Chicago or nearby training schools

Progressive Truck Driving School is the biggest I think around this area. I did not go there but I see their trucks alot. They have 3 schools in Chicago so there should be 1 within reasonable distance from you.

http://cdltruck.com/

 

Star Driver Training School also might be worth looking into;

http://startruckdrivingschool.com/

 

I attended Eagle Training Services. At the time they had a campus in Prospect Heights I think it was, North West of the city. But looking at their website now it looks like they closed that 1 or at least don't list it anymore. The others are kinda far & you were asking about in the Chicago area. The school was ok, my instructor was great, but that was 5+ years ago & who knows if he is still there.

http://www.eagletrainingservices.com/

 

Wolf and Alamo are good schools also.

 

Now you are talking a whole new ball of wax. There are a lot of companies out there that will put you though CDL school, then usually you will have to sign a contract to work for them for a year or 2. If you fail or quit before the contract time is up you will owe them $$$$ for the school. Personally I wouldn't want to be "locked in" to any company starting out, What if you discover trucking is not for you or the company treats you bad, or you are not getting many miles? Now with that said there are many people that go this way & are very happy with it.

Disclaimer; Roehl Transport is not a bad company from what I hear, I'm not knocking them in this post.

 

Jim Palmer Trucking; no money needed; check the website.

Any company you choose; you will need:
original birth certificate
original social security card - not laminated
flashlight
work gloves
steel toe work boots - slipon style are best

 

Schneider has a school in Gary,IN but you will make more money with Jim Palmer Trucking. Jim Palmer starts out at .40cpm + .05cpm fuel bonus which = .45 cpm. Also pretty good accessorial pays on top of that.