Taking the plunge

I think "nearly 100%" is to cater to those that don't qualify to be employed in the industry because of one thing or another. I'm pretty sure its to legally protect them from frivolous law suits. Unfortunately in the great ole US of A you can sue anyone for anything these days, and there is probably some idiot out there with 6 DUI's that sued a trucking school that advertised "100% job placement" and couldn't get hired on.

As to the difference between Heavy Metal and Interstate I can only truly speak to the experience I had at Interstate, and I can honestly say it was more than adequate. A former co-worker of mine went to Heavy Metal and also had a good experience for what it's worth. My best advise is visit both and go with which one gives you a better vibe. Heavy Metal is a bit cheaper, but does NOT offer the 30 hours guaranteed ONE ON ONE behind the wheel. That was the decision maker for me. If it means anything, I know Heavy metal is now two companies merged into one. I think it might have been TCE (Transportation Center for Excellence) that merged with Heavy Metal, but i'm not completely sure. Either way, one or both of them were having some financial problems and rumors say they were reluctant, but ended up merging nonetheless. Not sure if that matters or not, but I know it happened recently.