Starting School Monday....

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Leather Helmet, Nov 20, 2014.

  1. Leather Helmet

    Leather Helmet Light Load Member

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    Well, was able to secure funding for local training. School has recruiters visiting regularly I am told. Any pointers as to what to look out for, as far as traps, or is it fairly straight forward as I will already have CDL when graduated?

    Thankful that I don't have to resort to a company paid "free" school but really want to be aware...
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Decide if you want 48 states, regional or whatever. Some new drivers don't look at that and realize too late, the company they signed on with only runs Eastern half of USA, when they wanted 48 states.
     
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  4. Leather Helmet

    Leather Helmet Light Load Member

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    Thanks Chinatown, that's kinda what I figured. My thinking was find a company that has a terminal here, and do regional if possible. Im excited about it, just want to make the right decisions..
     
  5. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Recruiters are sales ppl,they're going to say anything that you wanna hear rather then the truth.So remember that when they start coming in your class.Recruiters don't know what goes on with the company.They have rehearsed lines.So if a company sounds good,come back on here and ask other drivers or if you see any drivers out there like at a walmart or trk stop just ask them before making any commitment.
     
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  6. Leather Helmet

    Leather Helmet Light Load Member

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    Thanks pattyj, I have taken a lot of advice from on here to heart and really appreciate it
     
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  7. Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

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    Study hard! Take everything the recruiter says with a tsp. of salt.

    If there is a company that sounds interesting, inquire here, or find a few of their drivers at a truckstop and talk to them.
     
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  8. FuzzFace2

    FuzzFace2 Medium Load Member

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    Ask the recruiters that come in how much driving they do a year or have done before coming off the road if they say they are not on the road.
    As was said they are sales people and some of them have little time on or OTR and may not know what it is like out there.

    It may help you to know what you may want to do in trucking be it dry van, refer or flat bed and then if 48 state, dedicated, local, etc.
    Listen to the recruiters and then come here and ask about the Co. may not hurt to Goggle the Co. also to see what else comes up.
    Dave ----
     
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  9. moraramis

    moraramis Light Load Member

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    Once you've decided on a carrier to work for get everything in writing from the recruiter. You won't be the first driver that a recruiter has lied to, and you won't be the last one either. At least with it all in writing like in emails you can print them out and hold the company to the promises made, or have them pay for your ride home.
     
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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Watkins-Shepard might work. Dedicated freight out of North Carolina.

    Some more with regional/local:

    Schneider - Truck drivers earn up to $60,000 per year*, have a predictable work schedule and get home weekly in this Regional CDL position. Regional truckers haul 95% no touch freight and average 300-400 miles per length of haul. As a Regional driver, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: the freedom of the open road while staying close to home. Start your trucking career!

    Eligible CDL Driver Applicants

    • Experienced truck drivers
    • New Class A CDL holders
    Truck Driver Pay & Benefits
    Full-time CDL truck drivers are eligible for:

    • Up to $60,000 per year*
    • $3,000 sign-on bonus for experienced truck drivers
    • $2,000 sign-on bonus for inexperienced drivers
    • Up to $6,000 tuition reimbursement for qualified drivers


    Epes Transport
    DM Bowman
    Decker Truck Line
    Mohawk Industries
    Simba Seven
    Watkins-Shepard
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2014
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  11. Leather Helmet

    Leather Helmet Light Load Member

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    Charlotte North Carolina
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    Okay, first three days done, short week because of Thanksgiving. So far so good, school is good, instructors seem to care and are pretty cool people. Am looking forward to the next three weeks. Still not sure what to do after graduation. I think maybe I am thinking about it too much. What I am leaning towards is going with Werner or Schneider, or some such, and getting my time in training and learning the business that way then reevaluating. I have an offer from a friend of mine to drive local for a farm, but starting pay is pretty low with long hours so not sure about that just yet. Any more advice would be greatly appreciated.....
     
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