TDI or RoadMaster (Pros and Cons please)

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by AquariusDoll, Jul 26, 2014.

  1. AquariusDoll

    AquariusDoll Bobtail Member

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    Jul 18, 2014
    Murfreesboro, TN
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    Guys, I really want to go to a good training facility here in Tennessee. I have talked to a few different training facilities with Celadon being my first choice until I read some of the things on here about them and actually called the school 4 or 5 times each time on purpose getting someone different to see if I would get the same answers to questions that I thought they may be able to answer. Only one person was pleasant to talk to but really didn't know much. All the other people I spoke to were not as nice to speak to like the first recruiter and the ones at TDI and RoadMaster. The last person I spoke to there at Celadon was a recruiter with a smart mouth and nasty attitude that really didn't care if I came there or not and she didn't really seem to know much about the school. I live in TN and these two, TDI and RoadMaster, seem to be the best choices for me. So if anyone who knows real and true information about them, if you don't care, please elaborate.
    I thank you for your information:biggrin_25514:
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    If TDI is at least 160 hrs. then go to the cheapest of the two; TDI or Roadmaster. Most companies prefer a 160 hr. school.

    Looking at the website, doesn't look like TDI is 160 hrs., but the website may not be up to date.

    About the best company CDL school is Millis Transfer in Cartersville, GA & you only need $500.00 to get started. Those new drivers average $50K per year.
     
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Here's a list of companies that recruit from TDI, a few are really good companies.

    WERNER
    COVENANT
    STEVENS
    TMC
    USA TRUCK
    SWIFT
    TRANS AM
    ROEHL
    US EXPRESS
    SQUIRE
    WILLIS SHAW
    PAM
    WESTERN EXPRESS
    MAVERICK
    CRST
    FFE
    PRIME
    BENNY WHITEHEAD
    KLLM
    CR ENGLAND
    SCHNEIDER
    AVERITT
    CYPRESS
    H.O. WOLDING
    MAY
    McELROY
    TOTAL
    TRANSPORT AMERICA
    WILEY SANDERS

    H.O. Wolding, TMC, Maverick, Schneider look about the best though.
     
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  5. 8thnote

    8thnote Road Train Member

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    Aug 12, 2013
    Chattanooga, TN
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    When I went to school back in '09, I went to one called United Truck Driving School in Murfreesboro. At the time, it was quite a bit cheaper than roadmaster and tdi. I don't know if that's still the case, but it's worth checking into

    http://unitedtruckschool.net

    It's privately owned and is not affiliated with any trucking company. The owner was very friendly and the staff was very experienced and knowledgeable. It's an 180 hr program and they were very hands on with the job placement assistance. The instructors were also honest about the pros and cons of different companies. I feel that I got a good deal and I passed my CDL test on the first try. Good luck to you on whichever route you choose.
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2014
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  6. AquariusDoll

    AquariusDoll Bobtail Member

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    Jul 18, 2014
    Murfreesboro, TN
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    Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. @8thnote, I live about 7 to 8 miles from United and you are right they are on their stuff and all of them were nice and knowledgeable people to talk to but I don't have the $1500 to $3000 to get started and that is the only reason I didn't go with them. There was another route but with me having a Master's Degree and no military, I didn't qualify,so all was coming out of pocket. I would recommend them to anyone who would listen that wants to go to school for trucking.
    @Chinatown, the companies that I know a little something about are Covenant and Us and I was thinking about going with either of them, what do you think???
     
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  7. Guardian 91

    Guardian 91 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 26, 2014
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    Both of those two are large companies and the recruiters will lie to you.

    To add, Venture Logistics, Boyd Brothers, and Gully Transportation all hire from tdi as well.
     
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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Those companies are set up for teams. I wouldn't go with either as a solo driver. But as teams, you would do fine.

    Ozark Motor Lines in Memphis would probably hire you from either school.
    They have 100% no-touch freight, no New York City, no Canada.
     
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  9. AquariusDoll

    AquariusDoll Bobtail Member

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    Jul 18, 2014
    Murfreesboro, TN
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    @Chinatown, what is their pay like after their required hours and during the training with them
     
  10. AquariusDoll

    AquariusDoll Bobtail Member

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    Jul 18, 2014
    Murfreesboro, TN
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    @Guardian, I know someone who worked for Venture and they did not stay long for various reasons that I would not dare go to them, big turnover rate. As far as US, I know people who work and worked for them. Some of them have completed the Lease purchasing program and own their trucks and some have had bad experiences and some of those experiences were their own faults. I saw a contract for them because I was the bookkeeper for this particular person and he really messed himself up by wanting to always take off when he wanted and sometimes didn't want to leave out when he should have. Some of the other people I know, they made a good business out of it, but of course they were serious and hungry for what they had gotten in to. I do plan on doing the required 6 months and then going into a lease purchase program. I have heard and read the horror stories, but I do know that your business will fail or succeed depending on how you run it and knowing how to not splurge when you know you can't afford it. Again guys, I really appreciate your information. Please keep it coming.
     
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I looked at Ozark website and the pay isn't listed; call them.

    You mention wanting to lease/purchase; if you want something like that, then after 12 months experience go with Cardinal Logistics. They have a good deal and it's not a lease/purchase; it's a purchase. They have terminals all over America and one in Goodlettsville at Associated Grocers Warehouse. Check Cardinal Logistics website about this.
     
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