Please help a wannabee!!!!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Rodriguez, Feb 7, 2011.

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  1. Feb 7, 2011 #1
    Rodriguez

    Rodriguez Bobtail Member

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    Feb 7, 2011
    florida
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    Let me start out by saying that I am originally from NYC and relocated and now live in South Florida, turn 21 in August and I am currently engaged. I have always wanted to be a truck driver ever since I can remember. The only other things I ever wanted to do was to coach or play pro football. As of right now I am trying to plan things out before August because before I can blink, it will probably be here. So I was hoping a couple of questions here could get answered and help me out dearly.

    I have 3 schools in mind:
    National Truck Driving School (Orange Park, FL)
    SAGE (Fort Pierce,FL)
    CDL School (Miami, FL)
    I am looking to obtain an A class, so I was wondering if anyone might have any possible information on these schools as far as how were the classes, and how were they as far as getting you into a job.

    My 2nd question
    I do love home time, and my plan was to become a Regional Truck Driver or Dedicated.
    Can I become a Regional driver off the bat, or would I have to do OTR for a couple of months, if so how many?

    My 3rd question
    I have heard from some people that Schneider is a company that will give you Regional right away after training. Is this true?? How hard is it to get into that company right after school?
    Does anyone also have info on Covenant, Werner, Windy Hill or anyone else that is out there for a new driver?
    I know I can't be picky about where I work, but if I do have to start off OTR, I would like something like 2 weeks out maybe 3..

    My fiance is a bit older than me and was previously married to a man in the Coast Guard, so going away isn't really a problem for her. I would just like to be able to see her, and also continue working on trying to get a child .

    Thank you to anyone who responds, I greatly appreciate it. You guys are helping another person fulfill there dreams in being a trucker....

    (Is it weird that I want to be a trucker, being from a big city like NY, haha)
     
    Rodriguez, Feb 7, 2011
    Rodriguez, Feb 7, 2011
    #1
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  3. Feb 7, 2011 #2
    rayodeluz

    rayodeluz Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 2, 2010
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    I'm not nor ever have been a trucker, but I've investigated this career path long and hard because like you I thought about doing it. I ended up deciding against it because trucking wouldn't fit very well with my current situation. I strongly suggest researching this career very carefully before even thinking about schools. There is a lot to consider, and you'll soon learn about the pros and cons before taking such an important step. You'll find a lot of good info on this site, and a lot of people willing to help. Take your time, research thoroughly, and then decide if this is for you.
     
    rayodeluz, Feb 7, 2011
    rayodeluz, Feb 7, 2011
    #2
    rocknroll nik Thanks this.
  4. Feb 7, 2011 #3
    Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    Northern California
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    Your best shot at local work is construction or aggregate trucking, beverage distribution/ side loader, or another small "mom n pop" outfit. Some require OTR experience, others just want a good person they can trust, and could care less that you trucked 48 states.
     
    Flying Dutchman, Feb 7, 2011
    Flying Dutchman, Feb 7, 2011
    #3
  5. Feb 7, 2011 #4
    Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

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    When I got my CDL, I was offered a local job as a cement truck driver. That's not why I got my CDL. I'm not aware of any trucking company that will offer you regional right off the bat. More than likely, you'll have to do your finishing (driving with a trainer) OTR and continue until a position opens up and becomes available.

    Do your research, that's the best place to start.
     
    Gears, Feb 7, 2011
    Gears, Feb 7, 2011
    #4
  7. Feb 7, 2011 #5
    Rodriguez

    Rodriguez Bobtail Member

    13
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    Feb 7, 2011
    florida
    0
    I appreciate, I have been doing ALOT of research. It just seems like some answers can only be answered by people with experience...KEEP IT COMING... I have no problem starting out OTR. Like I stated I really want to do regional work, and that is my goal.
     
    Rodriguez, Feb 7, 2011
    Rodriguez, Feb 7, 2011
    #5
  8. Feb 7, 2011 #6
    Rodriguez

    Rodriguez Bobtail Member

    13
    1
    Feb 7, 2011
    florida
    0
    Local would be nice, if it was possible, but I have already taken that route of driving over my head. Anyway I heard one of the best companies to work for locally is Waste Management. They even want at least 6 months experience before you drive for them.
     
    Rodriguez, Feb 7, 2011
    Rodriguez, Feb 7, 2011
    #6
  9. Feb 7, 2011 #7
    Chevyhetor

    Chevyhetor Bobtail Member

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    Feb 7, 2011
    Los Angeles, ca
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    Hello All, Im new here, great forum
     
    Chevyhetor, Feb 7, 2011
    Chevyhetor, Feb 7, 2011
    #7
  10. Feb 7, 2011 #8
    Moving on Down the Road

    Moving on Down the Road Light Load Member

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    Mar 6, 2010
    KY
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    Schneider National has their own driving school and will pay for your training as long as you sign a contract agreeing to work for them for at least one year. If you don't stay the year, you agree to pay them back about $5,000 for their CDL training school.

    The most legitimate CDL schools are courses given through a college technical center. Other non-university associated driver schools are often guilty of doing the least they can to get your tuition fee and have you out the door. Be VERY cautious of them!

    Good luck and I hope it all works out well for you.
     
    Moving on Down the Road, Feb 7, 2011
    Moving on Down the Road, Feb 7, 2011
    #8
  11. Feb 7, 2011 #9
    rocknroll nik

    rocknroll nik High Risk Load Member

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    can't read the sign
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    Well Rodriguez......South Florida is tough to get hired from...not impossible but hard.

    These days some of the BIG outfits have a dedicated you can get on with BUT it has it's limitations too.......if there is a DC near you.....if you have parking for your rig available to you. South Florida is a tough area to get in and out of unless you are running a reefer unit.......good luck and research companies thoroughly
     
    rocknroll nik, Feb 7, 2011
    rocknroll nik, Feb 7, 2011
    #9
  12. Feb 7, 2011 #10
    Rodriguez

    Rodriguez Bobtail Member

    13
    1
    Feb 7, 2011
    florida
    0
    Yea, I have been hearing a lot about South Florida being a tough place to get hired from. I was hopefully looking to relocate in a year once I had the funds and been with a company for a good amount of time, and know that this is where I want to be. I was looking at Orlando, or maybe VA
     
    Rodriguez, Feb 7, 2011
    Rodriguez, Feb 7, 2011
    #10
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