Which of the megas have reasonably short training periods?

Most places aren't going to be several months. Most will be 3-4 weeks and the longer ones normally aren't more than 6 weeks. They have it for a reason you need someone to show you how the industry works in real time. For example I went with USX and their training is 175 hours of you driving, which could be 2.5 weeks or 4 weeks depending on how much you spend driving.

But I gotta say if you are looking at the cab as a prison cell you should probably go get your welders certification or something like that cause you wont like this job.

 

You are right on with your advice. This cab gets to feeling mighty small sometimes. Even when I'm running solo. If OP can't handle a few weeks with someone who can show him the ropes right, he is gonna have a tough time long term.

 

I hear ya, and understand. My comment was in regard to the:

"I'm also confident that my current skill set (road and aviation) will give me an edge over the average CDL mill graduate".

That just sounds ####y right outta the gate.

 

Most places, when you go with a trainer and you two have issues, you call the training coordinator and they will route you to a terminal and give you another one. But yeah you're right if you show respect he will most likely show respect back and it'll be fine. Most companies don't just let anyone be a trainer, although some stories have surprised me.

 

youre not going to be with a cell mate for months unless you choose CRST or covenant.But nothing wrong with a couple months.But then again most trainees learn everything on their own no matter how long the training period is.

 

Just be yourself. The pros here, in my experience, will bend over backwards to help you. They want to see you succeed as much as you do. Seriously.

 

The real learning starts when you get out on your own and the most important things like judgment and patience can't be taught. The only reason I can think of for months long training is companies trying to fit square pegs in round holes.

Can't help with your question but wanted to throw that out there.

 

I had the same apprehension, I was close to signing up with one of the megas but decided I could not live in a truck 24/7 or get any sleep in a moving truck, and possibly be stuck with a trainer who don't believe in hygiene for $350 a week.
You may want to look into a local community college to obtain your class A. After school completion you should be able to go to work with minimal training with a small to medium company.