Finally found a job and have some questions.

The contract has been going on for a few years with some companies. It's expensive to train a driver and a few companies got tired of spending money and time training a new driver, then the driver quits. That's why the contract. It's fair enough; the driver knows about the contract, then signs on anyway. If a driver doesn't want to sign a contract, then keep looking.

 

I think what bothers me isn't the idea of signing the contract for 6 months (which is nothing) and paying something back ($2500 should be pro-rated) but if you are fired for any reason and have to pay seems to be wrong.

 

I think it's outrageous they're charging you $2500 for training, when you came in the door with a CDL already in hand. Legitimate companies accept that staff development is a cost of doing business. Do they at least reimburse you for what you spent on private school? My employer did that, after I'd completed six months with them. I just had to submit my course completion certificate and an invoice from the school.

This is puzzling too. Are you a 1099? I could maybe see an argument that if you, as an independent contractor, damage equipment they provided you, you should be on the hook. But not if you're an employee. If their truck breaks down, they need to get you in a different truck, and pay for your downtime until that happens.

But it's too late to worry about that now. You signed the contract, and the best course of action is probably to keep your head down, learn as much as you can from your time with a trainer, and bide your time.

 

This is troubling to read but you see it more often. I don’t blame the company for doing this cuz it does cost them to train etc. HOWEVER, there is better out there out if one looks more into it. It’s all about timing and PATIENCE. If one gets desperate, it’s going to cost you. Goodluck.

 

In trucking, there are lots of surprises. Gotta expect the unexpected. I like to plan ahead too, but I've learned to have multiple backup plans. It's ok if you miss something, we all do. That's how you learn though. I'm glad to hear your excitement though. Keep the updates coming!

 

As a company driver?!? Oh hell no, F that! They own the equipment, they pay the wrecker bill when their poorly-maintained, janky old hoopty trucks and trailers break down.

A better idea would be for them to quit doing the BS that makes new drivers want to quit and start treating them in a way that will make them want to stay.

 

Protect your cdl, if you get caught by a cop with a bad truck it goes on your record