Community College or CDL mill

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Johnybusa, Nov 10, 2011.

  1. Johnybusa

    Johnybusa Bobtail Member

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    Cost aside which one is better. I have the choice to go to either and could attend either for free (military benefits). I looked into Roadmaster CDL school and they start weekly, within an hour drive or so from me. Also a community college a little closer but still about an hour away but there are no mare classes this year and they are not showing the 2012 schedule yet. Both are 3-4 weeks long and give ample hands on training.

    So with cost out of the picture is it worth the wait to go to the CC or just go ahead with Roadmaster?

    One more question: I found a maintenance job that has good pay and benefits but require a CDL class A but does not require any experience. If hired on with them would I be better of skipping school and just testing on my own? The CDL is needed to drive out to remote locations to perform maintenance on heavy equipment.
     
  2. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Did you ask the employer at the maintenance job if they require schooling ?
    Many have advised not wasting GI benefits on trucking school . No matter what type school you are going to be competing with thousands of other graduates as well as tens of thousands of unemployed experienced drivers .
     
  3. Johnybusa

    Johnybusa Bobtail Member

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    They do not require any CDL experiance. They dont even require it to be hired. Just need it to move up into better position.
     
  4. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    I'd go for it .
     
  5. Johnybusa

    Johnybusa Bobtail Member

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    So if I do decide to go to school what would be better CC or CDL mill? At least if I did go to school it would help me go OTR if the maintenance job falls thru.
     
  6. Dap1126

    Dap1126 Bobtail Member

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    Honestly I would go to Future Truckers of America, it's in Asheboro they start weekly, just graduated from there. They are the best trucking school in NC. There was about 3 Military guys going through. Very hands on, and their teaching ratio is the best. Almost 1 to 1. Not the average CDL Mill.

     
  7. Dap1126

    Dap1126 Bobtail Member

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  8. Saved

    Saved Bobtail Member

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    Most people would suggest going to a community college rather then a mill. I've read countless reviews on them and in the end, you either get a good instructor or you don't. Man have posted, expressing their concerns regarding the impatience of mill instructors who often push people rather then help them (as needed).
     
  9. Johnybusa

    Johnybusa Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the info. My local CC has a class starting 2 Jan so I might go to it. I am considering a move back to the High Point Lexington area so if I do that will change my school choices.
     
  10. The Gryphon

    The Gryphon Heavy Load Member

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    The Community College route is the hands down winner in my mind.

    I recently went through this same decision process and it became abundantly clear during my research phase what the final decision should be.

    Rather than retyping everything here, I'm going to refer you to another thread where I outlined why I think the CC route is better. If you're interested you can click on it below and go over and read it.

    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/questions-from-new-drivers/161519-new-career-middle-aged-lady-truckin.html
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2011