Company Training vs. Private School

Be sure you consider local community college, if that is available where you live. I did a lot of research too and saw several recommendations for community college, if possible. I am now well into the class room phase of an excellent course that lasts 16 weeks total, four nights a week, including 10 weeks of driving. (I can keep my day job for now.) It is excellent and costs about $3,800. We will see about eight recruiters during that time from major trucking companies. I have no commitment to any company at this point, but most will reimburse the tuition (slowly) when hired. And a real accredited course with a community college should qualify for VA benefits and lots of grants and other financial aid, if you meet the requirements.

Good Luck.

 

To me that sounds like a better school than a cheap company school that only last 3 weeks. Besides that, you'll be free to choose what company you'll want to work for. Make yourself a list of what you'll want out of the job. And really go into detail beyond just the driving part. Think ahead and ask yourself is this the company you want to be at for a few years. Look at all aspects especially the benefits if you get sick or hurt.

I personally think recruiters should absolutely be the the last resort in finding a job. I have seen many drivers find better jobs by going out on their own and filling out as many applications they can IN PERSON. If you want to drive OTR for your carreer that's fine but atleast go for the best and set yourself some goals. I believe in today's market specialized hauling is where to be and there are many different kinds of loads you can haul. Even tanker drivers have a better chance because they are skilled in the operation of that truck. You can go into Hazmat hauling and maybe end up at a company LIKE Tri-State ( I'm not endorsing that company) and retire from them. You've just got to go out and do some work on your own. Good luck.

 

Excellent advice. Nothing more to add.