Knight CDL Training

Discussion in 'Knight' started by WrightBrother, Jan 19, 2020.

  1. TB John

    TB John Company Shill of BYOB & CBD

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    I had the money so I paid the balance when my truck was assigned, but I'm pretty sure they would work with you whatever your circumstances as long as you understand it NEEDS to be repaid. BTW if you stay in the hotel you'll get a bill from the hotel every week
     
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  3. gräkken

    gräkken Light Load Member

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    Copy that. How long did you stay with them? Swift is also in Phoenix, but apparently they are merged companies now, so don't know if there's any difference going with one over the other.
     
  4. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    If its not a Hamilton Inn there's no way I'd be staying there its got to be at least 4 stars "don't let the bed bugs bite" :cool:
     
  5. TB John

    TB John Company Shill of BYOB & CBD

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    I was was with them about a year or so. Hauled cans between L.A./ Longbeach & Phoenix/Las Vegas and sometimes down toTucson.
    Took home around $750 a week Mon. thru Fri. Left on good terms with a 2 week notice because wife wanted me home more. They invite me back from time to time. I politely decline.
     
    Lonesome and gräkken Thank this.
  6. born&raisedintheusa

    born&raisedintheusa Road Train Member

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    That was a very wise decision.
    1)
    With all the stresses and time pressures that a truck driver has, this is one less serious stress to worry about, especially in this case, NOT having to worry about owing your employer money.
    2) Some years back, I was thousands of dollars in debt. By the GRACE OF GOD, I was able to pay it off, along with putting money away for both retirement and any emergency that may crop up.

    Good luck to you. God bless you and your entire family!

    God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!

    The absolute sheer driving force of our national economy - without truck drivers, our entire national economy would come to an absolute standstill - if not outright be dead.
    [​IMG]
    Over the mountains, through the woods, into the valleys, coast to coast, from sea to shining sea - truck drivers can and do go anywhere and everywhere, every day, all year round.
     
    Gearjammin' Penguin and TB John Thank this.
  7. TB John

    TB John Company Shill of BYOB & CBD

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    It's on your dime, so you can stay anywhere you can afford. Arrange your own transportation. Be on time:D
     
  8. Harry Flashman

    Harry Flashman Medium Load Member

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    You won’t be locked in with Knight, they don’t force you to sign a contract that won’t let you drive for other carriers.

    What they will do is charge you the balance of whatever remains on your tuition and possibly sue you if you don’t pay it off, but being able to pay off your debt while working for another company Is not as bad a signing a contract like some training programs will do.

    Look, your first year is going to suck no matter where you go. Knight is one of the least bad starter companies.

    Suck it up, get a year of safe driving under your belt and many more doors will open.
     
    Grove_LA, gräkken and TB John Thank this.
  9. Jimbo56

    Jimbo56 Light Load Member

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    Hey knight drivers…

    Some people might call me foolish, but I’m seriously considering the school.
    A little more info:
    I drove for a little less than a year in the mid 2000’s. Quit do to teenagers running amuck at home. Changed states and was forced to give up my CDL.
    Here’s the kicker…………I’m 66 years old. Tired of retirement and inflation.

    Is there a place for someone my age to attend the academy and be successful? Worried about my age being an issue.
     
    TB John Thanks this.
  10. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    @Jimbo56 --

    Current fuel hauler here--I live in south Ga.

    Stop worrying about your age being an issue.

    As of the time of this writing--it's very much a driver's market out there, and companies seem to know it.

    Your age will not be an issue--provided that you are in reasonably good health, your driving record is good, and you have no criminal history.

    I would not encourage anyone in your age range to go into flatbed duty....but that's just me (tanker duty would be a much better choice).

    To get my CDL--I went to a local tech school, and did night classes, a few nights per week.

    That spread things out over about 3 months or so.

    Thus--I did not have to absorb all that info via the usual firehose learning levels that many company CDL shill mills require.

    I paid for it via (mostly) grants and/or scholarships.

    Then....when I started looking for CDL work--I was not obligated to anybody, for anything.

    It was really neat being able to look for work without any obligatory requirements. It was a totally level playing field.

    If you are currently retired, I would recommend that you look at CDL schooling financial options that are available to you--and get your CDL locally.


    Also--as you finish up your CDL process--get ALL of the endorsements: tanker, hazmat, and doubles/triples.

    Especially if you aspire to tanker duty--go ahead and also get a TWIC card.

    Those extra credentials are door-openers, and money makers! :D

    I'd hate to know I had it to do over again, without them. :oops:

    --Lual
     
    Opus Thanks this.
  11. Jimbo56

    Jimbo56 Light Load Member

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    Thanks Lual.

    Currently live just outside of Pensacola and the CDL schools are limited. Pensacola State or TDI seems to be the only options. Large waiting list for Pensacola State and TDI wants almost 7K with no student loans, grants, etc.

    I have a CDL class B (school bus) permit and a 3 year physical but never completed the training. Don’t think I could handle 77 seven year olds and keep my sanity. Hats off to those that can.

    Mostly worried about arriving at a school only to have them find a reason not to pass a 66 year old.
     
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