Thank you.

To the OP, don't take the "discouraging" comments as something to try and sway your decision. I, like you, am pondering the same thing, and every time I read a positive OR negative comment regarding trucking, I take it as someone just sharing a little of their experience, which I appreciate. If all we heard was the positives of trucking then learned the hard way about the negatives, this board would be filled with countless posts saying things like, "why didn't you guys tell me this, or that could happen". When I'm making a decision regarding employment, I want to know EVERYTHING before jumping in, and that includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. It helps make an informed decision.

Now, as far as getting a local job "right out of CDL school", I know for a fact it can be done, as I have a close friend who was lucky enough to land a job at not one, but TWO local outfits right out of school. He first got on at PFG and for whatever reason, after about 2 months decided it wasn't for him, then got even luckier and got on at Old Dominion. He's home every night, and even volunteers to drive line haul on Saturdays for extra cash. He's doing just find financially and will only make more the longer hes there, and he's beyond happy with where he is at, and I'm happy for him.

Now, if only it were that common and I had a hint of luck with things like that, I'd go the same route. Unfortunately, I don't have the accessible funds to go to a private school, and I do not qualify for any type of grant or workforce investment act type of grant or loan. SOOOO, IF and that's IF I ultimately decide to do this, I'll more then likely have to sign a contract somewhere and got OTR. Not my first choice, but it's one of my only options, and I'll accept it and deal with it as such. Good luck in whatever you choose to do sir.

 

Dave, it would take a lot of luck, but I know Conway and YRC have training programs for local driver. There are very few openings, but worth a try. Also a some LTL companies hire people to work the docks then later train them to drive. Also companies like Pepsi, Dr pepper, and nestle waters all train drivers, they are hard work and not great pay, but its a way to get a CDL without going otr.

 

Hey Dave, look into a driver's course through an Applied Technology School, or Community/Junior College. They are out there. They may not be as all encompassing as some of the private schools, but they will teach you enough to get your license, and usually their instructors are "third party examiners." So you learn enough to get your permit, then you learn in the truck, and come out with a full CDL. Get all the endorsements you can, and many, if not most companies will jump on you like a dog on a bone!

Good luck man, you CAN find a way to do it, without signing your life away!

 

Hey there Don. Unfortunately when I blew out my knee in high school and could no longer play football I became very uninterested on school, started getting in trouble and ended up dropping out. I had the plan of finishing my last year at home by doing home school but eventually went to work for my father's company and just never finished. Worked for my father for about 8 years until he sold the company. So since private schools require a diploma or GED as well as community colleges, they are out of reach unless I take the time to find a way to get my GED. obviously I made a grave mistake by not finishing high school and I'm certainly not an idiot by any means, but since it never really held me back in regards to obtaining a job, I never really pushed myself to go and get my GED, but in the particular instance I'm finding it to be hindrance in regards to getting my CDL without having to sign a contract. Mistakes.... We've all made them and boy do I regret a few things.

 

I am new to this industry. Ive been on the road for a couple months now. Lets see ive missed thanksgiving, christmas (where i got stuck in the rest area), and def going to miss new years. On top of all that i am getting paid less than the burger flipper would make in one week. Thankfully i saved up enough money from my last job to make it thro my first year. Tell you the truth from all bs i already had to go through, i wouldnt change it for anything else. Before starting this path, be sure to research it first, becouse otr Trucking aint for the weak.

 

Hi Dave, (can I call you Dave?) You sure got that right, we've all made mistakes, Lord knows, I've had my share. I don't mean to "father " you, but, get that GED first. It will hold you back for years. It opens up a whole new world for you, and you can move forward. Good luck.

 

Isn't a GED ONLY required if you try and get a student loan, as well as proof (if you're in a certain age bracket that you signed up for the draft?). Now I am trying to read your posting as best I can, so however, I am not sure you tried going to a private school (for CDL training), and was turned down, because you have no GED? Did they tell you that they actually HELP YOU get your GED right there IN CDL school?

Student loans have at the very minimum 2 requirements that I am aware of,

1) high school diploma or GED

2) proof of draft registration, if you are in that particular age bracket.

You need to check that out.!

 

All any driver can tell you about trucking is their experience and how they deal with it or dont...

For me.. i enjoy trucking and have been able to earn a good living... i dont always make it home for the holidays or other times when I would like to... but, i am not the only one... this christmas there were soldiers fighting for mh freedom who didnt make it home for the holidays. .. there were people in hospitals who weren't home and may not ever get home...

Personally, I enjoy the challenges I face in this industry. .. when I first got my CDL and drove for an O/O that didnt go as I had hoped.. but, I stuck it out and learned until I could move on... and I did and kt was a bit better... I learned more and made another move... I am happy where I am now... but, I am also in a good position. .. I am an experienced driver with a clean record... so there are plenty of options and opportunities for me..

Right now I am training... and I tell and stress to all my students that there is an over 100% turnover rate in this industry... not to discourage them.. but to make them think... why... some because of preventable accidents, some for poor work ethics, some couldnt handle it otner didn't like it.. some never figured it out, never figured out how to make money..

When I tell people I am a truck driver and they ask if I like it.. I say yes... cause I am always in good company... and that confuses them for a bit till they get it... I am alone by myself for the majority of every day... so, I am in good company...

Something that I really realized how true it is when I started training and having another person with me... all their drama and hoopla... So I tell them.. So yeah, that mood your working yourself into.. totally disruptive to my trucking zen... your having trouble backing because in 3rd grade your teacher what....

You think I am exaggerating. . But new drivers come in with their life stories and wounds and let themself get in their way...

I enjoy trucking.. it has taught me to appreciate the simple things... and let the stupid stuff go...

 

Well the 2 schools that I was pondering on attending both had a "requirements" too attend page, and on that list was proof of HS Diploma or GED. It did not state whether that was only for those getting a loan or not. I read it just as I would read it for any job that lists its requirements and puts down "proof of HS diploma or GED", and left it at that. I guess it wouldn't hurt to call anyway. Thanks for the heads up sir.

 

yeah, please check into that. If the school gets federal monies, and even if you pay cash, i do believe that they will still provide GED teaching and testing there. It may very well be a teacher, not connected by the school as in on the schools payroll. You may be short changing the important GED. Also too, check out your local school dept for information regarding online GED training. You may have to go someplace to take the actual GED tests, but unless you inquire, you will never know.

Very best of luck to you!