47 year old unemployed ex-professor

I am into my first week in a Training school in Rochester NY. I have a retraining allowance from my last Company that is paying my way, but only after I pass. So I had to pay up front.

Many of the folks here got Grants from NY State Unemployment to go to the school. Some got full grants and some are having to pay 1000-1500 out of pocket.

Today was the NY DMV Permit test and I passed everything I took. I was on a roll and should have gotten the passenger and Hazmat also, but I did more than the minimum.

I am 53, was 2 years and 2 months from full retirement when I was downsized. I looked over my health, strength, mechanical abilities, and looked to everything I had done in my life including my Military Time. I did some Driving back then and did drive flatbeds while I was in. I enjoyed that and loved the road and driving, even in a convoy.

After getting through the Permit Test today, I feel GREAT, and I already have a lead or two for local jobs, so it is working for me.

 

Taking your "basic" CDL training and licensing can run you from $3000 to $5000 + regardless of where you get it all from. Truck School's usually run $3500 to $4200 and will allow you to "pick" where you want to go to work. The additional expenses no one else is telling you about is licensing expenses (allow $35 to $65 dollars for all permits, background checks, MVR (vehicle records) , and driver's licenses.) , medical exam expenses (usually $150+ depending on office or clinic) , study guides and classroom supplies ($35), and fuel / food to and from school. ($150 to $800 depending on month long program vs. three to six month program.) You want a little $ set aside to begin with or all this will end up spanking your tail. The ugly truth is, this is a job you will have to BUY. There's not enough mention made of this inside the industry. Those of you comming in with past experience or a current CDL and medical review are way ahead financially. There is also the fact that you will be compeating with hordes of other basicly trained CDL students for low pay entry level positions. Now that I have voiced the devil's side of things, on a positive note, I wish all of you guys good luck.

In short, it all depends on which program you choose as to how quickly you will get started, and how much it will cost. Unless you are receiving financing for your training try to have +/- $4500 set aside for this endeavor. The other kicker, it can be hard to work many hours during all this "training." Stay safe out there whatever you decide.

 

are you serious? is this guy serious?

 

should be more like 40K. 50K, and then 60K !!!
Come on in, the waters fine ............

 

sounds like 40 then 30 then 20

 

Lupe,

There is no answer on how much you will make your first year. Truck driving schools can vary and if you do not want to shell out the money, find some company sponsored training where you will sign a contract and be there for 1-2yrs depending on the company. Also, only a few select companies have APU's that you can give you the comfort. Research the various companies on here and choose wisely.

KH

 

the way things are right now, you'll be LUCKY to start at 29 CPM and get 1200 miles a week. that adds up to about $17,400 a year. think that low estimate is an exaggeration? you better do some reading! regardless of your weekly/annual pay, do you have any idea what you have to do for that money, or how many hours you have to put in?