To all - I've seen a lot of good info on this site regarding schools...

I'm a newbie looking at schools to get mt CDL - most of the recommendations are to go private versus a company school....

The school here in Buffalo, NY is PTDI certified but the cost is $6,200.00 for 10 weeks....

If a company like Schneider is a good place to start I could save this money if I attended their school....

Would that be wise? What would be the negatives if I chose to work there? (which I have seen on this site is a good organization)

thanks

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Currently a 53 year old computer programmer considering a career change!

I was in your shoes about a year ago, I had lost my job as a security so I decided to go to school for a CDL. Alot of them out there. Where I worked was a steel plant and I delt with truckdrivers on a daily bases. So I asked questions about like going with a company that has cdl school. Alot of drivers told me no, because you will sign a 1 year lease with them for the schooling. Go to a school then you can pick and choose who you want. I went to Transport Tech in Bessemer PA. I paid $5,400 for the class. I had free housing because of where I lived. They have 3 or 4 places to attend school. The people at bessemer are great, (no cell service in most off the town, he he) The town is very small but people are very nice. Good Luck in your choice.

Just came from a sage location,spoke with a person there they asked me if I had studied the cdl manual. Now I was under the impression that schools are supposed to prepare you to take the tests, but they wanted me to pretest at the dmv first. Just pass the test but dont get my permit. Now why would I need to go to school? Why not take the test get my permit and then learn to drive on one of thier trucks,offer them 1,000 to teach me the basics to pass the tests and save myself 4,271 dollars oh and hazmat is another 100. just my 2 cents worth of questions.

rdubill,

Look around at other private options. As Keelady responded, 6,200 is a lot of money. IMO, it's toooooooo much money. Given that Buffalo has a sizable population, I'd think there may be other local choices for less. If you are unable to fine a local Technical or Community College that offers CDL program, stop in at one of the local SUNY's. They don't likely offer a program for CDL training, but could and should assist you in locating a training program that is more affordable and close by.

A very important consideration is class size. This is VERY important on the training range, and road, aka BTW. TOO MANY CDL schools put you in the truck with a few other students, and you spend considerable time watching others manuever the truck in the practice yard, and on the road. Look for a training program that provides individual BTW time... Also consider that companies hiring new drivers have an orientation and training program before you are sent OTR solo. Don't think for a minute you'll leave school and DMV with a CDL and be ready for the road.

Best wishes.

thanks to all who have responded - your input is invaluable!

Looks like I have a little more research to do....

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Currently a 53 year old computer programmer considering a career change!

I know that this does not hold much weight as I am a noobie myself. BUT I did some research and talked to some drivers from various companies. The truth of the matter is EVERYONE is a recruiter because if they get you to come on with their company they get a bonus. Well I will put in my 2 cents for what it is worth. I went to the PAM website and clicked on there Pre PAID School option. I just finished the 3 week class not 10 week but 3 weeks. Got my CDL from MO came back to IL took the tests and got my IL CDL. I am getting picked up by a PAM driver next week. And getting paid to let someone train me how to drive. In 4-6 weeks I get my own truck. I don't know about you but getting paid to learn and getting money while I was in school was a great benni to me. Just my 2 cents.

Scott

PS. The school in St Louis was great. The hotel sucked but the instructors were great. I would get your DOT Physical out of the way incase of any problems before you go. And you better have a clean driving and criminal record.

For the most part you are correct. Most drivers get some kind of a perk to get another driver to join their company. It is not like a recruiter though whose sole income is on filling seats. In my case I have never been a recruiter and I don't drive a truck anymore. I have sent a lot of drivers; mostly new students to different companies. I do not get paid to do so. I do it to help new students. Once I find out what the student is wanting out of trucking I help them sort out some things and tell them what I know from trucking. That gives them some sort of idea on what to ask and what to look for in a company. That way they can make a better informed decision of what they want to do. Levels the field a little bit. I have had many of those drivers stay in contact with me via cell and email. Most have all stayed with the company they chose. A few hasn't, but that's trucking. I hope you enjoy your new job! Keep us potsed on how it goes.

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My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!

I looked into private schools too and the price is out of this world but many companies offer reimbersment programs. You have to stay with them for whatever length of time but at least you can choose after school.

I should talk. The current plan is to start training with Central Refridgeration in Salt Lake City on 1/29. Their training costs $3k. You pay them back at $100/mo and the company ponies up $150/mo and it's paid off in a year. There's worse deals.

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It's said that attitude is everything. That's good because I have a fat one.

It is the duty and the obligation of the professional driver to recognize accident producing situations soon enough to take reasonable and prudent action to avoid an accident.

I'm thinking to school with Schneider. People say it's quite good. Also it'll make me stick in the industry for at least a year, not to jump off because of some little thing I might not like there. In a year I'll use to it

I have heard that their training is decent. Their hometime and pay is not the best. Seems like most drivers tend to move on to better jobs after they get some exp. I am not a big fan of being married to a job. I would check out all my options first. If it is the only way you can break into the job I don't think they would be that bad. There are a lot of worse choices out there. I would look at all angles. Remember a lot of companies offer tuition reimbursement. You could get your mony back if you funded your school. Also look into your States Grants. Might be something there for you. Good luck!

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My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!