Individualized training not through a school

It might happen . The problem is without experience the CDL is useless . When would you plan on using it ?

 

There are CDL training consultants in every state, that do private CDL training and updates for local utility companies, city services, government services (dot dump trucks etc.).....some are even 3rd party testers. Im sure they could help you get a CDL. I just dont think unless its a structured training (AE:CDL school 160 hrs) it would have any value due to FMCSA Regs and insurance companies.

 

Please excuse a stupid question from a total greenhorn, but as they say - the only really stupid question is the question that was never asked!

Is it fair to say that already having a CDL in place, even from an unknown training source, is better than not having one if one goes to a company school for newbies?
At least it would take some test pressure off and allow focusing on the specific company stuff. Or would companies like Swift, Schneider or whatever prefer greenhorns not to already have such a no-experience CDL?

 

Well regardless, you have to go through everything again at a training company, Pressure??? To me pressure, as a new driver was driving on secondary roads, in an unfamiliar area, at night in an ice storm, attempting to find a brand new warehouse with no signage yet, no company directions and the night shift at the warehouse does not answer the phone and your up against the clock for an appointment.......thats pressure, not the DMV test......that was easy when you have the former perspective.

P.S. Oh the GPS is just blank because its a new area not maped yet.

 

You just can't get off this "have to " with a training company thing , can you ? They are the worst possible option and there are far better options for those willing to make an effort to find them .

 

Ok let me make it simple, you have been driving for 35 years according to your profile......me 5 years......who do you think would have more recent knowledge about what these companies require?? Your in a completely different bracket then me, with your years in the business and if you have been safe, have no gaps in your 35 years etc......your looked at completely different then a newbe, even someone like me with 5 years. The worlds changing Buddy, you just dont see it from your prospective. As of Feb 2013, the FMCSA training standard will be even tougher, poviding the big training companies do not sue in the mean time. You had made a comment about being a Pesi driver and no expeirence.....well in my market there are so many qualified drivers taking those jobs, no inexpeirenced guy would have a chance......or would they concider due to all the qualified apps on file........plus, in no way would that kind of job qaulify you for a good paying job in this industry.......sorry to offend you, but thats reality in 2012. These companies are so ham stringed by the insurance industry it not funny. I'm really not trying to deminsh the value of your posts, I just know from pounding the pavment, looking to better things for my family, what it is really like out here.

 

Can you provide more detail on the new training standard becoming law next Feb? it has been in the wings for quite a few years, but I hadn't heard any talk of a definite date. My state requires driver training to be compliant with these standards, but as I said, haven't heard an implementation date. Here's the proposed rule.

Proposed Rule - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

 

The new rules were to go to confirmatiom within one year of the end of the comment period that ended 3/25/08, and implemented within 4 years from that date. It seems like many of the insurance companies and carriers are gearing up for this change, so maybe they have inside knowledge.......its like many of these carriers already doing sleep studies based on BMI and neck size, like its already law and required. Again there is no law preventing them from creating a higher standard, as long as they meet the basic. I assume with consatant need of replacement drivers in the industry, they dont want to be caught with their pants down and no curriculum in place to meet the new standard.

 

Seems like a time consuming and expensive bucket list item if you're not planning to use it. Also, if I wasn't actually using a CDL to make a living there's no way I would have one just "for fun" since there are other things to think about such as more stringent fines and such for some violations, even in your POV.