New guy, have my reservations about becoming a trucker now...

I would go to a community college and get my training. You can get it at a fair price, get a student loan and possibly a grant. Then you are not committed to anyone other than paying the gov't back. Training companies train for a reason. They are large and have to fill seats. Students are a dime a dozen. So basically you are shopping for the best of the worst. Jump in there with the right attitude and get that first year behind you. Then you'll probably spend the next few years finding the right fit and company. Being a vet I know you'll handle it fine.

Chill out on your last sentence. That's why we are here. Use the report triangle if someone is trolling. We'll do the stuffing!

 

Although I'm in a similar situation as you, and don't have a lot of experience in selecting an employer to share, I agree with CondoCruiser and the recommendation to consider community college training. It's what I did and completed in July of this year. In addition to the excellent training I received and low student to instructor ratio, there is a an "American Opportunity Credit" take advantage of if you are able to pay the tuition yourself. My understanding is that this tax credit was introduced by the 2009 Recovery Act, then extended through 2012 and is briefly described below:

* Maximum credit $2,500 (100% of first $2,000 and 25% of next $2,000 qualified expenses) per student

* Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, related expenses and course materials.

* Student must be enrolled at least half time in a degree or certificate program

* Phases out for MAGI of $80,000 - $90,000 ($160,000 - $180,000 joint filers)

IRS link: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205674,00.html

I share this in hopes that it provides another option for you to obtain your CDL without being tied to an employer that paid for your training, with an added bonus of possibly full tuition reimbursement next year at tax time

I hope this helps!

 

Just know that you are going to have to run with a mentor/trainer wether you get your own CDL or train through a carrier program. And I suspect the apprenticeship period may be longer for those that did NOT attend their training program from the ground up. Prime would be a strong consideration for me if they are making you a worthwhile offer.

 

Go look at the posts in the Prime folder under "Company DAC Reports," and search the Report a Bad Company folder for Prime threads. Most of us posting here have had a good experience with Prime, although you will find folks who post otherwise. Ask lots of questions. It's a toss-up... what works well for one person, may be total poison to another.

If you do choose to do driver training with Prime, you'll get your CDL tuition paid for in total - in return, they ask you to drive for one year after you become solo qualified. People sign cell-phone plans for longer terms. The army wants you for four years. One year is not as big a deal as many make it out to be. Even if you do choose the driver training school/junior college route, you'll still want to get a year or two's experience with your first carrier before jumping around. The difference? You'll still have $4500 to $6000 in your pocket if you choose the company driver training.

 

Here's a few...

http://www.allstatecareer.edu/programs.php

http://www.jobsintrucks.com/Driver-Schools/Pennsylvania/

http://www.truckschoolsusa.com/PA.htm

 

First you have to ask yourself if you want to run the road or be local and home every night. While it is harder to get a local job fresh out of school, it is not impossible. I went to Smith & Solomon and got a local job the following day after getting my CDL in my hands. I have never had to run the road for an over the road carrier and hopefully never will, but as 1 person stated, what works for one may not work for another. Now if you decide you want local, go to smith & Solomon and ask the recruiter there if Old Dominion still hires students that graduate from S&S... If they still do, then you are in luck.... I used to work for OD and trained the rookies that got hired. I left OD on good terms and would go back if I needed to. No matter what you do, the first couple of years will be tough, but if you stick it out and make the effort to learn the business, you will be OK. I am in the same boat having to pay child support so I understand the role that plays in everyday life. I started driving in 1998 and I am still doing it today.... Whether I like the job anymore is a whole other thread, but it is paying my bills. The industry has changed a lot in the 14 years I have been in it but you either have to learn to adjust and adapt or leave the industry. It is true what you have read... Most of these OTR carriers/driver mills will hire you, cheat you, screw you and do what they can to take advantage of you.... How far you let them is up to you, but as stated, another rookie will be there to take your spot and learn for his or herself. Good Luck with whatever route you take to get your license.