Best path for a prospective Trucker

You guys are starting to back up what I've been saying for more than a year now. Thanks.

 

Happy to help............Actually I'm anal retentive when it comes to doing my research before making any big decisions. SO when I was even thinking about getting my CDL I researched the hell out of it, starting with this forum.

All it took was a few hours reading and asking questions to learn that staying away from company schools is the smartest move. I am constantly amazed by people who, despite reading countless thread about terrible experiences at the same company still think they are somehow going to be happy there.

I readily admit that I still have boatloads to learn about trucking, but I have had great experiences thus far because I did my homework and never made decisions from desperation. I am now getting ready to start with a new company(LTL) and because I've done my research I'm confident that I am making the right decision. I'm sure there will be rough stretches (there always are), but I ready to take my next step in my new career.

Listen to GasHauler: Don't get locked into a company school. If that means you have to wait an extra 6 months to save money or qualify for aid to a private school, then wait. Much better an extra 6 months than being an indentured servant at another company that can ruin your career with a hit against your DAC because you are stuck making $200/week (if that) and have decided to pack it in.

Take the time to actually read the threads here. If you do that, and learn from what you are reading, you can avoid a lot of problems and make sure you get the best start you can in this career.

 

In my search, I think its different for everyone. If you need a payday quicker than not, I think its best to go through a company sponsored training. If you are in the eastern US, I think I'd recommend Millis over any of the company sponsored training. They seem to go above and beyond in the driving with trainer phase in being the only company that operates during training as a solo operation from start to end and their $2500 tuition is among the lowest I have seen. Other companies I have looked at were Prime(they turned my application down in less than 2 hours for some reason, thinking I may be in an area they don't need drivers), and FFE where I am currently accepted.

I think cost-wise if you can afford it, the best option is enrolling in a local tech/community college to get your training. If I had 3 months to put into schooling alone and a school in reasonable driving distance, the $1200 in state tuition in GA i think is one of the better ways to go.

I really can't help any further than the research that I have put into it, I'm tentatively on the FFE schedule for July 5th or 19th. Still waiting to hear from my recruiter for the details.