I got my CDL permit last week and have signed tuition check for roadmaster in columbus, ohio from my grandma and was planning on starting school next month, but I've read alot of things on this forum about trucking schools and CDL mills. Does anyone have any experience with Roadmaster here in Columbus, OH?

I think they train fairly well, just make sure they’ll help you find a driving job after you graduate.

How much are they charging for the school?

I am currently attending roadmaster in NC so I cant answer your question about that school but I can tell you about my experience with Roadmaster. The instruction I have recieved is great the instructors really care about teaching you the proper methods and that you do things by the book. With that said you will get the exact prescribed time on classroom, field or range, and road and observation times. Nothing more and nothing less. I attended a lot of schools while in the Marines and as far as time managment and having things planned out, I have been completely frustrated, everything is day to day and by the seat of there pants, I dont blame the instructors I blame the administration people. The people who run Roadmaster care about one thing and that is money which I can understand to a point its a business but you pay way to much money for some of the sitting around that you do. They will submit applications without your consent if your on a loan program,I think they have to in order for you to get financed. If you have the time to go to a community college like the Sage program do it, but if money is not a concern or you want your CDL fast then attend Roadmaster, I wanted my CDL fast, this was my dream and could not bare to wait any longer so I paid the 6 grand but if time wasnt a concern for me I would have attended the coomunity college here and saved about 4 thousand. Again other than that it has been great, they have nice equipment, we use newer volvos to train with, all the instructors have twenty plus years experience and again they all care and really take the time to teach you. thats my opinion take it for what it is worth. Good Luck....
Your way ahead of the game going with your permit already I had mine when I went as well and the first week was boring becuase it was all classroom time teaching the permit manual. Big stress reliever for me, use that time to study your pre-trip and you will benefit greatly come test time

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I actually came to this thread researching experiences with Roadmaster. Too bad you didn't hear about the RRRTP scholarship. 100% free tuition, fees, lodging and food allowance (just found this out). You are a veteran, so you would have qualified. I wrote a thread about it here: thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/trucking-schools/33849-free-no-obligation-roadmaster-truck-driving.html

After talking to the director of the program in AR (Elizabeth), she told told me that their recruiting division recruits for virtually all of the companies that hire student-drivers and that I would most likely drive for. The question I had was whether or not I was obligated to work for anyone after attending the school. She reluctantly said no, as if to suggest that "well, why wouldn't you want to work for the companies [roadmasters] recruit for?" I'll keep an eye out for the high pressure recruiting if there is any.

I am currently in the process of getting financing to go to Roadmaster in Columbus. I went up and took a look at it, saw the trucks in the yard practicing maneuverablity, met an instructor, met a recruiter. All in all I was happy with what I saw. Three weeks sounds sort of fast, but I am also in need of a better paycheck sooner rather than later. And three weeks is still longer than most company classes.

Personally I don't necessarily have a problem with working for a company that recruits at the school, if it pays my tuition and at least $500 a week. I'm not planning on dying tomorrow, I can always look for better wheels to drive in the future.

I want to learn to be a safe and dependable driver.

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You mean you haven't heard of the Millenium Falcon? It's the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.

My husband is enrolled at Clark State in Springfield, OH for just $3900 compared to $5000 at Roadmaster. It is a 4 week program. May be worth looking into to save ya some money.

Just over a week til my time at Roadmaster, Columbus OH starts. I still have no real solid idea where I might go for that first job. I know what companies hire out of the school and reading threads at this place would scare anybody into not wanting to drive for any of them.

I think alot of it is belly-aching and usual non-comformists who never seem to be happy.

I also have seen that there are some legitimate gripes as well.

I have to think of my situation and what is best for my family. Sitting around waiting on the perfect opportunity isn't an option. I need to work sooner rather than later and as long as the loads and miles are there I am willing to drive them.

But it's been my experience that a job is often what you make of it. I tend to be a "good employee" wherever I have worked. I don't complain, I don't call off, I put in the time and effort, I try to fit in and I hate changing jobs so I also tend to stick around.

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You mean you haven't heard of the Millenium Falcon? It's the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.

Looking for any advice on how to get training and which company to work for.

thanks

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John " E "



“the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat”

Jim McKay 1921-2008

That's a very broad question. The age thing isn't a concern. It may be if you are trying to get into a union gig (for retirement purposes). Otherwise, if you can drive it, they'll take you. Which company to work for? First you have to decide on what kind of trailer you want to haul (flatbed, box van, reefer, heavy haul, cars, etc). Then go from there. This thread probably wouldnt be the best for that. Go back to the "[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link. " folder and also visit [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link. and search for other drivers experiences. Ask around at truck stops or people you know or a 'friend of a friend' that is a driver themself.

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Thanks for your post. I will try the threads you reconmneded.

I am not looking for any type of union job. I will be recently retired after 30 years with a city and have a good pension in place. Just don't want to stop working yet and after reading several posts over the past month or so combined with an interest that goes back more than 35 years, I thought I would pursue my options.

Everything I've read so far seems to discourage (at least when new) any type of lease program. Ideas?

I picked this thread to begin with because I would like some input on the subject of "is it better to go with a major trucking co's own trainig program, or get my training through an independent program (such as Raodmaster) and then go apply. I have the funding in place for either choice.

As for the type of job, I wouldn't mind working a national solo fleet (reefer, dry van, or flatbed would all work) I don't know enough about ecah individual type yet, so any basic advice would be great.

I know the job is hard, long hours and at all times of the day and night combined with weeks away from home. I have worked shift work for the last thirty years in a high stress enviroment and don't want to stop (for the fear I will roll over and die) so the professional truck drivers job sounds like a good second career. Anyone, tell me if you think otherwise.

If I'm heading down the right path, any information about specific companies that you think would work well for me, based on my lack of experience but flexible expectations about the actual job.

Thanks again.

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John " E "



“the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat”

Jim McKay 1921-2008