis and get experience that way? I can see advantages to team driving, but I am afraid a company would set two newbies up together and the blind lead the blind. I talked with a guy a few years ago team driving for Schneider and he had stories of waking up and finding his team mate had been driving in the wrong direction for hours while he slept.

I will have more questions. Thanks again for the help.

I do not know anything about ats driving school-hope it aint one of them cdl mills. as far as sleep deprivation, no such thing for me, I would rather go nite-nite in my truck rather than my own bed, all have been extremely comfy. Now, someone correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Schneider change their policy for new drivers (going through their driver training)that they sign an 18 month servitude contract? I know ROEHL does not do that, however if you quit before a yr (if u finance with them) they prorate the remaining balance owed.
I suppose you could probably find an O/O but that would be iffy due to the insurance issues.
A company such as ROEHL would send you out with a trainer for about 3 weeks, so long as you get a good one (I did) no blind leading the blind crap.
Keep on with your research here, I saved myself from a ton of problems for sure, learned a lot from the kind folks here.

1. this is a problem for some people, it will all depend on the individual. The most important thing is to know the signs and shut down, don't let a co. run you.

2. Yes this is an option, however as metioned above a few draw backs, ins., benefits, quality, longevity, referral info..

3. Team driving relates to the above mentioned with sleep deprivation, if the driver can sleep in a moving truck , finding another driver feeling comfortable with riding with.
I drive team and lead, I have dozens of stories for you that would scare the bajezus outta ya' but another time. And true most team co.'s will send new drivers out together, they want you to find who you want to drive with and get along.

All and all though this time of year is the best time to learn and start out, the only change in conditions are rain. Winter is the worst time in my opinion to learn/start. too many different changing factors to catch on quickly. After being out with a trainer(good Trainer) a driver can feel comfortable enough to take their time and be ok.

Hope this helps...........good luck.............J

1. Several trucking companies have rotating driving plans like 7-4/3 and 14/7, etc, but I haven't read many posts that verify these plans. Are these plans really available to new drivers?

.....The KLLM recruiter was pretty upfront with me because I asked about it. She said plan on 3 weeks out with 3 days off.

2. If I decide on a career change, I will probably be able to pay for the schooling upfront. Any recommendations on private vs company schools? Is a company more likely to hire me because I went through their school? Or do I just have more options if I get the CDL privately?

.....I paid for my own CDL Training course and I think it shows you're serious about the new career. And the first paragraph of the prehire letter from KLLM was that I'll be reimburse up to $5000 within 14 months as long as I make my year anniversary. They're also going to reimburse costs for getting the Hazmat endorsement,.

3. I live in the Chicago area, where many companies have a terminal. However, the cost of living here is higher than a rural area. Is there an advantage to living in such an area; a transportation hub, so to speak?

.....I live in a small town in NC and I called around and the first two places said sure no problem when asked if I can pay to park in their secure-fenced yards. One is a Freightliner repair shop and the other is a trailer repair yard. They were really nice about it and the Freightliner manager said he won't charge me, I'm welcome whenever there's a spot open. KLLM said the dispatchers may also be able to help find a customer who won't mind if I park too. So you don't have to live near the terminal unless you just want that

I hope you get a great job, good luck to you. cj.

You're welcome, Im sure.
That's why we're here --- not just to hear ourselves type.

HeY!
I'm gonna vote for Schneider because that's where my career hatched. It's twue, those orange bags along the highways ARE Schneider Cacoons.

Although, I've heard good things about Roehl, too.

Read it all with an open mind and know whatcher lookin' for, --- and whatch'll accept.

Sure!
It's hard, for most, at first.
But y'all can probably get used to it -- if you want to.
It was, at first, for me, and I got used to it.
That can make gettin' used to an 8 sleep in a bed that ain't vibrating again, a tad tricky though. That's why I recommend a Holiday Hotel on your dayz off. South Florida in the Spring is nice.

Sure!
It's possible --- but not real probable.
Whatcha gotta ask yourself is, with limited experience at best, would YOU be up to the challenge? Safely? That, sadly, happens.
That's why I recommend Schneider. I KNOW their training is among the best. That sure adds confidence when you're tryin' to sleep behind a stranger (at first) -- knowing they weren't rejected by Schneider.
Bigger question might be if you trust YourSELF to drive with a sleeping team driver a few feet behind you.
Safely. LoL!
YuP! ---- That happens.
Mostly trucker stories though.

There ARE ways to prevent that, ya know?
A sharp team is far less likely to do that. But the stories are funny -- notetheless. No?

You're most welcome, Valjean.
And so are your future questions.

__________________
Pontificating Dogmatist

You are correct Schneider has an 18 month contract. I looked into them briefly...notice that word? Huh? I'm currently looking at Crete, have read a lot of positive about them, you have any input on them? Are there any companies that have shorter driver orientations that you know of? The pay is peanuts during that time and most companies have been sending newbies out for 4-8 weeks with a trainer! Good for the new driver but not for his/her wallet. Again, any ideas?