OBC - Ohio Business College - Middletown Ohio (was Tri-State) - Review

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by rebooting, Oct 30, 2014.

  1. rebooting

    rebooting Bobtail Member

    7
    7
    Aug 9, 2014
    Dayton, Oh
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    Review:

    Paid for it myself as I did not qualify for WIA. Good program. I toured RoadMaster (Columbus Oh) and Napier (Hamilton, Oh) prior to making my decision.

    Personally, I could not see the reason for 2 weeks in classroom at Napier, and did not understand need for the 12 hour days at RoadMaster. They may have good programs just were not a good fit for me. Review your "approved" training facilities for your desired companies, your mileage may vary.

    Many of the instructors are ex-Napier, fwiw, and seemed very happy to be at OBC. The class sizes are well managed, so you have plenty of range and road time.

    What to expect:

    - 1 week of class. Lots of videos, rules and regs and a final test in Dayton.
    - 2 weeks of Range (Middletown) in Day cabs with a 48' trailer. You will learn to "straight line back", "right and left lane change backing", "Alley Dock", and "Parallel". Pretty simple, whenever a truck is idle get in it! and practice, this is not the time for trucking stories. Straight line as much as you can and practice your "in cab" for the pre-trip. The straight line truck usually sits there as people focus on the "tough maneuvers". Use it. Straight line is the foundation for everything.
    - 1 week of Road driving in a 2009 International Prostar with a 48' trailer.
    - State Test: Day cab with a 48' trailer. Easy peasy. NOTE: You will have to perform your own setups for the maneuvers, try out messing things up on the range as it will make recovery easier at the test. I had no points on the 5 maneuvers in school, yet had 11 points on the alley dock on the state test! Ouch. Passed, whew!

    I passed state on the first try and overall it was a great experience. You just have to take it seriously as this is your future career. Listen, stop! when they say to, and take advantage of the practice time available. It is up to you to succeed.

    There were many recruiters that came in to talk about opportunities. Ask plenty of tough questions to keep them coming back and make sure you are informed about your choices starting out. Remember, it is not just about cpm! There are many good threads on ttr about what to ask.

    Overall:

    Great instructors, decent equipment, in and out in 4 weeks. Success is in your hands. Practice, Practice, Practice.

    PS Joe J. is in charge of training, he is firm, but fair (Jackwagons! ;-) He is pushing to make it a world class training facility (newer equipment, solid range, and serious, firm, though caring instructors), and it was worth every penny I paid, out of pocket (come on tuition reimbursement!).

    If you have any additional questions about this program, post here or pm me. I will answer them the best I can or put you in touch with the appropriate parties.

    Good luck and stay safe!
     
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  3. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    1,398
    Mar 23, 2012
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    We finnaly found a use for prostars!
     
    48stater Thanks this.
  4. SHOJim

    SHOJim Road Train Member

    3,399
    17,201
    Apr 19, 2011
    Columbus, Ohio
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    Thanks for the info and congrats on getting your CDL!
     
  5. rebooting

    rebooting Bobtail Member

    7
    7
    Aug 9, 2014
    Dayton, Oh
    0
    Thanks! Looking forward to hitting the road soon. On to choosing a company....
     
  6. Rookmon1

    Rookmon1 Bobtail Member

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    1
    Oct 17, 2014
    Dayton, OH
    0
    I have to second the notion of the OP. I attended the class that started 9/15, and have no complaints. Just wanted to add that each phase was reasonably paced, so you are ready to get your CDL after their 160 hrs of attendance.

    They got me in on a reasonable down payment, but I think they would have worked with me on financing if it really came down to it: they give you decent supports and resources, including plenty of job leads, filling in the value for your money. They work with anybody needing extra practice, having Saturdays available, or if you schedule to come in ahead of your test with the state, at no extra cost.

    This is probably the best way to go when you consider that once you graduate you are not obligated to work for any one company.
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2014
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