The New FFE Driver Academey

I am scheduled to go to the class that starts on July 9th. I am not looking forward to the bus ride, but I am excited about everything else.

Thanks for letting everyone know why people get sent home. I know nothing about trucks, but I'm willing to learn and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get my CDL and start driving for FFE. Fortunately, failing drug tests, written tests or physicals is not something I have to worry about. My only concern is how quickly I can learn to safely operate the truck. I don't even think I have ever even ridden in one, let alone driven one.

 

you will do fine with that attitude --- the truck driving they will teach you -- study the book in your spare time and take the practice test --passing that all on your first try on wensday keeps you ahead of the game once you get behind its hard to catch up --- they cut more people from attitude problems than anything else -- if they see that your paying attention and trying they will get you driving or at least give you every chance i was worried my whole way through it and didnt have to be because you start to realize that they want you to succeed --- for my money i think this is the best school out there-- they have some very good instructors --and the program is very fast paced and they stuff a lot into the time they have -- and sometimes your going to think i might not make it and thats when the attitude has got to kick in -- when you get into the truck just try to be relaxed -- it is easier said then done but its hard to learn when your all tense and nervous -- listen to them and learn you wont have to worry

 

I was set to go to Central but at last minute they said a ticket I had in 2010 needed to be over 3 years old so I called FFE and was told that one ticket would be acceptable so I filled out a app and next day was given the OK to start,a little to fast for me and made me leary so I said I will call back when I'm sure.

So I found this thread and pretty much read the whole thing and have some questions, if they sold off the dry van division and also cut 300 drivers how large is FFE ? say compared to (Prime or May)

How common is it that someone goes through the whole training faze than gets sent home? I already have a CDL and don't want to go to Texas just for a refresher course to be sent home with a $3900 bill & a bus ticket. If they have classes starting every week they can't need that many drivers if they have already been downsizing is this something that happens allot or am I being paranoid ? It just sounds like a easy way for a company to make money whether they need drivers or not, I have a suspicious mind does anyone else have these same thoughts?

 

I've seen ffe trucks pulling American eagle and Lisa motor lines trailers in the last few days where did you hear that they sold off their dry vans?

 

The info is about halfway through in this thread sometime back in 2011 they got rid of their dry vans and are strictly refrigerated only now,
there was even a article about the restructure of the company

 

1. ffe sold off their dry van division last year to Celedon. to free up some capital and to concentrate on our core business(reefer). we still operate alot of AEL tractors until the leases are up on them (I just retired mine after 400k miles). We still have some dry freight runs for some of the larger customers. went from 1700 or so down to 1300 as the driver core count.

2. ffe will send cdl holders home if they cannot operate the equip. i know this sounds funny but it is very common for a cdl holder to show up to the academy only to find they cannot back, or or other issues. the academy is serious about not putting seat filler on he roads unless they feel they can do the job safely.

3. as a starter company, it has been a very positive experience for me. their pay is low, as is with all starter companies but the equipment is 1st class, the office personal are decent, and I have never had an issue with them regarding my pay. this has been my personal experience, i am sure others have had different outcomes.

4. my advise is to go with your gut feeling. if it doesnt feel right to you, dont sign up. there's alot of starter companies, i am sure you will find one that fits you. good luck.

 

Thanks for the response TRV and I'm glad you are happy with FFE and where your at, I just started checking this company out it never came across my radar before. When reading this thread I didn't see to much on western runs does FFE run much in Calif especially over I-80 through Reno and Sacramento ?

 

I'm sure an experienced driver will give a more thorough response, but I was online and figured that I would share what little I know. FFE has a terminal of some sort in Fontana, so there must be at least some business to and from that area. I would love nothing more than to do runs to and from that terminal.

 

1 in fontana, 1 in stockton.

 

Ya, I know they have a terminal in Fontana it seems allot of company's use Fontana must be a good trucking hub, also there seems to be allot around Stockton and Modesto area also.