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Just got my CDL permit! Now what?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Chi Town Steers, Aug 10, 2015.

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  1. Aug 10, 2015 #1
    Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    I feel like I have 3 options

    1. Study on my own, rent a truck, take class A test, get license, find a job.

    2. Go to private school

    3. Get on with a company and train with them.

    I have limited experience and am based in Colorado Springs area.

    Trying to figure out the best next step, with so many options it's confusing for a noobie out here.

    Any advise or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
     
    Chi Town Steers, Aug 10, 2015
    Chi Town Steers, Aug 10, 2015
    #1
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Aug 10, 2015 #2
    Spreadneck

    Spreadneck Light Load Member

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    The most common reply you will probably get is, go to school first.
     
    Spreadneck, Aug 10, 2015
    Spreadneck, Aug 10, 2015
    #2
    HorseShoe and Chi Town Steers Thank this.
  4. Aug 10, 2015 #3
    Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    That's definitely what I am leaning towards right, I just want to explore my options and make the right choices the first go around.

    Any recommendations for schools, I have talked to springs truck driving school STDS and they want almost 2500 cash upfront plus another 2500 later for 3 weeks of what he says will be almost all behind the wheel time.
     
    Chi Town Steers, Aug 10, 2015
    Chi Town Steers, Aug 10, 2015
    #3
  5. Aug 10, 2015 #4
    PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    Since you're in Colorado Springs, I'd check out Navajo Express or JBS Carriers.
     
    PackRatTDI, Aug 10, 2015
    PackRatTDI, Aug 10, 2015
    #4
    Chi Town Steers Thanks this.
  7. Aug 10, 2015 #5
    PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    I think JBS Carriers will help pay for CDL or reimbursement if you get hired. @Dinomite works for JBS, maybe he can chime in.
     
    PackRatTDI, Aug 10, 2015
    PackRatTDI, Aug 10, 2015
    #5
    Dinomite and Chi Town Steers Thank this.
  8. Aug 10, 2015 #6
    Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    I am willing to relocate, Colorado Springs/Pueblo is most convenient at the moment, and I will be looking for OTR when I am working. I do want to make the most money I can, but I do understand there will be a learning curve as well.
     
    Chi Town Steers, Aug 10, 2015
    Chi Town Steers, Aug 10, 2015
    #6
  9. Aug 10, 2015 #7
    Straight Stacks

    Straight Stacks Paper Cha$er

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    Get your CDL and see if you like driving a big truck. It's a whole different world once the umbilical cord gets cut.
     
    Straight Stacks, Aug 10, 2015
    Straight Stacks, Aug 10, 2015
    #7
    Chi Town Steers Thanks this.
  10. Aug 10, 2015 #8
    dogtrucker

    dogtrucker Road Train Member

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    If you have $5000 handy and can take a long vacation - go to a dedicated school. You will get thorough training at a relaxed pace and a variety of placement choices. However, the school will take about 12 weeks and you will still have to start your career as an "apprentice" with a trainer at a low wage for at least a month.

    But I'm guessing you would probably prefer the no-cost, rapid-deployment model: go on-line and fill out an app for Schneider or Prime - these are great places to start, but if you have problems with your work history, a bottom-feeder like Swift or CR England will take you. You will be accepted and sent a bus or plane ticket within 48 hours. You will stay in a free hotel and go to school for 3 weeks (instead of 10-12 at the dedicated school). You will pay nothing up front and maybe, nothing at all for the school. You will get $5-600/week for 4-8 weeks with a trainer. You will then get $6-800/week as a rookie. After a few months as a rookie, you will get a better job paying at least $1000/week.

    That's it. If you have specific questions about the process, you may ask me in a PM.
     
    dogtrucker, Aug 10, 2015
    dogtrucker, Aug 10, 2015
    #8
    SOAthor, Chi Town Steers and morpheus Thank this.
  11. Aug 10, 2015 #9
    Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    I appreciate all the information and advice. Thanks! I called JBS and navajo, JBS wants me to go through the local training here and then they seem interested, left aessayed with navajo. Going to keep looking around and calling and reading up on the latest news and information.
     
    Chi Town Steers, Aug 10, 2015
    Chi Town Steers, Aug 10, 2015
    #9
    Straight Stacks Thanks this.
  12. Aug 10, 2015 #10
    HorseShoe

    HorseShoe Road Train Member

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    Not sure if that's your wife or daughter in the picture but she is beautiful
     
    HorseShoe, Aug 10, 2015
    HorseShoe, Aug 10, 2015
    #10
    Nitemare13 and Chi Town Steers Thank this.
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