Cdl B opportunities

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by HankScorpio, Jun 10, 2022.

  1. HankScorpio

    HankScorpio Bobtail Member

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    I’m divorced and have a 9 yo child that I co-parent. If I was able to do on the job training with a schedule that works for me I’d do it in a heartbeat. But, I understand that I don’t get to be picky either when it comes to free cdl training.

    I think when the time comes I’ll get a class B and maybe look at getting air brakes and hazmat endorsements. I know hazmat drivers typically make more money but I’ll need experience first
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    You don't need experience for hazmat endorsement.
    Most drivers get that before graduating from cdl school.
    Lots of stuff is considered hazmat; paint, fingernail polish, garden fertilizer, etc. It's no big deal.
     
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  4. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    The school bus training got me both air brake and passenger endorsements. School bus driving is generally a split shift, 6-9 am then 2-5 pm (I picked up more working as a team leader then dispatcher, plus driving for field trips). Plus I was working for a school district with great benefits, which came in handy when I had to have my gall bladder removed.

    Ultimately, it just didn’t pay a living wage after I factored in spring break, summer break, Thanksgiving break, and Christmas break, all without pay. I moved on to charter bus driving, which I did for close to 20 years. I made a decent living, though I’m making significantly more as a truck driver.
     
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  5. Todd727

    Todd727 Light Load Member

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    $5600, YGTBSM!

    CASE CDL is $1800 for a CLASS A, no restrictions.
     
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  6. DRTDEVL

    DRTDEVL Road Train Member

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    This is the ticket if you truly only want a "B" and never think you'll need an "A." ALL of the school bud contractors are struggling to find enough workers.

    Yeah, the pay sucks, and the kids can be a pain, but it will get that coveted "B."

    Or you can go the WOIA grant route and find a course at a Community College. Riverland in Albert Lea does the training, but I don't think you want to drive 100 miles each way, each day for school (and a hotel can get expensive, quick). Minnesota State College Southeast has a program in Winona, not sure how much closer that is. I know Riverland has both Autos and Manuals, not sure about MSCS.
     
  7. DRTDEVL

    DRTDEVL Road Train Member

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    Even the Community Colleges have increased their prices due to the artificial demand created by the school mandate. Our local CC is now $6,416.54, but that includes fingerprinting, background, all endorsements, testing fees, licensing fees, and I believe TWIC.

    The local commercial school in the Twin Cities area: "The cost of our Proficiency Based Class A Training Program with automated transmissions is $6,495.00. The cost for the Class A Program in manual transmissions is $7,495.00. To qualify for our Manual Program, you must have previous experience with manual transmissions and must be able to pass a shifting evaluation. You can schedule this evaluation by contacting our main office."


    It would also appear that the Case CDL is only 7.5 hours of instruction... not sure how well that will play out.
     
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  8. Todd727

    Todd727 Light Load Member

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    That's fair, but there needs to be some middle ground. Once people figure out that they can take the theory portion online for about $300 AND more people register as trainers, the prices may come down. Heck, people can get a private pilot's license for nearly the same money that these schools are charging for CDL and there is a lot more required for the pilot's license.

    I'd have a hard time charging much more than $1500-$2000 for a Class B provided they did the online theory.
     
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