Question from a Wannabe

Be carefull of companies with "paid training" there are often multi-year commitments involved.

Also be sure it's right for you. You won't be home much.

 

When I started 3 years ago (I'm 24 now so I know where you're coming from) I went with Schneider BUT I only had to sign a 1 year contract for my schooling. Now its 18 months or 2 years worth of commitment. Thats a little too much in my opinion. Here's a way you could get around paying though, if you already have a Class A CDL, you didn't have to stay a year with Schneider. You didn't have to pay them anything for the schooling. I'd check this out before cause they probably have changed it by now.

Another bad thing about Schneider is the no pet policy. Guys get on here and bad-mouth them all the time (and they do some stupid stuff) but I got along o.k. with them. As far as the paid training companies out there, I's say Schneider is the best. They did treat us right while we were there. It was tough, but they gave us a good room and good food.

Look around, do some research. You might have to go to a community college and get your CDL and work a crap job for the first year to get a little experience. I worked for Schneider for a year and a half, kept my nose clean, did the best I could for them then I got hired by a company to run a dedicated route and be home every night and make more money. You can't buy experience and a good record, just remember that and you'll be fine.

 

Many shippers and receivers do not allow pets on the property . Contrary to what some believe , a pet is not an excuse to ignore anti-idling laws . Think about waiting hours to unload in hot weather .

 

If you really want a career in OTR trucking, I would forget about bringing the pet along. It's only going to complicate your life and besides, what makes you think it's such a good deal for the animal to be riding around in the truck all day?

 

I suppose he could get a Goldfish?

 

Well if you already have an animal it may become imperative to bring it along. Mine is 13 y/o & not an option of getting rid of so she goes with everywhere & usually gets to the truck before I do in the morning.

Possibly look into expediting as I have seen cats & dogs in those trucks, though have read where some teams have to have one stay outside the yard while business gets taken care of.

 

Just my opinion on pets in trucks. I am a pet owner (we have a whole #### menagerie here at home...dogs, cats, ferret, bird, etc etc etc) and as much as I like my pets, I would never want to bring them on the road with me. Too much can happen, and they're just one more thing to distract me or get in the way at that critical moment. I sympathize with others who want their pets with them, and I can understand it to some extent, but it's not for me.

 

ok too start with a pet bad idea, if at all possible maybe have a family member hold onto to the pet till you can bring them with. Most companies will allow but usualy have a pet deposit too help pay for the extra cleaning when u leave the truck.
As long as your not looking too be home your first year I would go with schneider, ive never worked for them but i've heard nothing but good things about them and there schooling is one of the best and if you have too work for them for 2 years then thats even better. The longer you can stay at a bigger company the better in the long run. Well best of luck too ya.