I've been reading up on several companies and schools, but I have yet to find any solid answers concerning tuition, loans, reimbursement, etc...

As the topic states I'm very limited on my budget. I've been attending college here in Crown Point, so my finances have obviously been impacted. I want to get started as soon as possible. More specificaly, I want to have my CDL, training, and be on the road ASAP so I can start saving money to continue my training for the mission field. It all boils down to money, really (doesn't it always?).

Many of the schools / companies offer reimbursement but I can't find the actual up-front costs for specific schools. I've been able to find the overall tuition costs $4-6k, but nothing concerning tuition help / waivers. This will obviously determine how long I have before I can start. Concerning contracts, 12-18 months isn't a major issue with me. Training is important (shifting / backing up) to me. Pay isn't a huge factor starting out. What options do I have? Are these schools defering / waiving payment until my future company picks up the tab?

I'd like some names to run with, if anyone is able. I've read the horror stories behind Swift, so I'm not overly thrilled about going with them. But, as I said, money is an issue. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

I know Schieder puts you through school. When I went to school almost everybody else was there either through PAM or USA. I know I'll take flack from this but don't fear the dreaded "CDL MILL" get your liscense your certificate and go. Backing between cones and backing aroung a long nosed Pete are two different things and I don't care how many times you back between those cones. You know how i learned to back? At drop yards late at night. By myself, while I was making money. Point is just get your liscense, the real school starts when you get on the road.

my best advice, call the local community colleges and see what they have available. then call the local unemployment office and see what they or the state has available.

pay for your own school !!!! don't let a company send you through "their" school.

Then after you get your cdl it is yours... and you can go to any company. Most of the training companies will even reimburse your expenses/pay you extra. Transport America paid me an extra $150 a month which I could have used to pay off a student loan.

I paid cash up front for my school $2500, for a local community college.

1/2 of the class went for free, tab picked up by the state from an unemployment training fund or some crap???

I say don't go to a "company" school because it may be harder to transfer jobs if things don't work out well.

example: crst has a 7-10 day cdl mill, they bus you in and put you up in a motel with a meal. you are in training until you pass the cdl test... 1 week or maybe two if you're slow... then they stuff you in the seat with a trainer and a 6k bill due.

funny thing, the cdl mill is the same school I went to. kirkwood community college.

I was there for a month for $2500 and learned a lot, lots of seat time/class time.

the crst guys... $6,000.00 4 to a truck for a week.

asked the trainer whats up with that????

he says you don't any part of that... they pay us to get them so they can pass the driving test and not know anything else.

and the drivers will pay for it dearly for the next year assuming they can even stick it out.

if they quit they still owe the 6k and they more than likely can't get hired at a different company without going thru their version of the mill because the new company knows what the old company did and that you really aren't trained or can drive, just have a mill license.

cdl mill teaches you how to pass the written to get a permit then teaches you how to shift to pass the driving to get the license.

my school, you had to have the permit to even get in and then the 30 days was spent on driving technique and all the stuff you need to know that isn't on the cdl tests.

each to their own but there really is a difference in quality IMO.

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Though your argument is very clever, I don't think it will lead to the results you desire. gandhi

Another option is to take out a loan. My shcool even knocked down the price signifigantly if i paid up-front.

Loans aren't an option. I have no credit or a co-signer, otherwise I'd be set.

I've found two companies which seem promising and will foot the bill / provide a loan: Schneider and Prime. Schneider requires a Class-A permit before enrolling whereas Prime will give you a crash course. In either case, they seem well suited for those without the cash for up-front costs.

If anyone knows of some other companies, please list them.

I don't work for Schneider but I have attended and know a good deal about their training program. When I was there the up front cost was very minimal, they paid for a good deal of stuff other schools don't including the hotel, 2 meals a day (three if you got in good with the server cause you could get some to take hom), your CDL, hazmat, pretty much everything big.

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I am a Camaro Girl because IROC!

You have unlimited chances to go too slow, but only one to go too fast.

I'll just stick the Roehl name out there, though you have to pay for your meals, transportation there (reimbursed at the end), and like $350 for housing. After 60k miles, they start paying toward the loan, but I'm not sure if you'd qualify with no cosignor.

I received an e-mail from Roadmasters, from Tracy Passariello.

"Thank you for your interest in Roadmaster Drivers School for your training needs.

...

To answer your questions:
Training - 3 weeks in length.
Placement - possibility with 20 different carriers. Current placement percentage 94%.

Tuition cost:
Our financing: $6,495
Cash / Your financing: $4,995

Out of pocket expenses:
DOT Physical / Drug scree: $110.00
Permit: $16
License: $30

We utilize the 'Extended Stay' hotel for out of town guests. If you would like to utilize the hotel, the cost is $760 if we put it into the financing, or $570 if you cover the cost yourself.

And yes, carriers do provide tuition reimbursement.

Any questions, feel free to call me at
(Edited for form)


So, as it would seem, Roadmasters out of Indianapolis offer financing. The typical 6k +/- rate. I'll most probably call later today (since it's almost 2am and I'm at work) to find out the details concerning financing options.

My training was $5,500 for 8 weeks. I am going to a community college for this as well. I'd stay away from a CDL mill.

As I mentioned and as the topic suggests, I don't have the money for a local college at this point (most especially 5k). Loans aren't an option for me as I have no credit or a co-signer.

Some people don't have any other choice when they're in a tough position.