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New Career

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by Fancymcberry, May 24, 2011.

  1. May 24, 2011 #1
    Fancymcberry

    Fancymcberry Light Load Member

    83
    17
    May 23, 2011
    Sahuarita, Az
    0
    Hello All,
    I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I am a female, married with two kiddos in their teens. I am looking at attending trucking school in Phoenix. I live in the Tucson area, but didn't care for the schools here or the way they were set up. This is a great forum and have learned a great deal already. I currently have a CDL Class A with tanker but no other endorsements, and I have ZERO otr experience. I worked for a local construction company that used straight trucks and hook pins for the better part of 16 years. I am looking at taking a shortened version of training and hope to be in a truck with a trainer within 4 weeks. Starting around July 11, 2011. I am no youngster but I am not afraid of hard work and have a family I need to support. I would really like to stay in the west so I can be closer to my family. Looks like I have a few options for companies any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. I am excited and nervous. I know I can be a good driver, employee and both will benefit from that ability.

    1. Is it better to attend school at the company or with a independent trucking school ie.. Swift vs AIT (Phoenix) truck driving school?
    2. Do the driving schools really help you with placement?
    3. How many pre-employs should I expect to receive? (if I go with the school)
    4. Is 4300.00 for school or 3900 for company sound about right as far as cost goes?

    I look forward to your responses :) Thanks in advance!
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2011
    Fancymcberry, May 24, 2011
    Fancymcberry, May 24, 2011
    #1
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  3. May 25, 2011 #2
    flyingmusician

    flyingmusician Road Train Member

    4,288
    10,905
    Feb 25, 2011
    Jamestown, NC
    0
    not sure what to tell you about cost at a company school.....i went through our local community college system and took their very highly rated and recommended program.....but to answer your 1st, 2nd and 3rd question......

    1) independant schooling is th eway to go to leave yourself more options in hiring by being able to choose what seems to be a better fit for you than being locked in with a company who can then do as they will with you and which may not be a good fit.....amounts to nothing more than company sponsored slavery from what i've read and from the people i've personally talked to.

    2) yes, they help with placement by having recruiters come to the class and if you're lucky the school, like mine did, has some locally based companies recruiting as well who have much more to offer than the typical bottom feeders

    3) I had a total of 14 pre-hires by the 5th week of an 8 week course and now in the last week have decided on an above average company and didn't have to settle with any of the 'big 4' bottom feeders who generally recruit from driving schools. I graduate on friday and walk into a decent job on tuesday after the holiday. all because I didn't lock myself into a company slave mill and put myself into position to have some options by attending a stand-alone school.

    stay away from company schools if possible. just my opinion based on a year's worth of research before the career change, but an informed opinion.

    good luck to you.....there are many of us out here who, as you say, aren't youngsters anymore lol.....but we're getting it done and so can you.....
     
    flyingmusician, May 25, 2011
    flyingmusician, May 25, 2011
    #2
  4. May 25, 2011 #3
    GeorgeJ

    GeorgeJ Bobtail Member

    20
    4
    Apr 16, 2011
    Buckeye, Arizona (not Ohio!)
    0
    I finished Southwest Truck Driver Training in Phoenix a couple of weeks ago, I was very pleased with the staff and training. I also was going to take the "refresher" course but then learned that many companies require 160 hours school, so I took the full 4 week course. Cost was under $4K. The week after I received my CDL I was in Orientation with May Trucking in Phoenix. May Trucking will reimburse me for my school. So far, I am pleased with the way things have developed since I decided to get back on the road after 11 years absence.
     
    GeorgeJ, May 25, 2011
    GeorgeJ, May 25, 2011
    #3
  5. May 25, 2011 #4
    Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

    4,511
    3,185
    Aug 20, 2009
    0
    Welcome Fancy!
    You've already gotten a few good responses, nothing more for me to add except good luck and welcome!
     
    Gears, May 25, 2011
    Gears, May 25, 2011
    #4
    flyingmusician Thanks this.
  7. May 25, 2011 #5
    Fancymcberry

    Fancymcberry Light Load Member

    83
    17
    May 23, 2011
    Sahuarita, Az
    0
    Thanks Flying Muscian and GeorgeJ for your input. Also thanks for the warm welcome Gears. Looks like I am going to attend school at Ait in Phoenix. Self paid so I am not obligated to take a mill job.
    Went this morning and hung out at the Triple T in Tucson. Spoke to some interesting people there and actually got some good information and a table top demo on moving your tandems and weight dist and fuel usage.
    Glad this forum is here I think I will be around a lot. Lots of good information here.
    The more information the better. Have a great day!
     
    Fancymcberry, May 25, 2011
    Fancymcberry, May 25, 2011
    #5
    Gears and flyingmusician Thank this.
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