Newbie wanting to get into driving but afraid to get scammed

The nerve of these schools to charge $6,800. It should cost $2k tops. Don't get ripped off!

 

Try fedex freight they have a great program. You just have to work there a min of 1 year.

 

You do not need to be sending any money orders to get in to CDL school. If you really want to commit to trucking for a year I suggest you try Stevens, Swift, Millis, and lastly Prime. Prime wouldn't even consider me due to my unemployment and wouldn't even let me send them my 10-99's as proof. Keep in mind I'm a former Paramedic with 9 straight years working exp out of the past 11. The lady said after 6 months at any job just call them back, thanks but no thanks. The only reason I am leaving them here is because research indicates if you are willing to work they will provide (company side). Stevens wanted proof of my unemployment stretch which I provided via 10-99's. I was accepted that very same day no hassle no fuss no money sent to them. After doing extensive research it seems that yes some people have horror stories at Steven's. However sorting through fact or fiction is really hard, especially when the people complaining mispell every word.

At the end of the day these guys are providing you a CDL and potentially a new career. Its also their business and how they make money. Show up, keep your nose clean and expect to work. As with all things in life if you do that you should come out ahead. Don't expect any free rides and don't sign any leases. GL!

 

They're exact words to me were "work history" like actually working. They seem to want at least a year mininum out of the past current 3 years while either being currently employed or left your previous job recently under good circumstances. Your mileage may vary, the recruiter at PRIME sounded like she hated her job compared to the several others I spoke with while looking for acceptance. My advice try, and the worst thing that can happen is your told no.

 

Prime pays very well for new drivers. This does mean that they have a LOT of people applying, and they can afford to be picky. As long as you can document WHY you weren't working (school, caring for a parent, or the like), gaps in employment won't be a problem. You will likely be running refrigerated at Prime; flatbed and tanker are a small percentage of their fleet.

For various reasons, I went through Swift Academy to get my CDL. There is NO requirement to drive for Swift; about a third of my class went with other carriers. My total cost was $4400; no cash up front and paid over a year. ($3900 for tuition and $500 for housing.) I get the $3900 paid back over two years as long as I remain a company driver. Academy is no "gimme" school; you'll work your butt off for three weeks, but you WILL know what you need to know to pass your CDL test.

Both Prime and Swift have active forums here on TTR. Go read what the drivers have to say there.

 

So Swift will get you your CDL and you can bounce to a better company without ever working for them? My school(still setting it up with fasfa) is gonna cost me about 6k(not including interest), this sounds like a much better deal. Don't want to drive for them though. I'd rather just make monthly payments with them instead to pay it off.

Nevermind, They don't have anything close to me. I think Michigan is a blackhole for truck training lol