Driver solutions

I went to C1 in Strafford MO. It was awesome! It was a huge class but they really worked with us to get us through. On another note, I did get stuck with the entire bill. After I completed my training, PAM changed their minds about hiring me. After waiting several weeks for a trainer to pick me up I called and ask if I could delay a little longer because I was in the process of moving and wante4d to get settled. I figured since it was taking so long anyway that it would be okay. They even said it would be okay. I asked if I should continue to call in everyday and she said no - just call when I was ready to go. I called when I was ready and they told me I had been let go for not calling in. Partly my fault for delaying, but if I had known, I would not have done it. So, it is possible to get stuck with the entire bill. Students have a limited amount of time to back out of the contract, but the company can back out at any time.

 

I'm just trying to decide between my 2 options. 1) Go to C1 in October and complete training in 3-4 weeks or 2) wait until January to start at the local technical college to get trained. Of course there are pro's and con's to each option but I've been sitting on my rear end since the end of March drawing unemployment. I'm ready to get the ball rolling...

 

If i could have waited I would have chosen the tech college More in depth training and more carriers will hire you from my understanding

 

Thanks for the input free2frog. I can see where it might be best to wait this one out and do the tech school training in January. My wife is due in February and if I go training now at C1, I may have to fight with P.A.M. to get home for the birth and all that. This trucking thing is a real catch 22. I have a passion for it and I need/want to make a living, but I worry about being away from my wife & kids. How do you cope with it when you first start out?

 

Hello all, I am currently in my 2nd week # C-1 Strafford, MO. Despite many "horror stories" I can say that the training here is good. All the instructors in the yard have been helpful in everything I needed help on, also they give you the chance to work with all of the instructors if you wish to pick up on different reference points and tips throughout the yard course. Despite being a fairly small training yard, they have it set up where 4 trucks can run maneuvers at the same time without much interference if any at all. The classroom instruction during the first week went smooth and everybody from the previous and class and my class had no problems what-so-ever passing all of the written tests (air brake, doubles/triples, tanker, haz-mat). I feel without a doubt that everybody will have a hard copy A-CDL in their hands when done with this course. I am signed up with USA-Truck and have read many different reviews and comments about them. I do understand that the internet doesn't always provide the most accurate information, you can't believe everything you read. I don't discount anything tho, and take all information as constructive to cover my own heels while entering a new career in such an unstable economy. I have to take steps to ensure that my family is taken care of in the future, since we have no children yet, I figured it is best to start now with a company that will let me hop behind the wheel and get the experience needed to ensure that a few years from now I can land a route that will get me home more with adequate pay. C-1 in my opinion has all the tools needed for you to pass your CDL test well. I am going to continue to focus on positives and am exited to soon be driving for USA. Foot in the door is a foot in the door, any hints, tips, advice will be appreciated and will not be discounted. Stay safe out there, and thanks!