No money and where to go

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by t1wolfen, Sep 30, 2007.

  1. t1wolfen

    t1wolfen Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Sep 29, 2007
    Victorville, ca
    0
    Ive been a contractor for 20 yrs and am tired, im looking for a career change and trucking it seems is something I want to try. I cant afford to pay for my own schooling, and have no experiance. What company and school would be the best place to get started?
     
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  3. H-D wrench

    H-D wrench Bobtail Member

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    Sep 5, 2007
    PA(near new stanton)
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    Try the employment office. I got them to get me a grant for school. 100%!!:biggrin_25520: I had to take tests(square pegs in round holes ect.) apptitude stuff y know. It took about a month. I start Oct22 was to be Oct 1 but gov burocraps gotta drag a#$ or there not happy.
    Avoid co. cdl school cuz you will owe AND work for less pay.you cant leave If you quit or get fired you will owe and be in collections.
    Talk to schools in your area they can help find you some gov cheese money too!!
     
  4. crazyclown101

    crazyclown101 Light Load Member

    92
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    Aug 3, 2007
    maryland
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    IF I WAS YOU I WOULD JUST GO TO YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL SEE WHAT PROGRAMS THAT GOT GOING ON OR SEE IF YOU CAN GET APPROVED THRU SOMEONE FOR THEM TO PAY FOR YOUR CDLS WITH KNOW CONTRACT.IF YOU CANT DO ANY OF THEM THINGS GO WITH A COMPANY THAT YOU THINK IS RIGHT FOR YOU STAY WITH THEM A YEAR GET THAT EXP. AND TRAINING IN THEN YOU FREE TO GO !!!

    :biggrin_25515:
     
  5. JonDC70

    JonDC70 Light Load Member

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    6
    Sep 20, 2007
    Watkinsville, GA
    0
    I've been monitoring these and other forums for the last few weeks and here's a list of what I've found to be the most favored companies that sponsor, or provide their own, training.

    Schneider
    Watkins-Shepard
    Interstate Distributors
    Roehl
    Maverick

    I'm sure there are others, but these are the ones that seem to garner the most positive posts from current/former drivers.

    I've applied at a few myself, I've decided on Watkins-Shepard. If all goes well, class starts on 10/22! Good luck to you!!
     
  6. crazyclown101

    crazyclown101 Light Load Member

    92
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    Aug 3, 2007
    maryland
    0
    central Ref. Services Isnt To Bad Either From What I Hear Up's And Down Like Anywhere Else But They Start Off At .29 A Mile Witch Is Ok For A New Driver For Alittle While The First Year Is Going To Be Your Challenge Past That You Should Be Just Fine.stay Away From Swift They Will Screw You In A Matter Of Sec... Lol Good Luck !
     
  7. munrkr

    munrkr Medium Load Member

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    Dec 14, 2006
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    I have to say, you said this "seems to be something you want to try". If that's true, I would NOT sign a contract obligating yourself to work for a company for a year or more. If it doesn't work out, you're gunna be on the hook for a wildly exagerated amount of money they assign as a value for said training.

    I bailed on an otr job after a very short time after deciding it was just too much for me, among other reasons. If you're not really commited to the realities of otr trucking, this might be a recipee for disaster. But if you can (and will) commit, your strategy would certainly work. Just sayin'... :biggrin_25515:
     
  8. Ronnocomot

    Ronnocomot Road Train Member

    1,350
    230
    Sep 1, 2006
    IL
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    All good choices, you do know Maverick is flatbed right?
     
  9. Tip

    Tip Tipster

    2,294
    290
    Mar 18, 2006
    ON STRIKE
    0
    I'll echo what others have said in this thread so far:

    1. Get a grant to pay for training. Don't pay for it out of your own pocket.
    2. Don't sign an indentured servitude contract. You want no part of that.
    3. Check with US Express. Rumour has it that outfit offers training for very little or even no commitment.
    4. Do your research to make sure you'll like trucking. My bet is you won't. Make sure first, and don't saddle yourself with a potential debt you will HAVE to repay if you quit a company before your slavery period is up. But you won't have to worry about a slavery period because you're going routes 1 and 2 above, right?

    Good luck.
     
  10. cutloose

    cutloose Light Load Member

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    23
    Jul 9, 2007
    0
    I dont know enough about your background, if u got family and need to support em, dont do it.
    If you aint got anyone that relies on you and you aint got anything holding you back, jump in..
    This job in another 5 yrs might not be worth anything, do to the mexican pilot program..

    Good Luck in what ever you do!
     
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