Should I take a CDL course at a college, or get trained by a trucking company?

Chattahoochee Technical College

 

Perhaps I'm reading it incorrectly, but Jan 06 - Feb 27 equals TWO months. Even if there was a six month CDL training program out there somewhere I sure wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

 

You're the one that mentioned your wife may have mobility issues that would prevent you from being away from home for extended periods. If that's the case, OTR is definitely not an option for you. Regional would more than likely not be an option for you either. It sounds like you would need a local job where you could be home every day or night.

 

Not trying to burst your bubble but...for some companies, regional means leave Sunday night or Monday morning and return home Thursday or Friday. Regional does not necessarily equate to overnight.

 

If the course is 160 hrs. most companies that hire new CDL graduates will hire you. Some companies will hire with less than 160 hrs., but I would go for the 160 hrs. to have more options. You also can ask the CDL schools or community college CDL school which companies recruit from them. The community college CDL schools are much cheaper than private CDL schools;sometimes as much as 1/3rd or 1/4th the cost. While you're in school, get all the endorsements & TWIC. The endorsement practice tests are at the top of this page on "CDL Practice Tests."

 

You could try some small local jobs like pop company or beer company. That's what I did BUT they will only teach you how to drive. You will have to figure the small stuff like moving tandem or sliding 5 wheel. You will get paid and working on getting your cdl at the same time.

You will not get paid as much since you probably just be a helper. Landing a local job without a cdl will be a challenge unless you have connections.

My suggestion is taking a class. Learn the right way to drive a truck and get all your endorsement