How can i get a cdl with no money?

Sorry for the dang auto text

 

This is my first post. So bear with me.
I, too, am looking into what the most affordable option to obtain a CDL and get to work might be.
Today I talked to a guy who's a third party tester for the CDL driving test in Arizona. The way he works is you get your permit on your own and then contact him about the driving portion. He typically charges $1500 for 7 days of individual instruction at 2 hours a day with the driving test included at the end. (14 hours total) Or, he will offer one on one instruction on how to do everything required for the driving test at $75 per hour until you think you're ready to test and then he'll provide the truck for the test (conducted by him) for $225.
I understand that most companies want a 160 course. However, not all of them do.
I talked to a Schneider recruiter today who said they have no minimum hours requirement and would hire with the CDL obtained as outlined above. The recruiter said he's known of a lot of people who've come to them that way and that the work with a Schneider trainer was enough to take care of getting you ready to go solo. His take on paying for a more extensive and expensive school with more hours was "it's whatever you're comfortable with".
I also talked to a recruiter at Watkins & Shepard today who said they do require 160 hours. However, when I asked her what she thought about me fast-tracking the CDL as outlined above and then going with another company (like Schneider) and then reaching out to Watkins later, she said she knows of a lot of people who've done just that. After 6 months of driving with Schneider (or whoever would hire) Watkins & Shepard no longer cares if you have a set number of hours at an actual "school".
I've heard it said that back in the day all it took was a limo license, an employer, and a truck, and you were working. Why not save the thousands of dollars charged by a "school" (where so much time is spent watching others drive), avoid mega carrier contracts, and go the route described above?
I appreciate any thoughts. (And maybe it will help the OP)

 

There's nothing wrong with a contract. Millions of unemployed Americans would love to have a contract and guaranteed job.

DSW Trucking in Phoenix will probably also hire you if you get your cdl like you described.
@Wyatt22

 

I believe the lady I spoke with today at Phoenix Truck Driving Institute (160 hours) said DSW is "their" trucking company. So, I guess they're related.
I'll call DSW tomorrow. Thanks Chinatown

 

I also talked to a Schneider recruiter in PA and got the exact opposite response. He told me the only thing Schneider was concerned about was the 160 hour certificate.

 

I just tried 3 different numbers for DSW.
The first 2 numbers are on their driver recruiting website. They both went to voicemail for someone with HDS, their CDL "school".
The 3rd call was to a direct line for DSW. I told the lady who answered that I'd like to speak to a recruiter. She transferred me to the same voicemail for the school.

 

Maybe give it another try. I just called the general 800 number, didn't specify location, and asked again about requirements and was told the same thing. She said no school is required. All they need is a CDL.

 

I just talked with him this morning; 160 hours is required.

 

Who distributes beverages in your area? Miller/Coors/Budweiser all train for free, same as soft drink distributors. Hard work, but the pay is pretty decent and you're home every night. Some aggregate companies train, and as posted above a lot of LTL companies offer specific driver trainee positions, lots of hours but you'll have a full cdl within 30days while getting paid.

 

go to your local DOL and tell them you're not working and you want to train for something. In most states they'll pay for you to get your CDL or a cert in any other trade so you can get working