On the road training without going to trucking school

My advice to you is go thro a trucking school unless you know a trucking company that will take you without ever attending a trucking school.I say about 90% of trucking companies wouldn't take someone who didn't attend a trucking school,most of your training companies will required it,also make sure its a school that most trucking companies approved reason I state that is there are small mom & pop's trucking schools which is cheaper but a lot of mega carriers wouldn't consider that as approved training.Google Sage trucking program they have school all over the U.S.

 

If you intend on driving for any "major" carrier, you will need to show some sort of "formal, organized training" before you will be considered. If you know someone who can hook you up in an entry-level position that might lead to driving trucks, that might be a way to start. Just know that simply "graduating" a school does not mean you will go into a carrier and be hired as "experienced". The training you will receive in a school, is nothing compared to your first 6 weeks out in the real world with a trainer/mentor, once hired. It will be in those 6 weeks when it will be determined if you are cut out for trucking and the lifestyle.

 

What about military trucking? I drove tractor trailer in the military, and went through their 6 week truck school, but I've never driven tractor trailer in the civilian sector.

 

Unfortunately its not consider as "experience" to most companies,you would have to ask them (companies).

 

But would it count as an authorized school, or would most companies not recognize it?

 

Check with companies recruiter on subjects as this one. As stated Military driving does not count in OTR driving. if you have driven big rigs in the military then i would (if you feel good enough about your skills) go and find a truck and work on your cdl skills and take the test. this way at least your not stuck with a schoo bill and you can then train at a company.. Good Luck to You

 

I already have a civilian Class A CDL. I've driven a Class B fuel truck for several years now. Every once in a while, I get called to drive a tractor trailer for a small 2 truck operation, but it's only when I'm needed. I've never done what's considered OTR. I live in the Albany NY area. If anyone knows of a trucking company that would hire someone with my background, let me know. I applied to TMC. We'll see what they say.

 

ok good job then...check out some companies that also run regional if you want.. Im sure you will do just fine...Good luck