CDL school question

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by nos2011, Aug 8, 2011.

  1. nos2011

    nos2011 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 8, 2011
    Chicagoland
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    Like many of you out there. I am making a career change into Trucking. Love this economy. Am looking at some of the options i have for getting a CDL A license. Would like some input on if i should go to a truck company to get my schooling or go to a private school such as ----. I appreciate your feedback.
     
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  3. AndLovingIt

    AndLovingIt Bobtail Member

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    Oct 31, 2009
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    I went to the driving school in Appleton Wis and was happy with their 10 week course run by the local tech school. I think it costed about $2000, plus books and lodging. But a different private school in Wis charged much more for 3 or 4 weeks and didn't have the good reputation of FVTC. This leads me to say look for a credited school in your state and give them a call.

    Many schools are just in it for the money so ask questions on this board and good luck.


    go Pack
     
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  4. HD_Renegade

    HD_Renegade Road Train Member

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    Dec 20, 2010
    North Carolina
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    Take a look around here and do some research on who you might want to work for. You may find that you would need to go to a certain school, or the trucking companies school that you want to work for. Some companies will not hire you right out of school unless they approve the school too.

    Look for companies and read the DAC reports on them.
     
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  5. Iceman82

    Iceman82 Light Load Member

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    Aug 3, 2011
    Land O Lakes FL
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    I would look for your local roadmaster- no complaints
     
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  6. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Call some companies that hire new drivers,

    and see what schools they accept !!
     
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  7. flyingmusician

    flyingmusician Road Train Member

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    Jamestown, NC
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    without a doubt go the private school route if at all possible unless finances are just THAT big of an issue.

    I went the community college route and spent less than $1000 for 8 weeks of top-notch schooling with almost 1000 miles in the seat and 14 pre-hires by the time i graduated.

    And it showed in the company I ended up with.....as well as 4 other of my classmates. we ended up with much better than the typical bottom feeder that will pay for your school and then keep you hastage for a year as slave labor.

    the point is, keep your options open, your costs down, and DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST. there are some really good schools and some really good companies out there, but they are the minority. there are faaaarrrrrr more 'schools' out there that will take several thousand of your dollars and not teach you a #### thing, and just as many companies that will lock you into a situation I wouldn't wish on my ex-wife......okay, well maybe i would but she would be the only one.

    there are good options out there just take your time and do the research first. don't believe the recruiters, the pretty websites or the hype. go to the truckstops. talk to the drivers. go to the schools. meet the instructors. don't just jump in headfirst and you'll end up being happy with your choice, as opposed to alot of the posters on here who didn't and didn't get what they paid for.

    good luck to you
     
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  8. Svoray

    Svoray Medium Load Member

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    Feb 3, 2011
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    There is pros and cons to everything. One con on going through a trucking company is you generally have to work for that company a year or two. But you get a job. Going through private or college, you're not obligated to some form of work contract but you have to foot the bill. Locating a job wasn't an issue here in West Texas due to the oil boom, so i went with a local college. Now some oilfield companies will help with a CDL, i just want more options on where to work.
     
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