Question about pre-hire.

For the most part it depends on the company. As a general practice for most of the companies you are not technically hired until you are assigned a truck AFTER you have went through training. That is about how long it usually takes for them to do their extensive background checks and such.

 

At what point should we start filling out apps? Before we get to school or while we are there?

 

It depends on the length of your school program. I attended a community college commercial driver training program which was 5 months in length (2 college quarters). When I graduated from the program, I had close to 18k miles of wheel time (my OWN driving time in the trucks). I started contacting recruiters for information about three months into school. I filled out applications 4 weeks prior to graduation.

Right now, you might want to contact the recruiters of the companies you are interested in to find out if they hire new graduates, and if they reimburse tuition. Once you have narrowed your choices down, start the application process with your chosen companies during school AFTER you are sure that you are not going to drop school for whatever reason. That is my advice, but others will have varying opinions.

An FYI. There are always a few students and new hires who think themselves clever x 10 and believe that they will be the exception to a drug use discovery via personal use of recreational drugs (prescription narcotic use will also create an issue). If applicable, quit now well ahead of school and future new employee orientation. THC from pot, as a fat-soluble compound, can take many weeks to clear the system. One is not able to do pot and pass a drug screen.

 

That is something I definitely don't have to worry about. My school starts a week from today and it lasts 5 weeks. Thanks

 

Boomer08,

Same here, starting Tuesday after the holiday, for an 8 week community college based course. Good luck to you and see you around!

 

Can you guys fill me in on these community college cdl courses. Do you get college credit for it like you would any other normal class? If so how many credit hours do you get for completing the course and are they elective credits i'm guessing? Thanks for your help if you get college credit for completing the course i might have to look into this rather than a company school, i might as well kill 2 birds with one stone as they say if it's possible. Thanks.

 

I went thru a community college driving school back in October. It was 160 hours, 5-9pm, 5 days a week, 8 weeks. They also offered 7am-4pm, 4 weeks. Cost me 3 grand.
(7) hours of professional/occupational skill college credits.

BTW the night classes had less students, which equaled much more driving time.

 

This is word for word what my school had it on their website.

CDL 1000 - Tractor/Trailer Driver Training

Description:CDL 1000 is designed to provide individuals who have little or no commercial driving experience with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain a Commercial Driver's License Learner's Permit. At the end of the course, students will take a Class "A" License road test administered by the Illinois Secretary of State's personnel. This course will also cover endorsement preparation, state and federal regulation, log books, map reading, trip planning, and complete vehicle training to prepare the individual for an entry level position in the transportation industry.
Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Credit hours:3.5-7-7
Prerequisite(s):ability to read and write the English language, 21 years or older, physically meet Federal Department of Transportation guidelines, possession of a valid driver's license at time of registration, possession of a current Motor Vehicle Report
Applicability towards graduation:

• Certificate or degree - All Basic Certificates
• Group requirement - Not Applicable
• Area of concentration - Not Applicable