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Truck driving companies and Schools

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by bubbleguts, Apr 24, 2013.

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  1. Apr 24, 2013 #1
    bubbleguts

    bubbleguts Light Load Member

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    Ok, I am in a situation where I just got laid off of my job after 7 years of employment. I was always on the road so driving is not that big of a deal to me. The only difference is that I was in a car not a truck (big difference I know). I have been doing a lot of research and talking to a few different recruiters and I am just not convinced enough yet to pack up and go to school. What are some of the best companies to start off with. I feel like I am going at this like a blind man in a maze and I am not sure where to look. I want to make the best decision for myself and my family. I have already crossed CR England off the list and since I am located in California Roehl has been removed from the list. I am looking at Prime, Swift, and need a heads up on some of the others. An additional question would be Prime's yard is in Salt Lake City how would that affect me If I am at home in Southern Ca and I get dispatched to pick up a load 300 miles from me, do you get paid those miles, what happens if my semi were to break down, do I have to get it back to Salt lake to get it fixed. Any insight would be good. I am new to this. Thanks.
     
    bubbleguts, Apr 24, 2013
    bubbleguts, Apr 24, 2013
    #1
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  3. Apr 24, 2013 #2
    Goldenfan

    Goldenfan Heavy Load Member

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    Gordon would be one to look at. They have a Western regional as does Schneider. Crete would be another one. Go to the link that list the companies that take new drivers there should be a list there for you check out.
     
    Goldenfan, Apr 24, 2013
    Goldenfan, Apr 24, 2013
    #2
    SpiritCDL Thanks this.
  4. Apr 24, 2013 #3
    RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Simple . If you have a family you do not want to try to get into trucking . Your research hasn't been adequate . There are no "good " companies to start with . CDL mills and starter companies exploit desperate people and 90% of newbies leave the industry within a year .
    That is why "starter" carriers have a driver turnover rate and are paying less now than they were 30 years ago .
     
    RickG, Apr 24, 2013
    RickG, Apr 24, 2013
    #3
  5. Apr 24, 2013 #4
    bubbleguts

    bubbleguts Light Load Member

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    Rick, I know that a lot of people think that me doing the best thing is to stay off the road and take care of my family at home, however, I feel that I could make a decent living (not great) by driving a truck. I know that this is a huge commitment and my wife and I have talked it over quite a bit. I also know that there is good reason for 30+ year truck drivers to be hesitant about new truck drivers on the road. Also, I live in an area of the United States that has a 33% unemployment rate and I would much rather work for a living (sacrifice or not) than to sit on my ### and collect a welfare check. That being said I wanted to know what you think a good starting point would be for someone who is trying to get into this industry.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 25, 2013
    bubbleguts, Apr 24, 2013
    bubbleguts, Apr 24, 2013
    #4
  7. Apr 24, 2013 #5
    perufb

    perufb Light Load Member

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    Prime wouldn't be a bad place to start, Just dont get sucked in a lease with them. I would look in to a local driving school or a college with a cdl program, you dont want to be locked in to a company for x amount of time because you would owe them money if you quit.
     
    perufb, Apr 24, 2013
    perufb, Apr 24, 2013
    #5
  8. Apr 24, 2013 #6
    bubbleguts

    bubbleguts Light Load Member

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    There is only one school down here that offers CDL training and they cost upwards to 9000 dollars. They will own me for a lot longer that Prime or Swift will. That is for sure.
     
    bubbleguts, Apr 24, 2013
    bubbleguts, Apr 24, 2013
    #6
  9. Apr 24, 2013 #7
    rstp72

    rstp72 Bobtail Member

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    Hi there , I'm at a great driving school in Redding CA , American Truck School , check out there website http://americantruckschools.com/
    Or call and talk to Aaron very nice guy , informative and honest , they also do job search for you.
    Good luck
     
    rstp72, Apr 24, 2013
    rstp72, Apr 24, 2013
    #7
  10. Apr 25, 2013 #8
    RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Hi there , rstp72 . We aren't impressed with your first and only post promoting a CDL mill .
     
    RickG, Apr 25, 2013
    RickG, Apr 25, 2013
    #8
  11. Apr 25, 2013 #9
    RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Owensboro , KY
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    If you lived in AR or MS a subdecent pay from a starter company would help your family survive if your wife had a decent job . No way is starter company pay provide for a CA family .
    The problem with wannabes is they don't realize not everybody can be a truck driver . Research here will show often half or more of CDL mill graduates are rejected at carrier orientation . More are rejected by trainers .
    Despite the warnings some boast they are better and smarter than the thousands that failed before them and start threads to let us watch their progress . That was familyman2013 not too long ago . His "daily reports " after he got to a carrier lasted about 3 days then he vanished never to be seen again . We see them come and go all the time .
    Nobody answered a couple of questions in your first post . Drivers get a lot of deadhead ( running empty ) miles and usually get paid for them but not always . When a truck breaks down it is repaired where it breaks down with road service if possible or is towed to the nearest repair facility .
     
    RickG, Apr 25, 2013
    RickG, Apr 25, 2013
    #9
  12. Apr 25, 2013 #10
    rstp72

    rstp72 Bobtail Member

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    Hey Rick G , I wasn't trying to impress anybody , just trying to be helpful.
    Thanks.Have a good day
     
    rstp72, Apr 25, 2013
    rstp72, Apr 25, 2013
    #10
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