Future truckers of America sucks!!!

I'll do it for the same $2,500, get you all of the above, plus a prescription for penicillin.

 

I've spoken with FTA's owner a few times, he's a nice guy. I had no clue he was the owner. He acted like any other worker at FTA: polite, informative and honest. Granted, I ultimatly went through Driver Solutions but strictly because of financial reasons. But when I chose DS I chose them knowing my school was FTA. I think Mr. Cook was well within acceptable range with his response and wasn't insulted by his "attitude" or "tone". I've seen complaints about EVERY school out here on this site. What people fail to realize, or fail to acknowledge, is that someone is always going to have something negative to say. I too think people have that "blame everyone but myself" attitude. We all know what were getting into, LISTEN when your recruiters talk and READ your contract if you have one. STUDY well BEFORE you get to classes and AFTER. If you fail you didn't fail because you were " just so TOO GOOD" you failed because you didn't apply yourself enough. Just because you're paying for the school (albiet by cash or contract) doesn't mean they should just hand it to you, you have to EARN IT. I start at FTA on Monday (the 22nd) and guess what, Ive been studying for months and Im well prepaired. And IF I fail It won't be because I didn't apply myself and I certainly won't push off the blame on anyone else.

 

Great attitude my friend! You have said everything that needs to be said. It seems that everyone wants to say something bad about everyone! I've heard good things and bad about FTA...who to believe? Wish you the best of luck on your journey!

 

Well I can give my personal expericence about FTA because ive been there just graduated last week. FTA was an excellent trucking to attend to get driver training. The owner is not Jeff Cook (Mr.Cook) it is Randy Batts, Jeff is his son-in law. Randy does the class room portion of the school. He last alot of experience with the trucking industry and presents you with all the things youll need to know to pass your DMV test to get your permit, if you dont have it before you come. He does a very good job doing so very respectful and polite gentleman. After you complete your 1st which is strictly classroom, you will then go out on the yard (2nd week) and begin you backing and learing the PTI. (3rd/4th Week) You will begin going out with there instructors to complete your driving time/road test, heres where FTA may could do a little bit better. There are a total of 5 instructors. Les, Charlie, John, Kelly and Bill, pray that you get niether of the 1st two. These guys were horrible instructors!!!! The whole point of attending FTA is to learn how to drive a truck, and those two guys fail to realize that. These guys continue to tell you over and over that they've been driving a truck 15 plus yrs so on and so forth..... and expect you to come in your 1st time being in a truck and drive exactly like they would, which ISNT GOIN 2 HAPPEN!!! They speak to you in degrading mannors, curse, tell you that cant drive, that youll be fired from the company that youll be working for if you ever graduate ect...! IMO that was totally wrong and a should be against FTA's employee conduct code, if they even have one. On the other hand, John, Bill,Kelly where great!!! They take there time and are very patient in teaching how to drive. They showed great character in taking there time with each student, understanding that you are there with no experience, and are completly green, and are there looking to learn how to drive. During my time there I never once heard either of those guys curse directly at a student, or yell, or talk to any student in a mannor undeserved. After going out with those guys students driving went from terrible to terrific in just a short time. FTA is a good all around school, just could use two more instructors the desire to teach newbies to drive, more than just getting a pay check...... my $0.02

 

Thanks for the straight forward comments. We appreciate all feedback. And I am not the only owner, but I am an owner. Make the best of your careers and be safe.

Jeff Cook

 

I'm scheduled to start FTA on the 19th of this month. Thanks for the heads-up about the instructors. I hope I get one of the good instructors. It must be hard for trucking schools to find good instructors because there always seem to be one or two nuckle-heads teaching. I'll have to be prepared.

 

I graduated. Got my cdl/ Off to Work. Yes LES is a complete a hole who brings his personal issues to work. Sorry you girlfriend left you. Has nothing to do with the students.

 

I graduated from this school almost a year ago.. I will not say anything bad about the school, because I can't. They bent over backwards to make sure we got what we needed from the school. In my case that meant putting in an extra day and more than a few extra hours, because my class graduated the day before thanksgiving..

I watched them bend over backwards to help two students that just didn't get it.. Honestly they never once claimed they were anything more than a means to get your CDL and they were going to make sure you got it (legally), even if it took you all year...

My contract is and will continue to be with Central, not FTA.. I can tell you my contract with Central is far less than the OPs 6K.

Honestly I don't blame Randy one bit for defending his school. Frankly I was better prepared for what I was getting into because i went to this school. Yep I will recommend FTA to anyone..


Yes I know the OP was months ago, but I needed to give my $0.02 cpm. Randy I am the BBQ guy..

 

I also graduated from here last week. I agree for the most part about the instructors. Les is not a teacher! Very short tempered and argumentative most of the time. With that said we had a very large class and EVERYONE at the school did their best to get, those of us that took the initiative upon ourselves, graduated on time! The owners Randy and Jeff are super down to earth guys that want you to succeed! My only complaint was that hotel! BRING YOUR LYSOL!!!! lol

 

Being new too the trucking industry,I feel I chose the right school.F.T.A. gave me the skills that I needed to get a permit,and get my cdl.Through hard work and practice,I was able to achieve.thanks..