Please Help! Good/Fair $ Trucking schools in SO.CAL?

I am located in SO.Cal an hour away from Los Angeles, CA.
I am interested in getting in a trucking school. I applied for CR England but didn't end up going with them after all. I also heard of Central Refrigerated and went through the processing but couldn't get the hang on down shifting. I am really interested in getting into a school that will help me get into an okay company. Thanks in advance!!

 

Are you looking specifically for a Company Sponsored option?

 

Call Dootson in Arcadia, about 25 miles east of Los Angeles. They have the best reputation around here.

 

Haha...Avoid Dootson...Call Werner Enterprises or other trucking companies and see how their reputation stacks up.

 

Well I don't want to go to a regular school and end up not getting a job after.....

 

Cordavaxxi...hence my "haha...Avoid Dootson. Well lets see here. Los Angeles area will offer quite a bit of different options for company sponsorship...

http://www.centraltruckdrivingjobs.com/recruiting/ ( I don't like them because they do force their lease program. Not good for new guys learning the ropes)

Stay away from CR England

http://www.joincrst.com/ (I always hear mixed reviews)

http://www.joinswift.com/ (Mixed reviews as well)

 

there are a number of carriers that have "sponsored" training programs through private schools or community colleges. As far as not going with CRE, from what I've read here, that's probably smart. CRE's schooling is generally pretty good, but working for them (they will push Lease on you) leaves a lot to be desired. If you're part of a team at CRE. that usually works better than a solo but still not spectacular.

Did you actually have to test with Central to see if you could downshift before they put you in their school?

If you're unemployed, look for WIA grants to pay for your schooling and go with an independent school. A number of carriers will reimburse you for your schooling (slowly). The danger of going to a company "free" school (like CREngland) is that if you quit or get fired, you will be obligated to pay back the schooling cost with interest.

Good luck and keep posting on how you're doing!

 

What is your issue with Dootson?

 

Yeah, I was actually going through orientation and doing class. I was only my last week and we were about to test before heading with our trainers and I couldn't get it down. It's a real accelerated program. I had never driven stick before . Even in a regular car. Okay good thing about not going to CRE cause my cousin told me they do push their lease on you. I am not old enough to get into Swift being as I'm only 21 going on 22 this Nov. I'll give the other one a try. Thank you guys for the replies. Really means a lot! I wouldn't mind getting a few pointers on other schools. &' the WIA I heard that takes months? to even get the grant..

 

@Cordovaxxi, WIA can take a very long time and most of the funds are pretty dried up. If you they do qualify you then you will be placed in a lotto of sorts to see who gets to go train :-/ I know, it sucks.

The Swift policy of 23 years is pretty crazy considering they hired 21 for years but I think that changed a couple of years back. I will keep my eye out for ya, but I think you pretty much have a good grasp on what you will be looking for. Just remember, stay away from cheap California schools...they aren't good at all, and no, its not the same as a $1400 community college program.