Anyone here start their driving career after

Yes, I thought we were pass this point too.....but then I saw your dissapointment because the school that "roadrunner2" talked about was in Florida and not Oregon........so this lead me to believe you still had not found a school? Hopefully my post will help someone else here lookng for a very reasonably priced and highly rated school in the northwest.

 

I wanted this thread to gather more info on company-training so I could decide between the 2 types. RCC is now much higher. I talked to their main gal there today, 3596 is the total, plus 154 for DMV costs and background checks etc. IITR is 4500 +. I can get a grant for either but it is only 3,000.
I do appreciate all your help though. The Grant is WIA(Workforce Investment Act). I may also qualify for 250-500 more if they have the funds, and I turn in a 200 word essay on why I should get the money "kind of thing".


i just got my cdl using WIA money.... THAT is the only way to go....You do not want a company school... If you don't like the comapny you end up with a huge bill in the end....I paid nothing for my license and received money for my hazmat fingerprinting.... I would not have upgraded my license if I had to pay for it... Sorry I feel that way butg I have worked hard all my life and have never used government money before. I can be picker about what company I want to go for...

I would also investigate companies before getting my license... Try to fill out applications and get a couple of pre hire letters...This will help you with WIA money.

After you receive your license some companies may not hire you if you wait to long to start driving.... ALso remeber local jobs in your area may be hard to find. Many local companies want years of experience...SO otr may be something that you have to do before you can get local work..

Think about this as a lifestyle not just a job...Once you decide just do it....Good Luck!!!

 

The vocational schools such as Bates in Tacoma, Washington have good schools and the trucking companies like to hire from them. But, I called 5 trucking companies from my area around Seattle and went to a private school that they also liked to hire from. For me it was about time. 4 weeks versus app. 10. I applied at three companies before I graduated and had letters of intent to hire from all three when I graduated. I just had to pick one. No matter where you go to school, make sure you check with the local represented companies to see if they like to hire students from that school. Not all schools are good and the point is to be able to get hired. When you get hired, make sure you ask for a trainer that speaks good english unless you can speak another language. Good luck. Also like I said earlier most companies that hire students will reimburse you for the cost of school. The school I went to also gave me some training on doubles and flatbed.

 

Just reading these posts. I'll be 55 this year and came out of engineering and management. I've completed my time at a decent driving school, obtained my CDL, was hired and through orientation and now about 30% complete with driver training program (8 weeks). I just purchased a truck as my intent is to go OO and lease back to this company after training. It's all about attitute. I am enjoying it..

 

Hey Denise,

I was just trying to help, sorry for hi-jacking the thread and taking it off on another direction. I just think your school choice is super important. I know it would be nice to do it all on a grant, but you will get it all back from the company you choose........so your out of pocket money will come back to you providing you stick it out.

 

My GF's parents were 65 and 62 when they went trucking. He was retired USAF at 38. Retired from retail too. They needed to make some money and they did it for about 5-6 years. They have been real supportive.

My GF is a teacher and has been getting agrivated with the students and the school system.