Classes

if you can afford to do so, pay your own way.

 

Speed Man, I take it you're taking a CDL refresher course like me. I am also in Michigan (hence the name) and I checked out both Baker and a local CDL Mill. Baker didn't have a 36 hr course when I checked with them. It was a full beginners couse and the classes were a month or two long in saginaw and required me to drive down to Marshall MI in December for the skid pad training, not to mention a hefty amount of time training on the road. Tuition at Baker was $7200. Baker is a highly creditentialed CDL course but with all the traveling and the extensive length of time to go through the course, it would be a massive headache.

CDL mill on the other hand, full tuition is $4500 for the full one month newbie program, that I don't need to take. Since I have my Class A and they said with the knowledge I already have (never been to CDL school) they said the one week course would fit me perfectly which costs about $2000 which I am scheduled to go to in the next couple of weeks, and I even have job placement (which I'm not taking since I already have a job). BUT, CDL Mills are not as good as community college but they are a lot more practical. Mainly I need to learn HOS laws and log books for the most part having that I never had to deal with them so far in my career.

As pro1driver stated, if you can, pay out of pocket for it like I am. I am hearing constantly of other drivers that are at their mercy of the 1 yr contract they sign so these companys can pay their tuition.

Hope my experience can help you out at all.

 

For what it's worth..... I too live(d) in northern Michigan and checked out the Baker program. My impression was it was a very thourough and comprehensive program. Nite school for 20 weeks and (36?) credits. I was also told that they were poised to get a state-of the-art simulator. And yes, the cost was $7,200. That was a little rich for me, so I decided to to look for other PTDI certified classes in the area.

I found that Fox Valley Technical College in Wisconsin offered a 10-week PTDI certified program. The cost for in-state resudent was only $1700, but $5,400 for out-state. Further research revealed that the college has no minimum requirements for establishing residency, meaning if you "live" in Wisconsin for one day, you're considered a resident. I was told that if I simply listed my Mom's (WI.) address on the application, I was good to go, but later received an e-mail from admissions that I would have to provide documentation, such as a valid Wisconsin driver's license as proof of residency.:smt014 So..... Further research revealed that to attain a Wisconsin D.L., One needs to prove residency (Hello), and could do this by providing one of several documents. (The one I found do-able was a bank statement with at least 30-days activity. So to cover my bases, I immediately moved to Wisconsin and opened up a checking accout.

Also. Lodging for the school is available at at UW-Oshkosh about 20-miles south of the truck-school. It is singles occupancy, w/fridge, micro, and common bathroom/shower. And the cost is only $13/day, total for 10-weeks is only $910. So if you have a car, or pool w/other. It's pretty reasonable. Hope this helps.

 

Speedman, I read that you are just srarting out, and want to know (if I understand you correctly) if going through a PTDI school is worth the effort (and$$), since you will go through company training once you are hired, versus going to a "mill" just to get your Class A. Here's how I see it;

First of all, any repeated training I would just consider "experience" and would welcome with open arms, especially the hands-on stuff. Wheel time being the most critical. Instructor/student ratio and total BTW (behind the wheel) time is the key IMHO. I have heard too many tales of inadequate training by company trainers or "mentors" on this web-site which reinforce my belief of the importance of good schooling/training. I mean if you're serious about making this a career, the short time/$$ you spend now will be all but forgotten many years "down the road". But... having said that, if you're like me, you still want to get the biggest bang for your buck. Baker and FVTC both offer alot of BTW time and good student/teacher ratios. But the difference I find puzzling is this; Baker's program requires 200(?) hours and is worth 32(?) college credits and costs $7,200.... FVTC requires 400 hours, but only 12 college credits, and costs only $1700. I don't know about you, but this seems to indicate that FVTC is more hands on and cheaper, while Baker is more academicly orientated.

Now... If it's just a quick and cheap Class A you want, with the idea that you'll get plenty of experience on the job. Try PDI (Professional Driver's institute) down in New Buffalo, MI. I think they have a 3-week class costing $4,000 (cash) and all inclusive.

In short, I think that independent school is a good thing, PTDI certified is better, and CHEAP PTDI is best. Alot of roads, but the decission is yours...
Best of luck to you.

 

Anyone familiar with this school United Truck Driving School in Southern California?

I have just started unemployment and the school's website indicates they are approved by the Employment Development Department of California. Maybe I can get free or close to free training?

I am also considering going to Schneider for training as they can't enforce the 12 month contract in California and currently have a $3000 signing bonus.

Any insight would be most appreciated! Just talked to two people I know one a trucker for 33 years and the other driving for 17 years and both said don't become a trucker as wages are going down and blamed cheap labor availability.

 

Yeah, please do that Speedman. I would be very interested to know how that program is. I have up until April 9th to get a complete refund on my tuition at FVTC. If I hear good things from you regarding PDI, who knows...I might change my mind and follow your foot-steps. Once again, good luck and keep us posted!