SAGE Technical Services - Fort Pierce, FL

A quick little review about SAGE Technical Services headquartered in Billings, MT. The school I went to was the one in Fort Pierce, FL and was tied into the local community college (Indian River State College).

I started doing my research into trucking schools somewhere around October 2016, and decided on SAGE because they marketed themselves as providing instruction one-on-one. That was a big one for me since I wanted more time behind the wheel with the instructor sitting in the passenger seat, rather than be crammed into a cab with 5 other students doing "observation time". It also helped that they were located only 15 miles from my house.

Going to the orientation was straightforward, and all information I needed was provided to me. Where to get my DOT physical, how to get my CDL permit, etc. was all covered. They also covered the course curriculum and what to expect.

The first two weeks were classwork, learning the basics of trucking. FMCSA regulations, history of trucking, load securement, etc. The classroom instructor was great. He had a vast knowledge of trucking, and always had a good story to share when it was relevant. Completing the classwork was a breeze, and I had no issues getting through it. It lasted Monday thru Friday, 8 hours a day for two weeks.

After the classwork portion, it was time for the driving range. You get 11 4-hour driving and maneuver sessions, all one-on-one with an instructor. I was lucky enough to have the same instructor for all 11 sessions, who happened to be the head instructor for the state. 4+ million accident-free miles over a 30-year career. He was also one of the most patient guys I've ever met. Never got mad when you made mistakes, and always had an answer when I asked questions. Excellent teacher.

Before each session, you are required to complete a full pre-trip inspection, both outside and in-cab. The instructor will listen to your pre-trip, and make the necessary corrections as needed.

The first 3 sessions, you are learning proper shifting on a 10-speed using double-clutching. Starting off from 4th, you would upshift to 5th and 6th, then downshift from 6th to 5th to 4th. Rinse and repeat. To break the monotony, the instructors also have you do a straight-line back maneuver. Then it's back to upshifting and downshifting. As you progress, they would teach you offset and blindside parallel backing.

Sessions 4, 5, and 6 are actual drive sessions where the instructor takes you out on a predetermined route around the city in varying degrees of traffic and road difficulties. Here is where you learn that your everyday 4-wheeler is a terrible driver, and you'll also learn many bad driving habits you have yourself. My instructor said that this is the best part of his job at this point. When the students realize how terrible their own driving is, and they suddenly have a willingness to learn how to be a professional driver.

Sessions 7, 8, 9, and 10 are a mixed bag of reviewing prior sessions, and also learning the alley dock and sightside parallel backing maneuvers. If time permits, and the student is progressing well enough, the instructor may take the student out for another quick drive session. It's at this point that the instructors will start reinforcing and practicing any areas where the student needs work.

The last session is a culmination of every prior session packed into one day. It is also the day where you are run through what will happen on test day. This is the last time that a student will have to practice before test day, so the instructor will make sure to reinforce any weak areas.

All in all, I had a great experience at this school. The instructors and other staff were great, and were always available if I had any questions or issues. I would definitely recommend them if you're from the area.

The cost of the school is around $4,900. Unfortunately, there is no current student financial aid available from the school itself. But there are various career resource programs in the area to alleviate some of the cost.

If anyone has any questions about this school please don't hesitate to ask!

 

Prime, doing company flatbed. Idea is from there to get a year or two experience and start moving into more specialized flatbed freight.