Im looking at schools right now and

When looking at schools, there are several things to consider, many of which have been addressed already. However, I would like to add my 2 cents, having just finished school myself.

There are two basic types of schools: independent/private schools and company sponsered schools. In my opinion, avoid the company sponsered schools at all costs!!! In this scenario, you attend a truck driver training program paid for by a trucking company, usually at very little out of pocket costs to you (generally just food and expenses). You then agree to drive for this company for at least one year and owe the company nothing for the school. However, if for any reason, you fail to make it to your anniversary date, whether you quit or get fired, you will owe the company the full amount of the school, usually in excess of $6000. You will also get the worst loads and least miles. It's also called being an "indentured servant".

In my opinion, the best way to go is with the independent/private schools, to include training offered by community colleges. These schools do not lock you into any particular companies and offer a broad range of trianing options. You just need to find on that will fit you best. Also, since you mentioned something about funding, it sounds like you may be looking into your state's unemployment office for state funding for the training. Ask them to recommend a school. They know about the different schools close to you, who has a decent program, and who you should avoid. For example, I went in and talked to my councelor about one school. He informed me that he could funding for that school, but...he hasn't sent anyone there in over a year, and their reputation wasn't that good. On the other hand, he recommended a school that he has sent many students to over the last few months, has a good reputation, and has a 90% job placement rate. I decided to go with that school and I'm really glad I'm did. My point is, these are the people with the inside info, they are good people to ask about such things.

If you do decide on a particular school, don't stress over whether certain companies will higher students from that school or not. If it is a good school, it will have applications on hand for many schools that you can fill out and they will fax to the company for you. Also, there will be company recruiters coming to the school to talk to you. Don't listen to the guys that say some companies will only higher from some schools. Not true. I had heard that Crete Carriers will ONLY higher from PTDI schools. Not only was the school I attended not a PTDI school, but they did have applications for Crete, and I did get a pre-hire letter from them. If your school has an application for a company, that company will higher students from that school. So don't sweat the small stuff. Go to a good school with a good program, fill out as many applications as you can with companies that interest you, do your best in school, pass the CDL test, and live happily ever after!

 

WIA is who paid for my school. If they are recommending this school for you, I believe you are in good shape. I don't know when you'll be starting school, took about a month or so from the time I applied to when I started, but talk to the school and see if they offer tours of their facility. This will give you an opportunity to see how the school operates, what their classrooms are like, as well as their trucks and equipment. You can also ask them about company applications and see what kind of companies higher from them.

Good luck!

 

When I did my schooling, I paid for it myself so as not to have to be locked into 1 company. I went thru a votech in my state. Only cost $1500 for the training and it is one of the top notch schools in the US. Might look for something like that where you live at.

Most of your driver mills will have a 5 or 6 student to instructor ratio where as mine was 2 to 1. Got lots of stick time that way.

 

I know people who were broke. They went through Swift though. You'd go to the school in your region and I think that's Phoenix. You're put into a hotel (it's clean but not fancy and you might wind up with 3 other women in the room with you). Most of the time there isn't that many women there so it's better for the women than men. You get a swift shuttle to and from school. The bad part is you must pay for your own food which can get very expensive.

And you'll need money for things you'll have to buy. Not a lot but some. flashlight, gloves, etc. You'll need a hat for the sun and cool clothing. (temp cool not fashion cool lol)

They pay for your transportation down and home......and for your physical and drug testing. You'd have to pay $150 upfront. I guess that's the test and physical. I never thought of that.

 

Oh, and despite what some say.........NO I do not get paid for people going to Swift. sheesh.