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Should I get my CDL B first?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by 2500HDRob, Nov 4, 2011.

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  1. Nov 4, 2011 #1
    2500HDRob

    2500HDRob Light Load Member

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    I want to get my CDL A, however the local tech schools 320hr program is around $2200.

    Their CDL B program is $1200, I can afford this as of right now.

    Here is my problem, I just got laid off, and have to put my college on hold as I don't do financial aid, nor do I slave for the bank. All out of pocket.

    I am having trouble finding a job in Florida, and was hoping if I got my CDL B I could put myself on a good track to saving up getting back into school and getting my CDL A.

    Bad idea? What all can one drive under a CDL B? Are dump trucks classified under A, or B?
     
    2500HDRob, Nov 4, 2011
    2500HDRob, Nov 4, 2011
    #1
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  3. Nov 4, 2011 #2
    THBatMan8

    THBatMan8 Road Train Member

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    If you get a B with plans for a A, getting a B is a waste of time and money. Save up the extra $1000 and get a A.

    You don't NEED to go to a private school either. You can go to a trainer company and get a CDL from them (Prime or CRE for example). Some companies offer discounts around the holiday season also, so if you wait another month or so your CDL training could come at no out of pocket cost.
     
    THBatMan8, Nov 4, 2011
    THBatMan8, Nov 4, 2011
    #2
    Wedge Thanks this.
  4. Nov 4, 2011 #3
    Heaton1640

    Heaton1640 Bobtail Member

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    Try your unemployment office. They sometimes have retraining funds that may pay for your Class A course.
     
    Heaton1640, Nov 4, 2011
    Heaton1640, Nov 4, 2011
    #3
  5. Nov 4, 2011 #4
    2500HDRob

    2500HDRob Light Load Member

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    My ONLY concern is some of the horror stories(if thats the case) where people are brought to the hubs to train and get left, or stuck paying out of pocket for a trainer.


    Tried that, I hate being on unemployment and I had to grit my teeth to even apply for that, but they didn't respond back.They had the program running for the CDL A courses at this particular tech school as it's government run.
     
    2500HDRob, Nov 4, 2011
    2500HDRob, Nov 4, 2011
    #4
  7. Nov 4, 2011 #5
    THBatMan8

    THBatMan8 Road Train Member

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    Never judge a company by these horror stories. Most of the horror stories are self-inflicted and others have no truth behind them at all. I never heard of a company that forces you to pay for a trainer. It's usually the other way around (the trainer pays for the student).

    With your experience level, your employment options are limited.
     
    THBatMan8, Nov 4, 2011
    THBatMan8, Nov 4, 2011
    #5
  8. Nov 4, 2011 #6
    2500HDRob

    2500HDRob Light Load Member

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    sorry I didn't finish that sentence, I meant pay out of pocket while you wait for a trainer to become available, but I understand what you're saying. I will look at some places and see if I can find anything.
     
    2500HDRob, Nov 4, 2011
    2500HDRob, Nov 4, 2011
    #6
    THBatMan8 Thanks this.
  9. Nov 4, 2011 #7
    andy

    andy Light Load Member

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    With a B yes a dump truck or a big straight truck but no pup on the dump truck. You could work for a roofing supply place that has B vehicles or a small/hand freight operation that has big straight trucks. As others have said, options very limited.
     
    andy, Nov 4, 2011
    andy, Nov 4, 2011
    #7
  10. Nov 4, 2011 #8
    Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    I agree with the poster who stated that if you are looking to get a Class A, paying for a school to get a Class B is a waste of your money. Say you go ahead and pay your money to get your Class B. You will STILL have to complete the school to get your Class A, so you will have spent extra money on the Class B already.

    Yes, you might get lucky and get a company to help you get your Class A once you are working for them. I've seen it happen. But it is not normal, and is not likely.

    Try to get on with SWIFT or another training company. Pay your dues and get it over and done with. A year or so from now, you could be a well employed company driver with enough experience under your belt to get to a better company.
     
    Big Don, Nov 4, 2011
    Big Don, Nov 4, 2011
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    Wedge Thanks this.
  11. Nov 4, 2011 #9
    Interstate

    Interstate Light Load Member

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    I know it sucks to be beholding to a company for a year, but what about going to a company school? You don't have to put out any money up front. An option perhaps.
     
    Interstate, Nov 4, 2011
    Interstate, Nov 4, 2011
    #9
    THBatMan8 Thanks this.
  12. Nov 4, 2011 #10
    THBatMan8

    THBatMan8 Road Train Member

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    Any new job is going to be like that because of payroll. That isn't confined to the trucking industry.
     
    THBatMan8, Nov 4, 2011
    THBatMan8, Nov 4, 2011
    #10
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