Hello everyone. I am been very serious about joining the industry for months. I have talked to tech schools, private company training programs, tech colleges, and company paid recruiters, in 2 states (georgia, florida). I seem to be leaning on paying for the training privately, and it is really an ouch!! since I was laid off a year ago and I don't want to sign a contract and be stuck with no miles or a bad company. I believe it will give me the best opportunities, however, I am afraid of spending the money and not getting a job. The schools get their money either way and they all boast of a 98 percent placement rate which is hard to verify. Another concern is that the industry has alot of experienced truckers which seem to wait a long time for loads. I am thinking of regional loads so I have some decent home time once in a while, but I hear they are hard to get, and I am not sure about how local jobs would pay or if I would even be a candidate until I got about a years experience. The schools also claim you can start out 35K to 45K the first year, but I wonder too if that is accurate. I would also like to take a pet if I can't get home and I appreciate the pet friendly list that I found on this site, and I know the pet won't be able to go until I complete my training which I am told usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks. Again, I don't know if that is accurate. One additional dilemma, I have been offered by a remote family member to work for his trucking company after I take the CDL, and he wants me to take the test without the formal training, and he will assist me with his equipment for testing anmd practice purposes. I have been studying all the CDL tests for weeks, and I am passing 90 percent. I am afraid if I do this route it is cheap, and will work, but will other trucking companies hire me later if I ever leave his employ or if we ever have a falling out? Would appreciate all advice. I have been driving big equiptment for 15+ years just not semi's. Like 5th wheel toyhaulers, large horse trailers, and a forty foot diesel pusher hauling a 32 foot cabin cruiser.
welcome most schools only teach you to pass the cdl test. some companys will sponsor you some provide training. my reasearch shows comunity college the way to go, cheaper and better. most companys want you to go to school as opposed to private lessons. ( helps with insurance I belive) if things did not work out with family maybe you could take a refresher course to satisfy them. real training happens after you get your cdl so a good trainer is important. How is that family members MVR? check his DAC report again welcome and good luck
Go for it. These schools are a waste, if you can read and comprehend you can pass the written test. Sounds like you already have a better grasp than most school grads. No matter where you go things wll be hard for the first year. Family should be more willing to allow the pet, get you on your own sooner, and pay better during the road training. Take the offer and after a year or two move on if you feel the need. Companies want to see exp, 1 yr OTR is 1 yr OTR. Best of Luck to you.
