I don't know what to do next...

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by TypicalLowLife, Dec 16, 2014.

  1. TypicalLowLife

    TypicalLowLife Bobtail Member

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    Hi guys I'm back, but this time with some bad news. I recently got denied approval for Roadmaster Truck Driving School (I shouldn't say denied, but HEY they basically said "FIND A CO-SIGNER OR FORK UP 6k") Anywhoo.... I'm at a lost as what do next, where to look, or even how to go about it. I've recently talked to a recruiter at schneider about a Paid training program they have, but like any other Paid Training they require me to work for them for a year for .32/cpm, OTR, with 5% unload touch fright. Although I'm grateful for the opportunity offered I can't help but think "what if I get in it and don't like it?" I never want to hurt my name in the trucking industry, and I also would never want to be in bad standing with schneider because when Roadmaster was my 1st option driving for schneider as a team driver was all I wanted. I'm writing to ask your opinions, ideas, or even advice on what companies should I look into as far as paid training. Also what schools I look into in Indianapolis, IN (where I reside) that might be of interest or even worthy of my time. I'm currently working with Workone to possibly get approved for a WIA grant, but from what I was told a 1 person household maximum income was 27,000 and well I've made that already + more so i'm a little scared I'll do as thats required of me and still not be able to get the grant. If someone could please give me some HONEST advice I would appreciate it because at this time I'm so lost :( and worried that all my planning that I had done to make this BIG move into the industry has crashed.
     
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  3. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Instead of hopping into a big rig right off the batt, signing your life away for a year or 6 grand of potential debt, how about working for a local carrier doing city work, driving a three ton body job.
    That's how I started, you get a feel for the industry, learn a lot about what works or doesn't work as far as how to load a truck. And over time you work your way up to larger trućks and then OTR. My boss at the time let me practice on the weekends with tractor trailers, once I felt confident , all I had to pay for was an air brake course, then did my road test and away I went.
     
    "semi" retired Thanks this.
  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    I agree, TLL, try thinking outside the box. I too, started driving pickups, to straight trucks, to tandem dumps, and finally TT. I realize that may not be an option for you, sometimes if you start at the ground level, work on the dock, and maybe take the yard horse and back in some trailers. Everybody, it seems, wants to start out in this industry at the top, but there are many ways to get your foot in the door, without going the big buck school route. You may find people will give you a chance, straight truck city delivery, or single axle trailer. Good luck.
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    There's nothing wrong with signing a 1 yr. contract for a guaranteed job.
    Ask Schneider if you can go with their tanker division.

    Don't believe these drivers that want you to believe they popped out of the womb jamming gears with a full CDL and all the endorsements.

    Go the route you have to take to get started.
     
  6. gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

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    Man-up and do a year anyway.

    Sounds to me like you've been planning to fail, perhaps suffering paralysis by analysis. Somehow, other wannabes are making it.
     
    ncmickey and Chinatown Thank this.
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Take Schneider up on the deal.
    Millis Transfer is a good 2nd choice & need $500.00 for their school.
    Celadon in Indianapolis might be a good 3rd choice. No money needed.

    Still I would shoot for Schneider Bulk (tankers) as my primary goal.
     
  8. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    Look into Sodrel Truck Lines in Indy...they have a free seminar regarding their school you can go to.
     
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  9. TypicalLowLife

    TypicalLowLife Bobtail Member

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    I always hope for the best, but plan for the worst. I'm glad for other wannabes that have made it and if my family had the funds or even if I was just so eager to drive for anybody in any condition I'd be on my way also. Thanks for harsh comment and judgement though.
     
    dennisroc and Chinatown Thank this.
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Are they mail haulers? What's the deal with the drive axle lifted above the road?

    OK, I get it now, except for the drive axle:
    SODREL TRUCK LINES is an Indiana-based, family owned, 4th generation TL, LTL, HAZMAT and LOGISTICS provider. Our core specialties are in Dedicated Truckload Services and Retail Logistics. SODREL TRUCK LINES services the Midwestern United States with operation centers in Indianapolis, Jeffersonville, Cincinnati and St. Louis.

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    Last edited: Dec 17, 2014
  11. White Dog

    White Dog Road Train Member

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    First of all...your previous post http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...-schools/268950-roadmaster-q.html#post4367811 was active...so you didn't have to start another one on basically the same subject. But that's alright, we can help you in either thread...but you have to be able to open up your mind to suggestions.

    I say; put the year in! You're gonna have to bite the bullet if you want your introduction into the industry to cost as little as possible.
    Any which way you get into trucking, the industry is gonna present negative situation...and you're going to have to deal with them.
    At this point (from what I read on here) it doesn't seem to matter which company you use to get your free training (with a 1 year commitment)---so PICK ONE and get it done. They ALL have their 'good & bad'...it is the way it is.

    Now; do yourself a favor, and ignore those that tell you to find something local to start (unless local is what you want). What they seem to be forgetting (or just haven't experienced it themselves) is local and 'in-state' experience is NOT credited as trucking experience if you decide at some point to apply for over-the-road. I don't care if you work local with a tractor-trailer for 10 years...companies want experience in a "direct hire" situation. If you don't believe me, ask some of these armed forces Veterans that drove a truck for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 years in the Army...then applied for a trucking job in the civilian market. To the industry, they are brand new, and start from scratch.

    Times have changed. When I graduated trucking school in the early 90's...I went straight to a construction outfit to run dump truck for a year. Then I applied to ONE small company in my area for OTR...took a road test, had a paid lunch, and took a load to Tuttle, Ok. the very next day. It don't work that way any more, and a lot of these experienced guys must forget that, because we had a much easier time getting our foot in the door back in the day.

    Sign on with Schneider and get your year in, keep your nose clean, then call your own shots.
     
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