OK, so I thought I would throw this out here. When I first got into this, I couldn't find much to any information reviewing Carolina Trucking Academy, so I was sort of shooting blind. But here is MY take on the place. Hopefully it will help others in the future. Be forewarned, I am not going to sugar-coat ANYTHING being as you are here looking for honest information, right?
With that being said, Carolina Trucking Academy is a privately owned and operated CDL School located on the southern fringe of Raleigh, NC where it meets Garner. It is not one of these grandeous schools with simulators and high tech equipment. But there is one thing it does have that others lack..... it has HEART!
Charlie and Donna (husband and wife team) run the operation and have a passion for what they are doing. Sometimes things happen that set Charlie off, but usually, it involves someone's act of stupidity and he responds. Personally, I feel there is nothing wrong with that. There are rules to be followed, just like out on the road, and if you are not capable of following rules, then trucking is definately not the place for you. And Donna is one of the nicest, most accomodating people out there. She was genuinely concerned with my blood pressure at my initial DOT physical and thusly prompted me to see a physician. Problem solved, no worries, and I thank her for that.
Victor is the Director of Instruction and is quite passionate about his job and making sure you learn how to manuever a truck. Mostly he spends his time working with the students on the yard with backing manuevers and classroom education. You can almost always expect a smile from him, and if you have a problem or a concern, you can pretty much rest assured that he will do everything he can to make it work for you.
Wayne and Jerry are two of the Road Instructors (there is another guy named Larry, but I was never around him). Jerry is a seasoned driver that is very laid back and very knowledgeable about driving. I think in the 4 weeks that I was there, I only knew of him getting rattled one time and that was when a truck started acting up on the highway, and he jumped up and shut off the key. I wasn't there, but I heard about it. Now Wayne is a character! Originally hailing from Texas, this man has driven or flew just about everything out there. He is quite animated in his method of teaching, but equally as effective as Jerry. All of the students will leave there with two phrases in their head.... "C'mon, let's go!" and "Get a Gear!". Both of these guys are great instructors and I feel blessed to have them next to me in the truck.
Now let's talk about the school and equipment. To begin, the school is located on 4 acres of land right in the middle of "all that's happening" in the area. This was beneficial to me because, let's face it, you will be driving in that one day all by yourself. A lot of classroom time is spent watching videos, lectures and open room discussions. Very beneficial, I thought. Outside, they have a few trucks with trailers for your backing manuevers. During the entire time I was there, the sun came out twice. The rest of the time, it was cold, rainy, snowy, or a combination of all three. There were times when the yard was an absolute mess. But again, it built character and made it possible to realize that in adverse situations and conditions, I could do this. It will make it all that much easier to do when the weather and conditions are nice, right?
The trucks are a combination of Freightliners and Volvos. Granted, they were not the newest models available, but they were sufficient. Like all "school trucks", they have been abused and driven hard by the new students, but they are effective and in the long run, they will make it easier for you to drive a fleet-maintained truck. All in all, I don't regret the experiences behind the wheel with these trucks. I am sure they made me a more capable driver.
So that is pretty much it. Do I recommend them? Absolutely! Never, in my opinion, could you find a better group of people to "get you on the road". And if you do attend Carolina Trucking Academy, tell them Mark said Hi!
Carolina Trucking Academy, Raleigh, NC
Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by ScooterDawg, Feb 5, 2009.
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I know this thread is old but I had to comment... I had a great time at carolina trucking academy... Victor and Wayne are great guys... Jerry no longer works there. Charlie and Donna are straight forward and dont sugar coat anything. I will miss all of Waynes one liners and Victors stunt driving out in the yard.... Great school
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Good writeup. This school is my top pic at the moment.
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hey guys I just have to add this in here I am getting ready to start class with them on April 15 and I talked to Donna over the phone see was straight forward. I hope all goes well there I let you all know how it goes.
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so my first week at CTA is over and it went great the guys in my class are funny as all get out and the instructors are very good at teaching what needs to be taught.
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Sound like a awesome school to become a trucker, how do I get any info on getting started. read nothing but awesome things about this school
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I went to school there back when it was it smithfield/selma area
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go to google and type in Carolina trucking academy and the webpage will bring you to the site and check them out you will more than likely have to call to get more info but they are a great school I had tons of job offers the second week I was there they are only open Monday- Thurs 7am to 6pm good luck
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Anyone have any info on Trans Tech in Conover, NC?
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How much is tuition for this school?
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