Million dollar question

If you attend a private school you won't get paid.You'll have to start a company as a trainee get paid a salary then once training is over you'll get paid by the mile.But I'll tell you it's less then what you are making.As an OTR new driver you'll be making around 10.00 an hr which is paid in cents per mile.Then it's less after taxes and insurance taken out.But if you look at the bigger picture like traveling,site seeing meeting people then OTR is for you.Most the people that enter the trucking industry come for one reason and That's to make mega bucks because ads,websites and recruiters lead them to believe that.You need to find other reasons why OTR and not just the money part because otherwise you won't succeed.

 

The weekend program is ok, but takes a while. The plus is you will have many companies to choose from.

Trucking company cdl schools are ok also. I recommend going with tankers through Prime Inc. school. It's been posted they have a new cdl school in Salt Lake City,UT......with tankers at Prime you drive a full size truck, not a cramped up lightweight truck most reefer drivers have. If you talk to Prime, tell them you want tankers and a full size truck.

Knight Transportation also has their own cdl school and isn't a bad place to get started.

As for the weekend program you asked about, some good companies to look at are:
Abilene Motor Express
Freymiller
Magnum Ltd.
Melton Truck Lines
Pride Transport
Dynamic Transit
Apply to as many as you want, then take the one that interests you the most.
All these companies hire new cdl grads with no experience. Some websites are not up to date and will show "experience required" so ignore that and apply anyway.
You should apply well before graduation so you can start work immediately after receiving your diploma.

Get the "hazmat endorsement" and if you go with tankers get the "tanker endorsement" also.
Study the "CDL Practice Tests" on here and Google for more "CDL Practice Tests" and endorsement tests.
Best wishes. Trucking is a great career!

 

What no uber in your list????????? I'm shocked.

 

I'm not positive, but I think Prime pays $700.00 weekly while training and Knight pays $450.00 weekly while training.
If these companies interest you, then call and ask about the pay to get the straight answer.

 

I told him the Uber trainer is from Iowa and wears mini-skirts and fishnet stockings!

 

I know you didn't ask about this. But have you considered staying local? Even driving a class b 26ft box truck you should be able to make decent money. I do it in chicago and make 50k a year

 

When he starts talking about mini-skirts and fish nets. Me thinks he's chasing the dragon.

 

Prime supplies meals and lodging plus they send you a bus ticket to get to the school.
Tankers is great for a career. You can make good money; $60K - $100K after you gain some experience.
Knight is ok to get started with. Most new drivers stay there a few months then move on, but also many drivers stay a few years because they're making a decent paycheck.
All companies have their pros & cons.
If money is so tight you can't miss a paycheck, then go to the weekend classes followed by one of the companies I listed.
With 12 months driving experience as a Class-A CDL driver, driving any type tractor trailer, then you'll be qualified for companies such as Groendyke Transport, Indian River Transport, Trimac Transportation, A&R Transport and many others.