Considering going into truck driving

1) Private school. Then if you decide you simply can't take your first company you aren't under a contract and can leave without getting a huge bill. If you go private school go to one that is accredited.
2) Not hard at all.
3) No prior knowledge needed.
4) no they do not do credit checks, even when leasing you a truck(do not even think about leasing a truck for your first 3-5 years till you've learned the industry)
4b) It depends on the company. Unless you get a dedicated run though there is only one thing you can count on consistently in trucking and that is inconsistency.
5) Try to get on with a company that has fridges and APU's in their trucks. Then just add a microwave, lunch box oven, hot plate, ect to cook with. Cooking in your truck will keep you healthy and save you $$$$. Flat bedders get more exercise so you might want to consider that. Another way to stay in shape is to work for a company like DOT that has a lot of driver unloads(you make more money doing this too.)

 

You have ask a lot of questions. All of which have been asked and answered many times before. Use the search function and you can read others also. Please put your city and state in your profile for better help.

1. I went through a Community College. I expected a lot. I got a CDL. That is it. I had no job offers even though I was tops in the class. Of course, I had a felony and I don't work cheap so that limited me. It took me 2 days to overcome all of that.

Some folks like the company schools. Swift has a good reputation but I have no first hand experience. Go to the thread about schools and check into it there.

2. Nothing about this industry is hard once you figure out the basics. They run their schools because they need drivers. Getting in is easy. They need you more than you need them.

3. You need to know that the wheels on the bus go round and round. Other then that having people skills will be nice. Having the good sense to know that something as big as a semi will do some serious damage if not driven in a safe manner. Be prepared to ask questions as we all want you to succeed and be safe.

4. Some companies use an outfit call Hire Right. They are a credit agency and you have the same rights with them that you do with other agencies. However they are really looking for background information. They will check work history because it has to be verified where you have been for the past 10 years. If you were unemployed for most or all of that time, it is still fine as long as you can prove it by letter. I was in Prison for part of my time so that was very easy to prove. Do not be embarrassed about anything in your past as this industry is a new start.

Next, learn that 5 comes after 4 and not another 4. Counting is very important.

4. which should be 5. Most companies will want you to drive with a trainer once you get on with them. It is most likely that you will not impress anyone with your skills right out of CDL school. Plus, team driving is where the money is. They will start you off making you work for very little money. Some pay only $58 a day while they train you for a month or so. Then you will get to go solo in most cases. Over the road all 48 is what I think is best. Local jobs usually go to the guys with most seniority. Dedicated runs means lots of stops and lots of moving freight.

5 should be 6. The exact same foods that are healthy at home are healthy on the road. Eat those foods. The trick is to buy those foods and bring them with you.


Welcome to trucking and be safe.

 

First, where is your location; city/state. Need to know this for the hiring area you live in.
A community college or private CDL school is best. With this route you may choose the better paying companies and start your new career making good money from day one. While in school, get all the endorsements plus TWIC and a passport. At the top of this page, click on "CDL Practice Tests" to get started. These are the same questions asked at the DMV.

Consider driving chemical tankers right out of school so you can start your new career making $55K-$65K.

 

I have been driving for roehl for 8 months. I would look into them. u dont live that far from their terminal at gary in. there home time is real good. you will have positive and negative exp. the training roehl gives you is solid. if all goes well 3-4 weeks and you will have your truck. there are honest with what they say and they treat you good. it might not be your long term company but they areone of the better ones for new drivers. ex: alot of trucking companies want you to lease a truck from the start. with roehl you cant even have the conversation until you have 6 months exp. Also they will evaluate you everyday during training. you need to show improvement everyday you are in the classroom or practicing your driving skills. my class started with 7 and ended up with 3. while it makes you a bit nervous roehl isnt going to just let anyone drive for them.....which is a good thing.

 

I love to tease. It keeps people from noticing that I am short, fat, old, toothless, and still think the girls love me.

 

You're in a very good location for the good paying companies. Here's some to research and they all hire new CDL graduates from private or community college CDL schools. Best schools are 160 hrs. or longer.

Trimac Transportation
Superior Carriers
Schneider Bulk
Tidewater Transit
CTL Transportation
SVTN
System Transport
Melton Truck Lines
Tyson Foods

All these companies you should make over $50K and the tanker companies $60K +.

 

1) In your opinions, is it better to learn how to drive a truck using a private school or company-sponsored training?
Private school!!!! You have flexibility to jump ship if your company doesnt treat you right. If you go to company school, they own you. If you leave before your contract is up, you owe them thousands. Theyc an treat you like crap becuase they know you cant offord to leave. With private education you have flexibility to go where ever you want. Most companies will reimburse you for your school on a monthly basis, but if you leave you dont owe them that money back.

2) Is it tough to get one of the spots in company-sponsored training?
Not really. They would love to own you for the next year or 2. They want drivers they can treat like crap but will still work hard because you barely have enough money to make ends meet.

3) How do I go about getting started on this path? Do I simply apply or do I need some knowledge before I even start training?
First, talk to drivers, if you can, go to a truck stop ans BS with a few. Try to understand the lifestyle a little. Read as much as you can on this forum. If you decide trucking is for you, sign up at a local CDL school. Community colleges generally have the cheapest programs. Its not a big deal where you go, because your company will retrain you (while they pay you, as long as you have cdl) the way they want you to do things. But, getting the CDL is major. No cdl, they own you. With a CDL, they train you anyway, but you can jump ship when ever you want without penalty.

4) My credit isn't great, but it's not super bad either. Do trucking companies check credit?
They might, (depends on company) but if you have a solid work history and a clean driving record, it wont be deciding factor.


Now a couple questions for if and when I do this and get a job:

4) I know this depends on the company I'm hired by, but after my training is all complete and I get to drive on my own for the first time, what type of routes are common for new drivers? I'm fine with short routes or long-haul, I'm just curious.
it 100% depends on who you work for. Local job are for newbies to get so most likely you will get regional or long haul. As a newbie, a good company will keep you out of the rockies for your first 6 months and try to keep you south in the winter. Eventually you will drive the Rockies, or steep grades in WV, or snow, but a good company will try to keep you out of harms way for 6 months to a year.

5) Any tips for eating healthy when I'm on the road?
Buy a cigerete lighter fridge if you company doesnt include a fridge. This allows you to buy fresh food. You can eat healthier and cheeper if you have your own food. I'd also suggest flatbed as a newbie. TMC has a great training program and flatbed keeps me from becoming a fat slob.

 

If you do decide on a trucking company school, Millis Transfer has the best reputation and good paychecks; $50K avg. yearly.