Is it better to get cdl on my own or go through a cdl program through a company

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by jerome2143, Sep 18, 2013.

  1. jerome2143

    jerome2143 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 18, 2013
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    I have heard alot of bad things about the company programs and no good things
     
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  3. vaportrail

    vaportrail Bobtail Member

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    Sep 14, 2013
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    Ill put it this way as of today im waiting on a drug screen and BC to come back and I am hired. I got my lic. on my own... Yes it takes lots of door nocking but I managed to get in with a local company 17hr w/ot benefits and home every night. All on the job training but do have exp backing and moving tankers around. Get it on your own and you are not dedicated to one company for a year or so
     
  4. Made_In_Haiti

    Made_In_Haiti Light Load Member

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    If u have the found to pay on ur own it's always good to do so like that U not gonna have to tight with one company for a years or so and if u have a clean record, and a clean driving record u will be able to whatever company u would like to work for
     
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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Depends; get it on your own through a private/community college school or just taking the tests? Depends on the individual's financial situation. If you can go to a private school, do it. Some people are in dire financial straits and worried about their next meal, so company training is best. A couple of companies like Prime will front food money. So, you may hear bad things about some company CDL schools, but they're a blessing to some new drivers. When a person is broke & has a family to support, they do what is necessary to enter the job market as quickly as possible. Evaluate your own personal situation and go from there.
     
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  6. Dna Mach

    Dna Mach Road Train Member

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    I paid nothing for my CDL. I did my year with Schneider and stayed a few more before moving on. Whatever you prefer, I'm just relaying my experience.
     
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  7. tonakis

    tonakis Light Load Member

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    Nov 27, 2012
    Fort LAuderdale, FL
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    Definitely on your own. Go through a public school/community college. It will cost you between $2000-3000 most likely and the courses are more thorough in general. I paid $2000 in South Florida, Sheridan Technical Institute. The program was 9 weeks, 320 hours, 1500 miles of OTR driving. I also drove a lot of different trucks and 9, 10 and 13 speed transmissions. This is compared to, for example, $6000 Roadmaster school, 3-4 weeks and 150 miles of driving.

    If you decide to go through a company - this is my observation: The company's training in most cases will not be free, unless you stay with that company for a certain period of time, most likely 2 years. In an industry where turnover is at about 100%, people are most likely not going to go through those two years and the moment you leave you owe that money for schooling back to the company.

    If you don't have the $2000, borrow it, put it on a credit card.. You will make that money back in two months and you won't be trapped to stay in a particular company if you don't like it.
     
  8. fledge

    fledge Bobtail Member

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    Sep 17, 2013
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    Thanks a lot all for these helpful replies. Was already leaning toward private school, now you convinced me.
     
  9. jlharder

    jlharder Bobtail Member

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    Jun 4, 2013
    Orlando, FL
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    I'm going to CRST for my training which starts Monday in Cedar Rapids. My plan going into this is to work my ##### off get the training done, drive for them for about 8 months to a year then go somewhere else. I am so ready for this the job market now is horrible and truck drivers are always in demand.
     
  10. BrenYoda883

    BrenYoda883 Road Train Member

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    Here is what I have gathered.. that the success of an individual is determined more by their own determination and drive then whether they went to the best private school or the worst company program..
    Some very successful drivers today got there start at the evil cdl mills.. and there are those too that went through a very good private school got their cdl and het didn't last a year on the road..

    I do think everyone should research and be honest with themselves on if they have what it takes.. then, if you can afford a private school go.for.it, if you can not afford a.private school.there are still options.. if you want it..
     
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