Starting out for rookies

thanks for the thoughtful info road warrior

 

Thank You skittymac for thanking Road Warrior He said like a Pro. Just remember you might have to eat a little crow before you can eat steak. I'm eating crow myself now but learning everyday. I'm So happy I did my homework on companies. When I went to schoos I tracked 6 other students. All but one is still in the busisness. and he is trying to get out of a lease and come over to the company I'm at. Bad thing is if you job hop alot early in your trucking carreer it doesn't look good.

 

You are all welcome...I have been on the road a longggggggggggggg time...i know what its like out there...do your homework and always remember the first priority is yourself...you cant replace you but you can replace a truck...be safe and have a good holiday to all

 

Lined up to go to CDL training on January 16th, I've did research and looking at these post I see good and bads, but that's life always pros and cons. The training school is about 2 hours away from home and then hopefully if things work out the company sponsers the training and I will have a driving job lined up, I am using wisdom to basically not resign from my jobs here at home until after training and when I do get scheduled for company orientation. It has always been a big dream of mine to drive I wanted to drive Greyhound buses every since I could remember and kinda got turned on to the idea of trucking years later. I would always hear, "truckers make good money", and "you can see the country"...yes both are true but you got to put your dues in and I thank every single vetren driver who is posting youtube vids, posting in this forum, and sharing the experiences. Thank you for taking the time, negative things or positive things..thanks. I look forward to and prayfully speaking getting my CDL and hitting the open road. I got facebook, skype, and oovoo to keep me in touch with home so shouldn't get too home sick.

 

Good Job Matt....Always keep the dream and one day it will be a reality with hard work and good judgment...

 

Just wondering what company you picked? Just a heads up company paid training is a marketing gimmick to get you in the door. The six students that I tracked (only 1 Left) all had company paid training too and at 18% interest they are paying. I paid cash for mine and I paid half the price they did. Also the company I went with didn't pay me for school but I started out at a higher CPM then they did. Believe or not some trucking companies (schools) is a busisness in itself and they know a lot of people won't stick with it. I'm sure you will find this out the first day they have you sign Finance papers. Don't mean to rain on your parade just want to give you a heads up.I hope it works out for you.

 

I am not an expert but the trucking company I work for hire new CDL drivers all the time to haul coal on the road. Southern WV. The pay is up to you because you get paid by the ton. Long hours and the trucks are not the best looking (coal mines do a number on trucks)

You may have to do a few months off road in a tandem. Still worth it if you need experience.

 

Have you checked with Key Energy ? They are hiring around Jane Lew and the pay might be better .

 

I am going to go with PAM, I've heard good and bad, and I am just going to stick it out. I like the idea of doing a 1 year commitment it teaches stability. Time is moving faste. As far as finances credit is already bad so depending on what happens it will be just another debt.

 

The one year commitment is one sided . Make the wrong mistake and they'll get rid of you in a heartbeat .