Just got my CDL permit! Now what?

Look like USTDS would be a good choice. However,
"Our goal is for every student to become a successful and safe driver. The majority of our students each year attend our 160 Hour Class A training program, to learn to drive tractor trailers, but we do offer Class B Truck and Bus training, as well as offering a variety of refresher courses."

If that 160 hr is structured like the 160 hr in Washington, the first week is classroom geared toward helping you pass the tests to get your permit. But you already have yours. That's one quarter of the course. I'd negotiate coming in at week two of their course. And of course only paying 75% of standard tuition. Unless they are gonna put you in a seat and start you driving early while waiting for the rest of the class to catch up. In that case take the extra seat time. Just do not agree to sit in class for a week (and paying for that) studying for something you already have.

Also start watching pre-trip videos on youtube. Never too early to pre-trip.

Good luck.

 

Most Schools want their money up front unless you can find a community college that offers truck driving as one of their courses other wise you will have to go to a company like Swift that has their own School. What ever you do though do not go to CR England...

 

go to a school please use search there is a ton of post on how companies will only hire out of school now for insurance reasons

 

I think Jbs still pays for trucking school but I'm not sure you will have to ask them.

 

Suggestion.
I've 26yrs in this business and own 13 trucks so I know a little.
Call the big carriers like swift, JB, etc. the list is long. Tell them you have your permit and little experience. If your back ground is good (you've not done time, DWIs and so on). The'll hire and train you. DON'T expect to earn over 28K-38K your first year. Most newbies now days are just like when I started. Most go back to their old jobs or trades.
This industry is extremely hard and stressful on a marriage and by just starting, financial stressful.
Hope all works out for ya guy.

 

You made a very solid statement just then. All my drivers as well as myself go 44hrs a year in training. My company has no accidents/ incidents. Safety, etc flawless. But if there were an accident the first thing an attorney or DOT auditor will ask is.
What training does your driver have?

 

You still have to start a a "starter" company and go out with a trainer at first so, no it probably doesn't make a difference.
However, if you can get a company to reimburse you or get a lone or if money in any case is not an issue, then for sure go with the private school. You will be better prepare and have a less stressful experience starting out.

 

4 years ago two of my sons went with Schneider and were trained. The didn't have to reimburse for their school and lodging as long as they worked for them. If they left they would. Of course this was 3 yrs ago. I could have trained them myself but I wanted them to get some Freightliner experience to enjoy my Peterbuilts and to experience the time to time games large carrier dispatchers play with drivers so they'll never do it. A little hard love.

 

One of the better deals going right now is Earl Henderson Trucking.
Good reputation for their CDL training. They provide private hotel room(one person per room)/3 meals a day/provide transportation to their school.
Their new trucks coming in have APU's & refrigerators and other driver friendly amenities.
Wherever you decide; you will need the following:
original social security card
original birth certificate
steel toed work boots - slipon style are best
cheap work gloves
flashlight
sleeping bag & pillow - need this while riding with your trainer.