Which Company own training school offers more (Swift, C.R England,and Prime)

When I was there they didn't use e-logs at all.
They went over logbooks thoroughly, then when I got with my trainer he re-trained me (aka how to get the most time out of an 11-14 hour period).
I don't remember them going over maps a whole lot before we went out, but my trainer did that as well. (Best advice I ever received: don't EVER rely solely on any GPS--ALWAYS double check your route against an up-to-date Truckers Road Atlas.)
My trainer also trained me on how to use the Qualcomm. I can't remember any of that tho, sorry.

The majority of the training you'll receive at first is simply how to drive. Up-shifting, downshifting, pre trip, post trip, backing, backing, and more backing. Stuff you'll need to know to pass your CDL test. The majority of the rest of it (logs, maps, Q-comm, etc.) will come 'on the job' when you go out with your trainer. (That's when you just have your CDL permit.) You'll drive with your trainer under your permit until you and your trainer are confident you'll pass the driving test, then you'll get routed back through Springfield, take your test (driving, backing, pre trip), then back on the road with your shiny new CDL Class A license. Then you'll drive with your trainer for about 60-80k miles (if I recall correctly--check with recruiter for certain), at which point you'll be routed through Springfield again, say fond (or not so fond) goodbyes to your trainer, jump in YOUR truck (either company truck or lease, depending on which way you go-- --I highly suggest going company until you've driven for a couple three years, but that's a whole other thread), and hit the road on your own.

Hope this helps.

Leadfoot

 

If you guys are seriously interested in this career field then take the time to do your homework and avoid these companies at all costs. Your chances of success will be much greater at the smaller companies!

Personally I would recommend Central Refrigerated if you are looking for company schooling. They are a smaller company and treat their drivers really well. They will pay for your schooling, transportation, food, lodging, etc... while you are out there. Once you get your license with them you are guaranteed a job!

Good luck...

 

You called Central Refrigerated? There is another company called just "Central". That's odd, they have a training terminal right there in Conley, Ga (Atlanta).

I have never heard them refuse anyone for geographic reasons. Only location I know of that they occassionally have a hiring freeze is Florida. In fact they pay for your transportation to either get to Utah, Cali, or Georgia.

 

Well your other option is that if you pay for your own schooling and then go to Central they will pay you back. That is what my wife did. Central paid her in installments every pay check for a year.

There is a shady way of doing it if you don't have the money up front.... you can sign up at Swift, go through their school and as soon as you get your license quit and go to Central and then Central will have to pay Swift for the training!

You can also look into a WIA loan or government grant.

There are some other smaller companies out there that offer school that are really good companies I just can't think of any off the top of my head. I'm sure somebody on here knows of a few.

You can try calling Crete/Schaffer. They are an excellent company! I don't know for sure if they have a school though.

I think out of the mega-carriers if you had to absolutely choose one I would recommend Knight. Knight has a really good schooling/training program and they even have special trucks for their trainees that you drive solo until you are upgraded. Its called the "Squire" program.

 

I would keep calling back and ask to speak to someone else. I did not have my class a cdl prior to attending centrals school in west valley city, ut and they had zero issues with that. In fact they have a school just to get you trained so not sure why they are telling you that.

unloader

 

That is so odd. Not trying to argue, I mean if that is what they are saying so be it. It just sounds strange because they have a new class in several locations every week for the sole purpose of getting their students a class A cdl. I would try and get in touch with Matt in the recruiting department. He is a manager. Either way best of luck to you.

unloader