How much money to take to orientation and training?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Livethelife, Aug 15, 2009.

  1. Livethelife

    Livethelife Bobtail Member

    38
    4
    Aug 12, 2009
    0
    I am curious, how much money should I bring with me when I take off for orientation?

    I plan on having around $150. I had to quit my job to go to the trucking school, so money is very tight. If Michigan wasn't the way it is right now, I would get a part time job at night and wouldn't worry about it, but thats just not happening right now.

    So, when I graduate and jump on a bus for wherever I go, does $150 sound ok or am I dooming myself? Should I be selling all my ####?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

    2,129
    1,037
    Apr 27, 2009
    0
    I went with about $50...but Maverick gives you some pay during orientation also.

    Its been too long to remember how much I took to orientation with Schneider.
     
  4. ship71021

    ship71021 Medium Load Member

    367
    93
    Nov 7, 2007
    Louisiana
    0
    I think 150 would be more than enough. I would try to use as less possible so in that way you probably won't need to take an advance right off the bat. hope this helps and good luck.
     
  5. brsims

    brsims Road Train Member

    5,296
    6,521
    Aug 8, 2009
    Meadville, PA
    0
    I'd make sure you have enough for a bus ticket home, just in case. Not saying you're gonna need it, but I've been reading some scary stories on the different threads here.
     
  6. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,667
    12,191
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    What about after orientation? You won't see a paycheck for at least 3 weeks, so is $150 going to last you that long? Some companies give you advances, but none will let you get ahead of them. Muster up about 6-$700 to be safe. It's a lousy feeling to be 1500 miles from home with $1.45 in your pocket. :biggrin_2559:
     
  7. dirtracer13

    dirtracer13 Light Load Member

    65
    5
    Jul 30, 2009
    WV
    0
    I think I would take as much as possible with you just in case something comes up that you were not expecting.
     
  8. CommDriver

    CommDriver Road Train Member

    1,315
    480
    Dec 9, 2006
    0
    Yes, take as much as possible or have plenty of credit available on a credit card.
     
  9. Texas-Nana

    Texas-Nana Princess Drives-a-Lot

    8,805
    9,197
    Apr 23, 2008
    Nana's empty nest
    0
    It really depends on how long you'll be there, if they provide any meals or not. What you may wish to do is figure up how many days, then 3 meals a day then multiple that by aprx $5. So 10 days with 3 meals a day at $5 a meal will be $150. But that doesn't include a snickers bar or a mid morning pepsi. Nor does it include any thing you might have to purchase that you'll need.

    Hope this helps.

    PS: For a man $5 a meal is not much food in my opinion.
     
  10. GAPrincess

    GAPrincess Road Train Member

    1,379
    411
    Jan 18, 2009
    0
    • Don't sell all your stuff, my bf did that 5 years ago and ended up regretting it.
    • Bring as much cash as you can & a credit card if you have one.

     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.