Pro's and Cons

I need your help

I need a list of Pro's and Cons of going to a community college verse going to large company such as swift/prime /stevens to get my CDL

all comments welcome the more help the better

thanks

 

The obvious pro is you won't have to drive for those companies for any length of time.(this comment times 5!)

 

I don't know much about the Community College route when it comes to CDL training, but I can share with you the "Pros/Cons" of a company sponsored training program as I understand them (particular to my own soon-to-be trucker).

PROS:
Ease of entry
"Knowing" that you qualify for a driving job when training is completed
Less start up money

CONS:
Commitment to a contract or promissory note
The chance that you will NOT complete training and be on the hook for the funds when you finish/wash out.

In our particular situation a company sponsored training program is the best route, but each person will have a different view on this subject based on personal preference and experiences. There are some great threads about company and community college training programs here on TTR.

GOOD LUCK

 

No doubt agree with the above.

I got 8 weeks / 380hrs of quality instruction for $854 three years ago through the nc community college system. Same course now is $1200 but still 1/3 or less of the CDL mills that produce 3 week wonders that can barely drive forward much less back.

Cost / quality benefits aside I had options. Wasn't locked in to a bottom feeder contract with low pay. The school had contacts with the usual suspects but also with smaller more local companies.

As as a result I went with a smaller locally based otr gig and did mid 40's first year and home almost every weekend in a brand new truck instead of out for weeks starving under contract to some mega bottom feeder.

Options. Quality of instruction. Options. Better job prospects. Did I say options? Lol that's what the cc course will give you over being an under contract company slave

only downside to the cc route? Usually little to no financial aid and have to pay upfront. Worth it in my case to write them a check, be done with it, and choose where I go. And I chose well

 

How much you would pay for the tuition at the community college versus how much you would owe to a carrier who provides the training if you do not fulfill the terms of a pre-employment agreement is a big part of answering what the pro and con will be. On top of this, you must also consider how much additional training will the college and/or motor carrier provide to you if you fail to obtain a CDL after the initial training is done. The motor carrier is likely to give you more training since they have a vested interest in you successfully obtaining a CDL. A community college or private truck driving school does not and cannot guarantee anyone who enrolls will obtain a CDL. Once they receive the money paid by you for tuition, they do not have a vested interest in you succeeding. Whether you pass or fail they still made the money from the tuition paid.

My opinion would be to save your money and research the best motor carrier to be trained and work for that best fits your personal needs. Keep an open mind and not let any negative opinions make the choices for you. Make an informed judgement and do what is in your best interest, not for someone else here, in public, or on the road. You can rise to the top by standing out from the crowd and being a leader, which may sometimes seem tough, or you can just be a follower and let others make your choices for you. Who you may work for should only matter to YOU! Best wishes to you.

 

The biggest con for a company based school, is the money/time that you owe them for going to the school. Alot of them send you out with a trainer for a specified amount of time ( some don't). Biggest Pro, is as long as you pass and work for them for XX amount of time, you owe nothing and you had a job while "paying them back"....your pay rate will suck.

Biggest con for CC or private schooling is paying up front. You have XX amount of time to pass their course or loose your money. You have to find your own job. Biggest Pro, is you owe no one anything.

You know the pay is going to suck going company, budget.... save every penny you can for the "bad" week's. You have XXX amount of time to "suck it up" then you can go and find a better company to work for.

Going CC or School, you still may not be with "the best paying company" but it wont suck as bad and after 6 month's to a yr, you can find a better company.

Either way IMO it's what your personality can stand... my husband couldn't/wouldn't stand the BS at a bottom feeder company, I would look at the "end game" and bite my tongue.

My husband and I are opposites when it comes to our BS standard, I put up with alot more than he ever would. But then again, I worked retail for 10 yr's.

 

and 5 more times.... Really if you have the option to do CC, DO IT ! You will be better off ! i trained noobs out of mega company schools, most had no idea trailer tandems moved... Sheesh

 

Wait....whaaat? mumbles...never mind, shoulda figured that one.

 

Pro with a college is you can pick and choose who you prefer to drive for.Carriers does have a reimbursement program but you have to be there a certain length of time to be eligible for that which I highly recommend asking your recruiter about and keep the questions coming.Con is if you choose a company sponsered school,you'll have to sign yr contract.In other words they own you.

 

Community college sounds long and drawn out .

A lot of work and you might not like it out here .