Birmingham AL companies who train new drivers

Season's Greetings.

Schneider veteran here.

Now I haul fuel (hazmat tanker) in Georgia and Florida (but NOT with Schneider).

Given where the economy is likely headed, and the resulting position that puts the trucking world in....I would recommend your friend start off with a carrier that is BIG. VER-RY BIG.

Why?

They will more likely have the freight to keep your friend moving (instead of sitting, waiting for another load) as the economic situation worsens, and freight volumes continue to drop.

Swift Transportation has an academy over in Waco, Ga....about 100 miles away:

Waco, GA | CDL Truck Driving School - Swift Transportation

From what I have read/learned elsewhere--your friend would need to stay with Swift for about 2 years--to be financially free and finished with tuition concerns.

But I would submit...that's easier to do than you might first think.

Why?

Well, Swift has several different divisions your friend could transfer into, over the course of those 2 years; each one would give valuable trucking experience for a new(er) driver.

That's another BIG advantage to running with a large carrier: they usually have several divisions for you to try out, and see which type(s) of freight (e.g., flatbed, intermodal) suit you best--all without changing employers.

That's pretty cool--when you stop and really think about it.

Thus, when your friend finishes all this--your friend then has this kick-butt trucking resume, and can go almost anywhere else.

Talk to a Swift recruiter, for details.

At least 2 other Forum members here are long-term Swift drivers--and maintain that they have had positive experiences with them (hey, why else would they still be there? ).

I think that someone else here on the Forum said that Schneider has stopped taking CDL students, and (for now) only hires CDL graduates.

In any case, I recommend you try elsewhere besides Schneider.

Others here on the Forum will likely chime in later, with still other recommendations.

--Lual

 

@Chinatown .
Wiley Sanders?

 

Schneider tankers used to be able to park at the tank wash at Bessemer.

Used to do good tank training, if you can do a year opens a lot of options for tankers.

They’d send to Houston tx or Coraopolis PA for tank training though.

They didn’t have their own driving school but used to offer to send to one. So i heard, several years ago.

 

Tell your friend to research the community colleges in the area that offer CDL training. Have him contact them to find out about WIOA grants, scholarships, Sallie Mae loans, and other forms of “free” education.

It’s probably easier right now than getting into a paid training program (especially limited by location). Also gives you way more options career wise, unless he’s good with going OTR for 38 cents a mile because he “owes” them.

 

Western International Gas

 

YRC Freight
99 Murphree Rd
Birmingham, 35217
Get Paid to Train: Four Weeks at a YELLOW CDL Driving Academy
The CDL training program consists of classroom instruction and behind the wheel training with an experienced instructor in preparation for the State Class A CDL Skills and Road Testing. Academy classes meet 8-hours a day, 5-days a week for 4 weeks. Company paid travel and accommodations are provided (if you are over an hour from home) and you will earn an hourly wage while you train.

After successful completion of the Academy, you will test for a Class A CDL with Hazmat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples endorsements.

Heading Back Home: Four Weeks of Finishing School at Your Home Terminal
Once you complete the four-week CDL Driving Academy and obtain your CDL and endorsements, you’ll return to your home terminal for a minimum of four weeks of on-the-job training.

 

Here's the website:
CDL Driving Academy - Dock Worker Jobs |Work for YRC …
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Yellow and YRC Freight are the same company.

 

Wiley Sanders hires from cdl schools, but doesn't have their own school.
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Entry Level Drivers | Truck Driving School Graduate - Wiley Sanders
Get ready for a career you’ll love. We can provide the training. If you’re a CDL driver with less than 6 months’ experience, and a truck driver school graduate, we offer the opportunity to drive with an experienced driver for 6 weeks. During this time you’ll be compensated at rates among the most competitive in the industry for trainees.

 

AMX Academy - Alabama Motor Express
Ashford, Alabama
Apply to AMX Academy Here’s Our Process Request Info Request information by calling clicking the button below. We can review financing options with you at this time as well. Application Complete the online application, Which we use to complete the background check and evaluate your candidacy for the program. Approval

AMX Academy - Alabama Motor Express