Military Vet looking for some advice on making a decision about getting my CDL

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Marine_Trucker_77, Jan 3, 2018.

  1. Marine_Trucker_77

    Marine_Trucker_77 Bobtail Member

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    Unfortunately, I've already used up my Post 9/11 GI Bill and have a degree. it's this pretty diploma thingy that's hanging on my wall that says i have an A.A.S. in Administration of Justice. I have all the qualifications to work for any government alphabet agency and any police department. However, I'm too old (40) and I no longer want to work in the security/LE field.
     
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  3. Old-school trucker

    Old-school trucker Light Load Member

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    Find you a community college and put yourself through. I went to cape fear community college at night a few months before I got out the marine corps. It's a lot cheaper than private schools
     
  4. Paddlewagon

    Paddlewagon Light Load Member

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    IIRC the VA also has programs(not GI Bill) that will help and possibly pay for CDL school.........at least they did back in '98 when I got mine.
     
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  5. lowgear14

    lowgear14 Medium Load Member

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    Hey Marine! I agree with most of these people. Prime would be the better choice. Not sure where you live and all. Apparently, you did your PLO as we frogmen call it. I'd say jump right in and commit to get that time along with the 1 year experience. Obviously, you have no more of your GI BIll. Are you getting check on a disability from the VA? When you got out they gave you a physical. Did you receive a disability rating? If you did, that can go towards your driving school or pay you while your going through school.
     
    midnightlost Thanks this.
  6. 3PantherSmoke

    3PantherSmoke Bobtail Member

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    'Evening OP, did you ever get to a school and into the business? I'm in NoVa myself and thinking about getting my CDL, curious what your experience has been? Hope all is good!
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  7. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Spouse was a certain rating with the VA and the disability from that continued as it was not part of the DOT limitations for trucking believe it or not. It was impacting certain physical activities (That was where I came in...) So she did good for the year she was out on the road more or less. We decided that the nutrition and lifestyle for her body etc was not a good fit gaining towards obesity of all things. However the doctors were really good and able to head off that little problem. Just could not continue.
     
  8. Triple Digit Bullhauler

    Triple Digit Bullhauler Heavy Load Member

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    Marine Trucker 77

    Many companies out there are looking for Veterans, and willing to help get you the CDL, and training. Research them, and call a recruiter. Another suggestion is to find a close truck stop, and talk to the drivers of those companies who you have an interest in. Ask alot of questions. Hope this helps.
     
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    @3PantherSmoke - do you plan to attend a private or community college cdl school?
    What type trucking job do you want?
    Do you want to run the roads or stay close to home?
     
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  10. 3PantherSmoke

    3PantherSmoke Bobtail Member

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    @Chinatown Hi China, I'm looking at schools in the Northern Virginia area (I'm on the west end of I-66), possibly AAA CDL School? Really looking into options and open to experienced input. My Dad and brother both drove trucks for a few years, my dad over the road and my brother regional, but this is my first look into it really, so don't actually know much about any of this. Being home nightly would be nice, but certainly at least weekly. I still have GI Bill for school, so that should be covered, but want to find a decent school and don't know what I don't know yet about what type of trucking, etc. I've got a wife and three kids I'd like to see, but I'm also the only breadwinner so got to make a decent living. I'm in the research phase right now, and open to pretty much anything the experienced folks would like to share. Thanks for your input!
     
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    @3PantherSmoke - Try for Old Dominion Freight Line. You'll make enough money there to take care of the family and probably have a good benefits package. They're picky about which cdl school you graduate from, so call and ask about that. You can ask about their "truck driver training program."
    Here's an ad I saw:
    Linehaul Driver - Winchester, VA 22603
    This is the application to apply online: click here > Apply On Company Site
    Old Dominion Freight Line is currently recruiting for a Linehaul Driver to join our OD Family Culture. Our Drivers successfully operate various tractor-trailer combinations over long distances. Truck Drivers also sort, handle, load, and/or unload freight at company and customer locations. Linehaul Drivers are critical members of our OD Family they help to accurately deliver our customer's freight and help keep our promises.
    Responsibilities
    Qualifications

    • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
    • Must possess a valid commercial driver's license with haz-mat, doubles, triples and tanker endorsements.
    • 1 year previous tractor trailer driving experience and/or be a graduate of a State Certified and Licensed truck driving school, acceptable to Old Dominion and/or have satisfactorily completed the Old Dominion truck driver training program.
    • [​IMG][​IMG]
     
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