Near Orlando, school recommendations for a wannabe?

Roadmaster is listed as in the top 3 driving schools in the nation.
Any school you choose, ask which companies recruit from the school & get a list in writing. Some schools are too short & many trucking companies won't accept their training.

Yes, you will get a job after graduation from a good school.

If you want to work a lot, as you say, and home time isn't important, set your goal with a refrigerated company. There are several good refrigerated(reefer) companies. It's not too early to look at websites and get an idea of what you want. I'll list a few examples:

centralrefrigerated.com
navajo.com
fairchildfreight.com

The following has many refrigerated companies to check:
CLICK HERE for a list of trucking companies that hire new drivers.





Some, not all, may reimburse you for your driving school tuition.

 

Isn't TDI still in Sanford ?

 

That lion over their, Im pretty much where you are at except Im thinking of going OTR after my upcoming retirment. First off about ten years ago I got my CDL A from the truck school that is now Roadmaster (then called MTA, I think) Anyaw I received my CDL but because of family obligations never had the chance to use it. Now of course its no good so I have to go back all over again. About a month ago i began researching the differnt ways to do this including going and talking to a recuriter at Roadmaster and the trainer at Mid Florida Tech. First I really think Mid florida Tech is the way to go but it has its drawbacks. The first is wating to get in. Unlike Roadmaster which has classes begining every week Mid Flordia Tech only admits New students every couple of months so if youre in a hurry this is a disadvantage. The second is either a blessing or a curse, for me it's a blessing, is the time it takes to get you through. Mid Tech is a two month full time course. When i went for Orentation I spoke directly with the instructors who seemed straightforward and no nonsese. No sales pitch like you'll get from a recuriter at Roadmaster who makes her salary based on how many people they get to attend. Also, roadmasteer will give a sales pitch about who is hiring and even set you up with pre hires and other sales pitches. Remember its Roadmaster main goal to get you to enroll to get your money they are a private for profit corporation, unlike Mid Fl Tech, which is a state community college. This does not mean they will do nothing to place you they will but with who?

I can't valadate as to how true there claims are but while I was there i watched a recuriter from Weiner make a pitch about joining their company to upcoming graduates. The feeling i got was that thre are trucking companies that hire out of there but some of them if not all have the reputation of just getting drivers into the seat and then not treating them very well. But you can research them here.

However when I was visiting Mid Fl Tech none of the instructors said anything about recuritment except that it would take place after graudation. What I also liked was the instructors no nonse attutudie no suger coating. They told us if you come here expect to work hard with trainers one on one with plenty of driving time. Much more then you will get sitting in a truck with an trainer and three other students, Which is what happened when I frist went to Roadmaster/MTA. Also was told we would be expected to drive at night. Put yourself in the position of a recuriter would you rather recurit out of school that only requires 120 to 140 hours to graduated or out of schoo that requires 320-340 hours. Also the cost is around $2350 about half what Roadmaster charges if you pay yourself, more if you take out a loan. I wouldn't rule out Roadmaster if your anxious to get trained and hired and are willing to spend the extra two-three thousand to do it. And admittely the school(s) have been there for a long time. I just feel you will have much better hiring credentials if you Graduate from a College that requires more. Hope this has been of some help. If you get some time let me know what you decided

 

I went to roadmasters in Columbus Ohio and the training was superb I went on a grant from a community college no Money out of pocket and I graduated of Friday left for orientation Monday at the company I work for now I'm in my own truck that was two months ago been in my own truck about 3 weeks

 

There is a program that will pay for your school; WIA-Workers Investment Act. Apply through the local dept. of labor or unemploymnt office.

 

I would very much like to hear from anyone who has graduated from Roadmaster or Mid Fla Tech recently and how things are working out. If you could answer such questions as to how long ago did you graduate, are you now working? How long did it take you to get hired, Who are you working for.Your overall experienxce. I understand this may be a lot to ask for but if you can post anything i would be very grateful

 

I was going to recommend National Training in Green Cove Springs, but I see you went with TDI.