Western Tech College El Paso, Tx

A 10 Week course for only 3k? That's a steal! Even $4800 isn't too much to ask to pay them back if you can't foot the cost upfront. Trucking schools in my area are charging 7k but they only give you 6 to 8 weeks of training.
I like the fact that you need to obtain your permit and DOT physical before everything starts. If deals were that sweet back in 2011, I'd have got my CDL on the first try.
You should be able to count that 10 weeks as two and a half months of verifiable experience.
I expect to see you out here on the road soon

 

I've seen plenty of people say to get their endorsements while in school and that's a great idea.

But here in Texas, I've read what is required to take these endorsement tests at a DPS office, you NEED to already have your CDL license, NOT a permit. I have my permit for now.

Maybe I'm misremembering or have to explain that I'm currently in school with a permit and valid drivers license. Do I NEED the CDL to take all my endorsement tests? I'm looking to get hazmat and tanker.

 

Better to ask the Texas DMV. Rules change.

 

It’ll be considered a 160 hour course. They factor in time that you will study at home..

Sounds like a decent place for training and reasonable on price. I’d be curious to see what type of equipment you’d be training with.

Are you planning to bail on your good paying job because you’re worried about the future? To be honest your future in trucking isn’t going to be guaranteed. One second of not paying attention and you could end up curbside with your backpack.

I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t go get your CDL just to have it in your pocket. Once you get it you need to start using it otherwise you’re wasting your money and time

 

I didn't start driving commercially until almost 2 years after I got my CDL.

However -- that was then....& this is now.

The CDL job market for newbies has indeed turned -- & for the worse.

In many areas -- hiring has slowed.

It's no longer a driver's job market.

If you get a CDL -- better plan on using it.

-- L

 

Wasn't able to get back in the industry until 3 years after I got my CDL. Got the CDL in 2011, but wasn't able to hit the ground running til after I took a refresher in 2014

 

Shouldn't have a problem finding a local or regional job in San Antonio.
A few have already been posted on this thread.

 

You definitely got a great plan, fam. Every little stone will help to fortify the foundation

 

The fact that you're doing what you have to do to be there for your boys, especially in a time when your life is incomplete upheaval, says a lot about your character. I hope the pain from your divorce starts to heal soon.

As far as work, you don't need to start OTR because there are plenty of local and regional jobs in San Antonio - especially if you're willing to drive a dump truck or a concrete mixer, but I will advise you to look at pneumatic tankers first. I strongly recommend you get your hazmat and tanker endorsements because those will open a lot of doors for you, particularly with regard to oilfield work.

I lived in that area for over 20 years. @Chinatown has thrown out some great recommendations and I'll be happy to give you even more once you're ready to start applying.