Scamming the scammers?

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by susitna1, Mar 15, 2016.

  1. susitna1

    susitna1 Light Load Member

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    I looked into going OTR for the last few years, looked into schools and getting my CDL through one of the Mega companies.

    I have heard horror story after horror story about the mega companies and even though it seems like a scam, the price of their training for a CDL is the close to the same as most of the schools in my area.

    I had a thought about getting hired onto one of these companies and getting my CDL, if the company is somewhat decent, stay on for a year and then move up to better companies.

    If the company has lied to me, or doesn't live up to their promises, just take my CDL and go to another company. I still pay the balance of the course (and most likely renegotiate the amount owed while having easy, monthly payments). I don't see the difference except going with a mega will not cause me to hand over a large amount of cash that I would rather keep on hand.

    I would like to hear what the downside of this would be? Would I be able to get hired by another company after doing this? Is there something else I'm not seeing
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Drivers do that every day. Trucking companies just want a return on their investment in you; they train you then put you in an expensive truck and trailer and 10's of thousands of dollars worth of freight.
    Anyway, you can get the cdl then quit any time you want and the company will send a bill in the mail. This isn't unusual at all; it happens every day.
    Jim Palmer Trucking and Knight Transportation are a couple to check in your area.
     
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  4. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Some companies will not prorate the cost of the school if you don't stay the agreed upon time. Say you agree to work a year and want to leave after 6 months. You still owe the entire amount they say it was worth which is often more than had you gone to a private school.
     
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  5. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    So you think it's that simple to quit a company you obtained your cdl from before your year obligation is up huh?Better guess again,most if not all companies don't hire while you're under contract.So to end your contract you'll have to pay the remaining balance of your schooling.
     
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  6. susitna1

    susitna1 Light Load Member

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    Feb 7, 2014
    Washington State
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    Actually, after I posted this. I started contacting companies in my area. Not one company said they wouldn't hire me if I left another company before I paid off the contract. One (a great company that I would be lucky to get on with) said whatever agreement I have with the mega is between me and them.

    I was up front with these companies, all seemed to be ok with this. They want the CDL, they don't care where you got it, because they are going to train you their way.
     
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  7. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    That's good maybe things are changing.I know some time ago companies had a policy pertaining to this.May I ask what companies will accept you?
     
  8. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    A year goes by quick, get your training, do the year and move on.
     
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  9. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    Plus after I gave my 2 month?? notice at the factory I worked at for 20 years , they offered to help me get my CDL and make me a driver, in 2006, I could have been a Teamster making 52 cents a mile, with no training, hauling out their flatbed freight and they usually backhauled steel.
    I went with PAM and got a trainer with 22 years experience and did my time, no regrets, as I think I'm an awesome truck driver and not a steering wheel holder.
    The recession in 2008 really hurt my factory and they got rid of their drivers and broker out what little they still produce. It sucks, I loved working there, I complained about everything back then too, but it was time for a change.
     
  10. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Road Train Member

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    No company is going to turn down a unofficial applicant; way to many chances for trouble: think eeoc and lawsuits. What you hear on the phone from any trucking company will always be different.

    The fact is most good trucking companies will check your credit rating. If it is between you and another driver with identical driving records, the credit report will be used for determination if need be. So they can say what seems safe on the phone. When it comes down to brass tax, these things do matter.

    Secondly, you have to consider most drivers that do leave these mega-crap training companies do not leave with a clean driving record or DAC. How stuff is handled at these companies does matter.

    Sounds exactly like every phone call to trucking companies. Things are different when they review your record. Sorry, there is no shortage of drivers for good paying jobs.
     
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