Truck driving schools are like slot machines for companies (SCAM!)

210 posts later.......and this guy STILL hasnt figured out that everyone here has tried to help him out on his situation, given him different options.....

And yet he keeps reverting BACK to....I...I...I....cant this, dont want to do that....

Wheres my popcorn!?!?

 

If the OP can't afford to pay upfront costs, then go through Swifts program, and then the reimbursement program will pay your tuition off in 1-2 years. I have been happy with Swift's cdl training so far. I am paying my own way through it, and feel I am getting my money's worth. Anyone who may say Swift's company training doesn't teach you anything has either never attended their program, got booted out due to their own mistakes, or simply spreading bull for one reason or another. I have found their "company training" very good. Maybe I have lucked out with my instructors, but they have given me as much as I can handle and are certainly not making it "easy" for me to get my cdl.

 

Agreed, but he thinks that your choice is like becoming a slave, since you don't get it for free.

 

Wow! I only read the first 2 pages and the last one so i don`t know what`s in between. Fist, no free rides in life unless you`re on welfare and then that`s not free it cost taxpayers. Back in 91 i went $5,000 in debt for my cdl. After a d.u.i. in 98 i spent a couple grand to get into welding. There are ways to pay for education! Now, the only hope you have of getting a cdl without school, is have a friend that owns a truck, get your permit and drive with him. Bet he don`t pay ya, no free ride there either.

 

Man thanks for letting us all know!

 

"I used this thread to show to my local state senator that truck driving school was a scam and the industry is rigged for new drivers to fail"

I'm sure your senator found you as credible as we do.

"I didn't know it, but, I work with some ex-truckers. I didn't believe them so I had to verify and check their CDL's and they were still current"

Yes, I'm sure that you calling them a liar made them want to open their wallets, show you their licenses, just to make sure they had your approval.

"The ex-trucker that ex-driver a cab over freightliner car hauler for .41 per mile back in 1886 agreed with me."

1886, huh? Didn't know they had car haulers back then, or cars, for that matter.

Dude, you should really quit while you're ahead, and stay at your dead-end temp job.

 

And the reason the turn over is so bad these days is because people go through those programs with the state footing the bill for their schooling and they have no clue as to what the life of a trucker is really like. They think it's going to be a cake walk, 9 - 5 thing and they'll be home every night.

That's just not happening. Too many people have gotten into trucking that just can't handle it. Oh well, too bad. There are certain health conditions that are not allowed, including high blood pressure, which you stated you have. There are rules and regulations in place to protect the public. Don't like those regulations and rules? Then don't get into the industry. This industry is obviously not going to be a good fit for you if you can't even deal with the fact that the company said NO because of your blood pressure.

The regulations are available for all to read on the FMCSA website, including the health related stuff.

 

Amen Lilbit!

 

Hoobilly,
I am in a similar situation to you. I am looking at the industry from the outside right now, and I want in. In four months, after a long previous career, I will be attending one of the schools. You have people that are doing the work that you claim to want to do that started off supportive here. You have had several people tell you about the company that offered them training, and that subsequently wished them luck after they had fulfilled their obligation to pay for the school.

If you want to drive for a living then it will require sacrifice, even before you get on the road. After you finish the school, you will only be paid when you are moving and it's different rates depending on loaded or unloaded with most companies. The hardship of paying for school won't compare to being away for a month or more, stranded because of weather and making nothing while the company dispatchers are telling you you're going to be late. After you get back, your state senator will not be the route to a solution, it will be a manager that knows that you did your best but the load was late. It is not get rich quick, and there is no immediate solution.

The schools that you are saying are scams were the result of horrific crashes and driver abuse that the federal government responded to by tightening driver requirements. The people that learned the way that your grandfather did were the ones that made the schools necessary. If they didn't exist, your safety out on the road in your car would be compromised.
With all of that said, your temp job probably offers you minimal compensation, no benefits, and no room for progression. You previously referred to a contract with a company that trains you as "slavery". Which company is really using you with no regard for what you become? Any one of the companies that will send you through their school is hoping that you stay with them as long as possible after the training.

As a final thought. Right now there are people your age who signed a contract (to get their school) in Iraq and Afghanistan wondering what they got themselves in to. The vast majority of them will return home and speak positively about how they got their start on the way to what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives. Attitude is everything, and it's not something that you can fake. Ownership of the situation, and doing what you need to do will empower you instead of continuing the helplessness.

I hope you don't take offense. I am actually trying to help.

Aaron