TDI Florida, legit?

im wondering about tdi in ga., let me know?

 

They will teach you just enough to pass the cdl test.

they you'll need to go with a trainer at the company you get hired by.

actually, the community colleges and trade schools are much better............

 

I am working on going there now myself, did you go yet?

 

I start aug 1st , anyone else going there?

 

I just finished my second week at a TDI school, here in IN. I had the same "too good to be true" feeling. But they have held up their end. How much success you have depends on how much you want to put into it. I have learned a lot from the instructors. A great bunch of guys that care about us learning. The tuition fees are kind of high (imo), but I wasn't having any luck finding work. So TDI was a very good decision for me. Listen to your instructors, ask questions, don't have the attitude that you know more than they do and you'll be fine.

 

All I can say is "If it sounds to good to be true in the trucking business... IT IS!"

Here is my dealing with TDI. I myself have been driving OTR for 24+ years. Now one of my sons has decided to also drive OTR. So I have been trying to help him get started. He can already drive a truck (Been in one since he was 2 years old off and on) but his backing up isnt so great. So I told him maybe he should try one of the driving schools. He and I have talked to a few of them and I have been with him every time. We never tell them anything about me being a driver for so many years. And I have been SHOCKED to hear some of the BS these schools try and tell these young people that are trying to get into the industry. But the ones at TDI had the BEST LINE OF BS I think I have ever heard.

1st. He is just 21 years old and will not make 22 till march and the recruiter there was telling him about all these companies that he could get him a job with. Companies that I KNOW FOR A FACT have a min age of 23 no if ands or buts! (JUST SIGN ON THE LINE PLEASE!)

2nd. They told him he could be finished and in with one of these companies in as little as 4 weeks making 45,000+ his first year! LOL! TOTAL BS (JUST SIGN ON THE LINE PLEASE!)

3rd. And how the said companies hire 98% of the students from the school even BEFORE they finish school! TOTAL BS AGAIN! (JUST SIGN ON THE LINE PLEASE!)

4th. Telling him that there are a few of the companies that hire their students where the student goes on to make $60,000 their first year! LMAO TOTAL BS BS BS BS! (JUST SIGN ON THE LINE PLEASE!)

5th Telling him that he could find local jobs if he didnt want to be OTR that paid $50,000 a year to start. MORE BS! (JUST SIGN ON THE LINE PLEASE!)

And I could go on and on... Now I can see where a young or a person that doesn't know JACK about the industry and how things REALLY work could get SUCKERED into giving them $6000,00 or more to get trained. I mean PLEASE! These schools have so much BS that they tell these young people to get their hopes up for a better future it aint even FUNNY! And should be ILLEGAL!!! All they care about is seeing how many people they can run through the doors at that school and make money off of them. HELL and after I talked to one of the SO CALLED INSTRUCTORS I bet MY SON could even teach him a few things! LOL! This dude I be didnt even have 1 year OTR under his belt! And he was out there TEACHING THESE PEOPLE! LOL!

Long story short...
After being bombed with all the BS from these schools (TDI being the worst) I think I will just take him and my truck over and pay the $50.00 for his medical card plus the $45.00 for his driving test at the DMV and be done with it. And then help him get him a job driving for someone. (BECAUSE I KNOW HOW THE GAME IS REALLY PLAYED) It aint that hard if you know the system and the industry.

But I wish you the best. And if you want to work hard. You can make a good living in this industry... (I've done it for years and raised 6 kids) Just don't let knowbody blow smoke up you butt and tell you its gonna be SOOOO EASY! AND REMEMBER! IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE... IT IS!!!!

Good Luck!

 

Thank you for your words. I'm already going to school there on Monday. But I will make sure to be more guarded with them.

 

TDI has been around for quite awhile. Like any other school they are there to just get you ready to go with a trainer. I went in 96' and my wife went in 02'. We both had a blast during school! Even brought our trucks by to get our picture taken. Still up on the wall after all these years. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. No matter how dumb you think they are. The only dumb question is the one not asked!

One really great thing about TDI is ever since I graduated they still let me come back every two years to take my DOT physical. They only charge $30 for past students so you can't beat that. Same 90 year old doctor been doing it for years.

The only thing I would be weary of is the companies that come in to try to recruit you during class. TDI gets paid to let them come in and recruit you. I personally would try to find a job outside of the mega-carrier world. Yes it actually take a little extra effort but its your career.

Don't over think the whole school guys/girls! Like I said they are just there to get you ready to go with a trainer at your chosen company. You will most likely learn more on the first day with your trainer than the three weeks at TDI! Have fun while you are there, you will look back on those days!

Shimmymama you have nothing to worry about! You have my word. Yes its been quite awhile since I have graduated there but I still go in every so often and shoot the bull with the teachers and new students. So relax and enjoy learning about the wonderful world of trucking! I promise TDI isn't going to pull a fast one on you! The company recruiters may! Now that's a whole different story! Good luck Shimmymama!

 

Why didn't you go to Mid Florida Tech? $2300 by far best school in Orlando area.