Thinking about applying with Schneider paid training CDL

Okay, so a few questions about the training to start: This is listed as paid training, and I know there are some that do pay you for your time in the CDL training. Does Schneider pay you to attend their training? I've heard there's paid room and board, but I've also heard that it's not. I would imagine your time there is roughly the equivalent of the time you're at a full time job, or maybe even longer, so if they do no pay you, how is one expected to pay their bills? Don't get my wrong, free training for the CDL is all good, I'm only curious on this part.

How long does it take from applying to actually being on your own driving and getting paid by the mile? I'm interested in their dedicated route for walmart.

Okay, so as I was typing this, I received a call from CRST who's willing to take me into training. I did a partial app for them like 30 minutes ago, and she's offered me 0.29cpm during training and 0.33cpm starting out OTR. I feel like this is maybe... not very competitive? That's another question I had regarding Schneider, I actually applied with them a little more than 24 hours ago, and have not received corrospondence as of yet, but it sounds to me like they're the obvious choice to go with.

She was able to verify for me that the actual training is quite expensive, like a college course, but they will pay for that in exchange for your signing a 10 month cotract as a contract student driver, so I would imagine it is similar through Schneider

I received a follow up email from the CRST Recruiter, who's telling me if I complete the app, I can be accepted this very minute. I've told her that I'm not done researching companies and just trucking in general and doing my own due diligence just quite yet.

CRST seem a bit desperate to hire, she told me they begin classes every Monday, so they must have high turnover, but I suppose that can be said for many companies as well.

I just don't know if this is the thing for me just yet, I am a bit apprehensive about the transition of lifestyle, did you experienced drivers have the same feeling as well when first starting out?

I can't think of anything else off the top of my head, but if I do, I'll add it in here.

 

Yeah, I've figured it out now that the schooling is a luxury, so now that I understand it, I wouldn't expect to be paid for my time there. I've turned down CRST in the hopes of hearing back from Schneider, they definitely sound like the best option to go with, aND they absolutely are offering the free training very near me, so I think I'm gonna go with them. I'll have my step dad possibly going with me, so that opens up the possibility of team driving OTR, which I would be fine with if I were with another driver.

Also, random, but what does the term pumpkin refer to in this industry, I've seen it a lot in these threads and am curious.

 

I've spent the last few hours doing more homework on what I want to do, and thus far, I am 100% on board with starting out with their paid training, and then going on (hopefully) to a dedicated route, at least to start out. I understand most companies make you start as OTR, and then later on be able to get a dedicated route, but I've been watching some of their videos and reading on their website, and everywhere I research, it says you have numerous opportunities straight out of training, including dedicated. If OTR is my only option, I think I'll he fine with that as well, at least until I can get something better. As far as home time goes. As of right now, I'm single with little obligation, so OTR would work out alright for me.

I've been pretty apprehensive about this thus far, but I'm beginning to feel better and better about it as the hours go by, and I'm feeling up to the task now. Something that does concern me, however, I submitted my application June 15th around 10AM, and got an email saying if they considered hiring me, someone would contact me within 24 hours. I called then earlier today and she found my app but had to transfer me, and I never got through to anyone, so left a voicemail. I'm worried maybe they won't contact me. Silver lining here is this worry has helped me realize that I truly do want this opportunity. I've been told, of you're ever indecisive about something, flip a coin, this kinda tricks the brain, and you'll find yourself hoping for it to land on a certain one, and that's how you know.

I would also like to ask, if, for some reason, things don't go through with Schneider (I really hope they do, I love them already just from my research) should I go with CRST simply because I practically know I'm gonna get my foot in the door that way, because they're obviously desperate for drivers. I think I've answered my own question there, some of the horror stories I read earlier are resurfacing again, so I think I'll go with someone else altogether.

Sorry to write so much, I'm just so excited about this, it's been a long time since I've had a goal and eyes forward instead of back. Also, I'm very impressed and appreciative of the kindness you guys are doing me by responding and giving me advise, like I mentioned earlier, I've never given much thought to the industry prior to the last couple of days, at least not in this depth, but I can tell you I was crazy about seeing those big trucks on the road as a kid, and there wasn't anything else I wanted in the world but to become a truck driver. I can recall as a kid of about 9 or 10, I had made a truck and trailer out of legos, not a set with instructions, but just out of my pieces lying around, and I remember that the thought of automated trucking or flying vehicles (I loved Back to The Future) and found that thought to be very depressing.

I've rambled enough for one post now, I'll keep the thread updated with how it goes, and again, I really appreciate the replies, this seems like a very nice community to be a part of.