private cdl school vs company paid w/contract

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by lookin2haul, Nov 13, 2007.

  1. lookin2haul

    lookin2haul Bobtail Member

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    Nov 13, 2007
    Lockport NY
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    First off , hats off to the forum and to the people who post. I am 42 and looking to change into trucking career for stability, ...pay off the mortgage ,,,keep up with life expenses.....

    I have no dependents besides my dog ( would kill me to have to give her to a family member to take careof her but will deeal with that when time comes) .....


    Now my question, ....I've been trying to educate myself as much as i could reading the forum to make the right choices --- my confusion is before i even get started -- do i try a company (schneider seems to be the one for rookies from what i read) that will train me for cdl or do i go private school for cdl and then try to get in with a company. It sounds like a big gamble going private first ,i hear nobody hires if you have no exp??...if you contract with company to train you/hire then at least you gaurenteed a job after completion/passing.


    I'm sure you guys get sick of the same old q's from people looking to try truck driving but any feedback i will really appreciate. Thanks in advance.
     
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  3. DLB

    DLB Bobtail Member

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    Nov 17, 2007
    Arroyo Seco, NM
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    I went with a Private school I think I got a real good deal out of it and was not tied to any one Co. There are several Companies out there that will take on people out of school. one thing if you have contract then if you decide during school that you don't want to stay with that company some of them will strong arm you into staying and a contract through the company run school does not necessarly guarentee you a job with them
     
  4. leannamarie

    leannamarie "California Girl"

    You will find a lot of threads that debate this question. I think if you have the money/credit, put yourself through a private school. That way you don't sell your soul to a company. If you are lucky, you will get hired by a school that will pay back the cost of your tuition. When a company owns you for a year or two, they know it. You might have every intention of staying on with the company for the full contract time, but who knows what life has in store for us? Family emergencies, off-duty injuries, or maybe you just hate the lifestyle could complicate your plans of staying put for a year or more. Some areas have community college classes open; check into those.
     
  5. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Sep 14, 2007
    Winston Salem
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    I went to a Sage school at a community college for around $3,500 that I paid for out of pocket. If you have time it would be a good thing to target a company you want to work for first then talk to someone at that company about what are the best schools in the area. I went the Sage route for several reasons. They offer lifetime job placement services nationwide. Anywhere in the country you can contact the Sage school closest to you and they will help you find a job. At the small school I attended they had several contacts with smaller local outfits that are off the beaten path. I would imagine each school would offer some of that. That provides more options for someone for a starter company than the big megacarriers that are talked about so much on these boards. If you can get in with a second tier company right off the bat you will be ahead of the game. School can do that. Company training cannot.
     
  6. IrishMike202

    IrishMike202 <strong>"Ireland-It's My Island"</strong>

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    Jul 10, 2007
    West Virginia
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    I had my CDL prior to getting on with a company. I was at USXpress but left there due to no miles and went to Schneider.

    I have nothing bad to say about USX, seemed like good people. But if you have no miles you have no money.

    It looks like your dog is important to you and I see you mentioned Schneider. Keep in mind that Schneider has a "no pets policy".

    Good luck!
     
  7. lookin2haul

    lookin2haul Bobtail Member

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    Nov 13, 2007
    Lockport NY
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    Thanks for the feedback leannamarie, ...i think i will do the private school towards end of summer. It does make total sense to not "sell your soul" if you can afford not to. I just hope after the money / time away from any income i can get hired after completion of school. It's a big risk to pay out the money and then be stuck further in a hole looking for income........anyway, thanks for the feedback.

    Lookin2haul
     
  8. 2pumpkins

    2pumpkins Bobtail Member

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    Mar 30, 2008
    Pittsburg, New Hampshire
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    Starting Northeast Technical Institute 4/7/08 in Maine. I decided on this school because we live in New Hampshire, and I could not get a permit to obtain my CDL. So this was it for me....have to go to school before I could even attend the Schneider school. We took out a loan, and you can bet that will be paid off quickly.[​IMG]
     
  9. 2pumpkins

    2pumpkins Bobtail Member

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    Mar 30, 2008
    Pittsburg, New Hampshire
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    Yes, the no pet policy with Schneider. Before getting into this profession, I had to give up my three male Yorkshire Terriers that I adored. After placing them in good homes (2 went to the same home) I cried everynight for over a month. Now, one can see why I did it then and not now because I would never be able to concentrate in school thinking about my babies. My best prize is of course my husband, though I would never want him to feel badly over this, my yorkies were my sacrafice to be out on the road with my husband. We are at that point in our lives were we cherish wanting to be together. I have decided to get out of my comfort zone and join my other half on the road as a team driver. As long as you know your baby will be with people that love him/her, get a lot of love, and their bellies are full, they will be fine. Trust me! I'm an ex kennel/grooming shop owner. It will be okay.............. Really it will................ Good Luck!
     
  10. mikelouf2

    mikelouf2 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 25, 2008
    carmel ny
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    i going to private school i check into other company's they want to stay with them for 2 years and did not have any local runs the private school
    told me they get ads in all the time hiring people right out of school
    i only looking to drive local and be home every night if i find one when i
    get out school and pays good i going to take it good luck hope every thing works out for you
     
  11. Rockatansky

    Rockatansky Bobtail Member

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    Feb 23, 2008
    Anywhere, USA
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    Go to an accredited private school if you can.
    Most of the better companies that take CDL puppies require it.
     
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