It's Official: CRST Expedited

Chip Off The Old Block, put your CDL schooling on a credit card or borrow money. In the Chicagoland area, you can find schools that charge only $1,400 - $2,000. My school had guys from out of state who came just because it was cheaper then in their home state.

This gives you the freedom to quit if your not happy at the company you choose. Plus, most starter companies will pay you back what you paid for CDL school.

 

You can also see if you qualify for WIA funding for your tuition. Some schools, like Sage, will even help you get it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workforce_Investment_Act_of_1998

That's another way to avoid indentured servitude to one of these megas. It's freedom to leave if you find yourself in a situation going from bad to worse.

 

Just remember.... The turnover rate in this industry is a 100%. Choose wisely my friend.

 

Why are you waiting until August to start? I finished my training with another company the end of July and was in 6 weeks of hyper stress followed by another 6 weeks of pure stress before I felt comfortable on my own. Towards the end of the 12 combined weeks of stress I wished I has started earlier so that there would be more daylight to drive in and back in.

 

make sure ya got a way home if it don't work out. they just put ya to the curb in Cedar Rapids and your on your own

 

Check out Millis Transfer, they have a school down in Hamilton, OH...yes you have to commit to them...but you can easily make 50k+ a year right out of school. The instructor down there (Bill) is awesome.

 

You mentioned the military, did you serve? I know Swift has a special program for veterans. I work for them and am happy here but did not get my CDL through them. I had a good experience through the mentor program. But as has been stated before, most of the megas are the same with pay being the difference it seems to me. Bad trainers are everywhere. Good luck in your decision.

 

I went through them and signed an eight-month contract, $0.25/mile was my starting pay. Could have been worse.