Hello from northern Minnesota, and Class A CDL questions

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by moose97, Oct 15, 2012.

  1. Oct 15, 2012 #1
    moose97

    moose97 Light Load Member

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    Oct 15, 2012
    Hoagland, IN
    0
    Howdy. I'm up in northern Minnesota, and currently have my Class B CDL driving bus (both school and charter), plus work a third "straight"/non-driving job (in radio). I'm seriously considering getting my Class A CDL and trying to make a go of it on just one job. I'm wondering what my best option is for upgrading my CDL. Truck driving school (none local)? Finding someone local that can train me? Something else? Thanks guys!
     
    moose97, Oct 15, 2012
    moose97, Oct 15, 2012
    #1
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  3. Oct 15, 2012 #2
    Arial

    Arial Light Load Member

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    Sep 11, 2012
    California
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    Go online and look for local school or one close by or try a local Junior College as well. Stay away from ones that offer to give you the school for free and training and want you to sign a contract with them so you have to stay a certain amount of time. CRST is the worst. I am really good at finding schools but do not know Minnesota well, what is the largest city near you and I would be happy to research it for you. Its a hobby. :) Good luck either way.
     
    Arial, Oct 15, 2012
    Arial, Oct 15, 2012
    #2
    moose97 Thanks this.
  4. Oct 15, 2012 #3
    moose97

    moose97 Light Load Member

    164
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    Oct 15, 2012
    Hoagland, IN
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    I'm about 4 hours north of Minneapolis. Some of the schools down there have satellite campuses in St. Cloud, which is 2.5 hours south of me. Other than that, there's Duluth (3 hours east), or Grand Forks or Fargo (North Dakota) at 2 hours west. I know that Hibbing's Itasca Community College (about 2 hours east) also has a program.

    I talked to one school that has a campus in St. Cloud (Interstate Truck Driving School) about their program, and of course, they are pushing their full program. I'm left wondering if I need the full program, or if with my bus experience, I should go with their road test programs instead. Thoughts?
     
    moose97, Oct 15, 2012
    moose97, Oct 15, 2012
    #3
  5. Oct 19, 2012 #4
    Dwvb8

    Dwvb8 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 19, 2012
    Hager City,WI
    0
    My personal opinion is study the CDL book vigorously. The pre-trip will basically be the same just a few more steps for the trailer. Theres no reason you need the full program if you already have a class B. Once u do the road test, without schooling you'll probably have to start with a small "family owned" carrier but that's not always bad and with your bus experience might not be an issue. Depends on the direction you choose to go. GOOD LUCK!!
     
    Dwvb8, Oct 19, 2012
    Dwvb8, Oct 19, 2012
    #4
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