RoadMasters

I visited the school about 2 weeks ago. spoke with a recruiter. At the time there were 25 students in class and look as if there were 10 people outside training on the tractor trailers. i'm told that by going through Roadmasters has a huge benefit over other schools. 1) no contracts are required for Roadmaster students. 2) you start out making 41k a year. They get you hired on with the trucking company of your choice (My recruiter suggested Stevens transport). After completion, you're sent to Dallas Texas to the HQ where they set you up with a trainer and from that point on your 8 weeks out training.

Stevens transport (like roadmasters) also offers CDL training. I called ST directly and inquired about their training. I was immediately asked where I lived (port Charlotte FL) and was told, They're not hiring out of Florida at this time.

I asked my recruiter at roadmaster - So why is it then, Stevens transport isn't hiring out of FL at this itme and yet if I go through roadmaster your telling me that they will hire me out of Florida? My recruiter said "ST doesn't hire out of Florida, but I can get you hired going through roadmasters...." (this really makes no sense to me) So I emphasize that ST was not hiring out of Florida at this time (key words: at this time). He also said that If i were to go directly through Stevens transport for My CDL and training I would have to sign a 1 year contract and that if i were to leave then I would be responsible for paying them back the tuition but not if i go through roadmasters? Its not making sense and I know I am not asking the right questions.... I need to get more organized.

But so far the impression I am getting is that the 5k out of pocket or 6.5k (financed) is a huge loss if you don't succeed.

 

Welcome Gesterly!

Just wanted to say like I tell all the other newbies, don't put too much though into choosing or going through trucking school. For the most part they are pretty much all the same. They are just there to get you your license and prepare you to go with a trainer. You will learn more on day one with your trainer then you will the whole three weeks at Roadmaster. These schools aren't scams. You pay them their money and they provide you with your license. It's not rocket science and for the most part practice is going to be the key. Time behind the wheel makes you a truck driver not sitting in school studying a book about how long it takes to stop! Pay attention though. Trip planning and logs are going to be the sessions you really need to pay attention and learn. Even that though will come in time with practice doing it.

YES!!!! It's a lot of money! Takes money to make money right!? This is why you need to be certain this career is for you. Do you have a family and little ones at home? If so, I don't recommend forking out $5-6000 for school in hopes to score a local gig. Most likely won't happen so be fully prepared to drive over the road if you are going to spend the money and you won't be disappointed. Are you single? Nothing to lose? Then go for it! Your absolute best scenario will be if you can get your significant other to do it with you. Not your best friend.

Will you succeed? Most trucking schools pretty much guarantee it! Like I said its not rocket science so don't have in your head that there is a possibility you won't make it.

As for company schooling or public schooling it really doesn't matter. You have to sign a contract no matter what and you have to pay money no matter what. So who do you want to owe? Doesn't really make a difference. If you go through a company school though you are guaranteed financing and a job. I may choose public schooling though if you don't want to be away from home for 3-4 months right off the bat. You can go through company schooling for as little as $100 upfront. You will need living expenses though if you like live in Florida and are going to Central Refrigerated for school in Utah. You could go to Roadmaster close to your house, possibly still work part time and be close to home. So which is going to benefit you personally more?

That pretty much sums up the difference and what your choices are. Keep in mind the schools aren't out to get you. The company recruiters maybe but not the schools.

Good luck ya'll!

 

I been on the phone with them a couple of times.
I won't call them recruiters My name is salesman
THey really push to get you sign up for thier school.

 

Stay away from RM. Lots of money for little training. You can get hired at any of the companies they say they can do for you. Do your research. Call PTEC in St. PETE. Class is a third of the cost. Its about 8 weeks long but much better training. Call the companies you are interested in. What can they teach you in 8 weeks that's worth 6500 bucks.

 

I graduated from PTEC in St Petersburg Fl nearly 10 yrs ago. I went over the road for 6 months but then was offered a great paying job back home so I left the road. Fast forward nearly 10 yrs and the job is drying up so I am looking to hit the open road again. I am planning to go back to PTEC CDL and take the course all over again even thou I still have my CDL (no endorsements). I feel for me it is best to learn how to ride the bike all over again. It's not the skills part, heck I can drive anything and pretty much have (Planes, ships, go-carts to dozers). I just feel I need to know the updated regs and besides most if not all companies will not hire me without a refresher course. PTEC is $2300 bucks plus your medical card $50, back ground check $48.50 and then I think $75 for our actual Florida CDL. A far cry from Roadmasters 6K. The class sizes are small and they go 9 weeks Monday thru Thurs 7:30 to 3. I know all of this because I am starting in the November class which goes until Feb 28th. If you need to get on the road quicker then maybe RM would be the better choice. Also, PTEC is up front money, unless you get a Gov't grant. GOOD LUCK and I will see ya down the road. CJ

 

I think the Roadmaster recruiters (who make money only after you sign up and pay for their course) will offer promises they can't keep so be careful.

 

I went to roadmaster in tampa and am currently in training with my first company. My opinion is they taught me nothing about driving a truck, they just taught me how to hold a steering wheel long enough to pass a test and get a cdl. I would go to the cheapest school in ur area that a newbie company will accept and be prepared to really learn with ur trainer. I have videos of instructors at roadmaster sleeping while we were on the road. Also out of the instructors i had only 2 actually liked their job, the rest just complained. So if u got 5k and no other school close by then rm is ok but i would do my best to find something cheaper.