Man! This is crazy difficult! Which sponsored school?

I'm in the same boat as you.
Here's a list of all company sponsored training programs (aka CDL mills):

Swift
PAM
USA Truck
Millis
CR England
FFE
Central Refrigerated

Here's what I have learned:
Pretty much all of these companies are the same. You are on the hook, by contractual obligation, for an amount of time. Most of them are for a year. ALL of these companies are OTR and are all low paying gigs compared to other companies. You can consider the time as an indentured servant with these companies as "paying your dues".

Things to consider:
1. These companies do vary a bit as far as pay during "mentor" time. Some are $350 a week to $450 a week.
2. Hometime. Some of these companies are better at getting you home more often than others. Where you live has an impact on getting home.
3. Type of freight. Central Refrigerated and FFE mainly haul "groceries" instead of general freight. Economic slow down will effect general freight more than groceries. We all gotta eat.
4. Time at school. Most of the companies have a 3 week basic program (unpaid time). Central Ref is only 2 weeks.
5. Time with OTR trainer. All of them are pretty much the same. You can expect 5 weeks with an OTR trainer. Hopefully you don't get one with BO problems.
6. Vacation and other bennies. All of these companies do vary in this aspect.
7. Mileage pay. Some start at .25 (swift) and others at .28 per mile.
8. Some are easier to get started with than others. In other words, some will overlook incidents in your past (depending on severity and insurance issues), while others put you under a microscope.

Difference between reefers vs dry van:
Reefers- unpaid time is spent getting loaded and unloaded.
Dry van- can be the same as above unless it's Swift then a lot of it is drop n hook.

I'm sure I have left some stuff out and maybe someone will add to this list.

It's like what has already been said.....find the one that best fits you.

Good luck

 

oops forgot Stevens....

oh and one other thing...reefers can also haul "dry" goods too. Can't haul groceries in a dry van

 

I'll have to agree with Giggles and Countryboy. You are going to get a different answer for every individual who responds!

You are in quite a dilemma there! I don't think the company sponsored schooling is all that bad. Personally I would rather go with them then be on the hook with a bank or financial institution in which they can take you to court or take your house if you default. Same with a government loan, maybe even worse! What's the big deal with signing on with a company? No money upfront, you go through school, they provide transportation and housing (and sometimes a few meals) and provided you pass the test at the end you are guaranteed a job! Kind of a no brainer! So what happens if you decide you absolutely hate working for them? You get a job somewhere else and pay off the other company that put you through schooling. They can't take your license back or shoot you for defaulting. Its usually only a one year contract and anyone can live through one year. Personally I think that would be your best option. If you start ASAP you will get some good training in before winter and be on the board for the busy season.

Personally I would recommend Central Refrigerated only because I have driven for them and had a good experience. The number one reason I recommend them is because on many occasions they went above and beyond to help us succeed and have seen them do it many times with other drivers as well. They are large enough to keep you busy, yet small enough to treat you like a human being. Pay is average, equipment is above average, probably the best in the industry for newbies. They have been a steadily growing company since their inception when they bought out Dick Simon. The same person that started Central is one of the head board members of Swift. So they know what they are doing. I think were you to go to Central you would be pretty impressed with their outfit.

Nonetheless, do your homework, ask lots of questions and decide for yourself who will best suit your individual needs.

Good luck....

Good luck man....

 

Lmbao...commodity relocation...that's a good one

 

Stay away from Ffe unless u like to sit a a meat plant 4 days and the DM r relly relly bad go to swift they will treat u better I have been with Ffe 4 the past 3 years they will not b around much longer I fill but do what u want and if I do go with Ffe don't let them #### up your dac

 

You can go to a community college or technical school and get a Stafford Load from the gov't. There is no credit check and anyone can get one. You don't have to start paying it back until 6 months after graduation which is easier on a trucker starting out. You can even stretch the loan out over years if you want which is peanuts. But I don't recommend taking your time, pay it back as quick as possible.

Just google "(your town) community college" and find out which ones have truck driving training. More and more are offering it. Then once you find one communicate with financial aid and they'll hook you up with the loan application.

 

There is that one other thing. You have to decide what you want to do/haul.

Van, Reefer, Dump, Flatbed. Or you may want to do a little of each. Look at the companies that can offer what you think or know you'll be interested in. Then research some more.

 

isnt FFE based out of Cali or FL? dont they haul flowers or am i thinking of another company.

 

Armellini is the flower guys out of the Miami area.

For Lonestarhwy, you seriously should look at Con-Way. If the recruiter pre-hires you, you put down roughly 2 grand for your share of tuition, room and meals, license fees and whiz quiz.

When you get your CDL, you go out for 10,000 miles with a finisher. Solo driving with finisher, not teaming. You get paid .26/mile for that. When you are done, your get your own truck and when you deliver your first load, your contract is done. Between out of pocket for school, training pay, and pay steps for the first year, you will find out you are way ahead of the other companies.

Who care where the school is...you are a trucker! You sleep wherever you are!

Good luck, have fun wherever you land and keep us posted.