Best choice?

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Cuban_P, May 2, 2017.

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  1. May 2, 2017 #1
    Cuban_P

    Cuban_P Bobtail Member

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    Hey whatsup everybody. Looking to get into the industry and want to make sure I do it right! Maybe someone can help a rookie out. :D

    Now, what I would love to do... is go OTR Tanker! That's cause I see Schneider hiring in my area for all experience levels. But, maybe not so realistic coming fresh outta school?

    With that said, here's what I've been looking at in the Jersey area.

    Private Schools:
    1) Winsor http://winsorsdriving.com/advantages/cdl-training/

    2) Bradway http://www.bradwaytrucking.com/truck_driving_school.html

    Both are around the same price tag and around the same time investment, 4-6 weeks.
    Looks like both offer all endorsements.
    Winsor offers advanced hands-on training with different equipment ..(tankers), not sure about Bradway. Will it matter in the long run?

    There's also the local community college right around the corner that's pretty cheap in comparison... but I'm thinking you get what you pay for in this kinda deal.

    Company-Sponsored:
    1) Prime ?

    Prime looks like the best option if I go that route.

    If anyone started out at either private schools I'd appreciate hearing from you, good or bad. Anything that would help me lean towards one over the other? Should I go the private route, or learn the ropes for a year at Prime?

    Sorry for the essay... I'll answer any questions I can!
     
    Cuban_P, May 2, 2017
    Cuban_P, May 2, 2017
    #1
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  3. May 2, 2017 #2
    Razorwyr

    Razorwyr Road Train Member

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    Actually, your community colleges usually give a much better course at a better price than the private schools. I'm not saying that is always the case, so check out that community college before enrolling, but they are usually a much better value and actually do teach you, not just rush you through and barely get you to pass the test
     
    Razorwyr, May 2, 2017
    Razorwyr, May 2, 2017
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  4. May 2, 2017 #3
    Cuban_P

    Cuban_P Bobtail Member

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    Cool man thanks razor. Yeah you would think they are much more personalized, I just wonder about quality of the instructors you know? Looks like a good program, really hands-on and one-on-one instruction... I noticed it's only 120 hours total... Think I remember reading somewhere about carriers wanting 140 or 160hours minimum?
     
    Cuban_P, May 2, 2017
    Cuban_P, May 2, 2017
    #3
  5. May 2, 2017 #4
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Contact Schneider Bulk and ask which school they hire from then go with the cheapest school they hire from.
    Schneider Bulk (tankers) does hire new cdl school grads, so don't waste your time going with some other type of trucking and get right into tankers.
    Schneider will also reimburse your cdl school tuition up to $7000.00 and they do this in monthly payments directly to you.
    Prepare now for Schneider Bulk; you need an original social security card (not laminated) and original birth certificate. You will also be required to pass a hair follicle drug test.
     
    Chinatown, May 2, 2017
    Chinatown, May 2, 2017
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  7. May 2, 2017 #5
    Stage350z

    Stage350z Bobtail Member

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    What part of jersey are you in? Your endorsements are just knowledge test. Anyways, Prime is pretty much the only mega carrier I'd consider signing with.. Perhaps TMC if you were into flatbed.

    Other then that, If what they can't offer you does not meet your personal needs and you can swing the 4-6 week CDL school locally. I'd do that, It'll open up many more doors.

    @Chinatown is the guru he can point you in a better direction possibly.
     
    Stage350z, May 2, 2017
    Stage350z, May 2, 2017
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  8. May 2, 2017 #6
    Cuban_P

    Cuban_P Bobtail Member

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    Awesome. Thanks for your guidance Chinatown!
     
    Cuban_P, May 2, 2017
    Cuban_P, May 2, 2017
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  9. May 2, 2017 #7
    Cuban_P

    Cuban_P Bobtail Member

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    Hey 350. Im in south Jersey, burlington county. Ok, didn't realize endorsements were part of same test. I'm just looking into the NJ manual now, some cool tests online etc.

    Yeah, I figure private school is best bet. I can't help but wonder if the OTR with a mega like prime isn't best though, if for nothing besides time behind the wheel...
     
    Cuban_P, May 2, 2017
    Cuban_P, May 2, 2017
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  10. May 2, 2017 #8
    Stage350z

    Stage350z Bobtail Member

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    So you're from my area. I don't know if you're anti union. But you can always go LTL. ;)
     
    Stage350z, May 2, 2017
    Stage350z, May 2, 2017
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  11. May 2, 2017 #9
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Schneider is a mega also.
    www.cfidrive.com has a good program for dry van.
    Jim Palmer Trucking is refrigerated and hauls Prime's freight. The trucks are much nicer and it's a smaller company. Their cdl school is in Springfield,MO where Prime is or you can go to Missoula,Montana where they have another school.
    Wil-Trans owns Jim Palmer Trucking and also the same except all their students go to Springfield,MO and only run eastern half of USA.
     
    Chinatown, May 2, 2017
    Chinatown, May 2, 2017
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  12. May 3, 2017 #10
    Cuban_P

    Cuban_P Bobtail Member

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    Haven't researched the pros/cons, but I have considered LTL for the potentially better wages. Regular home time isnt really a priority, and running tankers seems like a great fit for me.
     
    Cuban_P, May 3, 2017
    Cuban_P, May 3, 2017
    #10
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