Newbie

Watkins is a really good company but ideally you should have some sort of background if you are going there.

You want to know how to drive a big rig? If you can shift your truck, upshifting and downshifting without the clutch then you will do just fine in a big rig. The only other thing you have is backing up. Driving is the easiest part. I think you will find in talking to newbies that this is what they will tell you. It is the lifestyle that is going to shock you! This is the number one reason the newbies quit. You are basically living in a closet 24/7 showering every other day and never leaving work for at least a month at a time. Beer is not going to drown your sorrows because you are not allowed to drink. If you are seriously not a hustler with a business and mechanical background then you really need to reconsider. If you have a wife and family you also need to seriously reconsider. DO NOT go into this spending $6000.00 for school and planning on getting a local job. It rarely happens! Not that it isn't possible, you just won't be let down when it doesn't. Like the other guy said take your time do your research, go through this entire site. DO NOT listen to school or company recruiters. Make the decision based on your thoughts of it. They will paint the prettiest picture of you going around a mountain curve in Utah in a brand new truck with the sun shining! Kind of like a naval recruiter telling you that you will be based in Hawaii! Keep in mind they get paid to get you to sign up. Make yourself a list of goods and bads see how you come out. Good luck man!

 

I've been giving Trucking a real long thought for over a year now and just came to a decision for myself. After visiting a reputable school I found out I can go get my CDL-B permit on my own from DMV to drive straight trucks and then sign up to take a 1 day only course at the school. In that 1 day they said they can train me in the yard, on the road, and schedule a date with DMV to use the school's truck to take the driver's license test. So for about $1000, studying for permit on my own, and taking a a 1 day class I can get my CDL-B license. I've decded to go with that instead of CDL-A figuring I can get used to straight truck driving locally and then if I feel I really want to drive something bigger and long distance then I'll go back to school. Of course this plan wouldn't work for everyone but in my case it does and maybe something worth considering for yourself. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

I would be willing to bet you can take a CDL A class at your local community college and drive anything you wish for less than what that CDL B will cost you. Maybe you should look into that--no need to pay for it 2 times if you dont have to. Just a suggestion.

 

In my area going to Community College for CDL-A training costs about the same as the trucking schools. Community College is definitely worth looking into though..

 

Eagle are you talking about taking the cdl A on your own? If so that's fine but your only options for employment will be working for an O/O. Trucking companies require you go through an accredited school to get your license. Actually it's their insurance that requires it. Yes it's cheaper to do it yourself but you are substantially limiting your options of employment.

 

Sir Rerun,Although you are not asking for advise,and I am certainly not a job guidance counselor,(although I could use one) I would certainly turn down your schools RECRUITER position.,if ever offered to you....

 

sheinders only problem is the trucks are to dam slow lol they need bug shields on the trailers