Company Orientation-Training

So I've spent the last week on the forum just reading. Have to say it's been very informative and have gleaned invaluable information. I intend to start the CDL training in May of next year, I'm thinking that TDI in Murfreesboro will be my school of choice as they are only a short drive from home. Their trucks appear a bit older, but serviceable.

From what I've gathered from most of my reading, the CDL school really doesn't qualify you as a driver, it's main purpose is to familiarize a person with the workings of a truck, a minimal of operational ability and a CDL. At that point, the company a graduate will hire on with, will actually bring the new driver up to 'their' standards before releasing them on the highway as solo drivers.

As noted above, reading this forum has really opened my eyes to what is really required to drive one of these rigs. It's not just a matter of shifting gears and heading over the horizon. There's a myriad of skills involved and at times, catastrophic consequences for a mistake.

My question is which companies have the best program(s) for training and tend to produce the best drivers. Understand that, in my situation, earnings would be secondary to the thoroughness and depth of company training, designed to bring out the best and teach the best to their new hire/student. I feel this is an investment in my own personal future as well as any company I may hire on with.

If it makes sense, it's my intention to not be a 'driver' so much as a 'professional' driver or trucker and have the confidence and training to back it up when handed the keys. I don't want to hire on with a company that will simply turn me loose with 3 weeks OTR simply because I can back a truck or deliver on time.

In my past, it's always been my thoughts that it takes 2 years of working to actually have 1 'unit' of experience. In others words, at most occupations, a person with 8 years of experience should have encountered every facet of that particular job a minimum of 4 times.

Are there any companies out there that really take the time to make sure their new drivers are thoroughly trained and skilled in all aspects of the industry?

I understand that OJT is, and always will be, the only way to gain much of the needed experience. But it seems to me, a company that would make an effort to go above and beyond in basic training might be a better choice than an extra cent or two a mile. I kind of feel that most anybody could take one of these rigs and drive it until the fuel ran out successfully, but it's that final 100 feet to the dock, or the the 2 mile steep grade, a couple of downshifts, or any other probable cause that separates the real truckers from the also rans.

Or am I way off base and just need to cinch the belt tighter and take whatever I get?

Regards,
PD

 

I know Ashland City and AO Smith, just drove through there this afternoon. I thought sure AO Smith was out of business after the 'great flood' a few years ago.