narrowing down the list

Ahh just seen where you want to go West. That wont happen at Millis

 

I changed your list a little:
Jim Palmer Trucking - coast to coast refrigerated trucking.
Prime Inc. - refrigerated division
Contract Freighters - www.cfidrive.com - coast to coast dry van.
KLLM Transport
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Company-paid Tuition
With a 12-month commitment to drive for CFI, qualified students can now receive fully paid tuition to attend driving school in Missouri. We’ll even cover your room and board for the duration of the four-week course.

 

Stevens will make you work for peanuts teaming for like 12 weeks and call it training...ripoff.

 

There is nothing about those companies that are good. Bottom of the barrel, and unless you've got a quesionable past or something there really is no reason to go to either.

 

DFRITZKY... I am pretty much in the same scenario as you currently find yourself. I am a displaced school teacher with a masters degree. The #### OEA/NEA union has really ker-###### me. So I closed that chapter in my life. I can tell you that here in Northern Ohio there are a couple of truck driving schools. I am currently waiting to take my CDL exam. Most of the schools are military friendly as they receive tuition reimbursement from various funding streams. Many schools have tiered programs based on number of hours they can bill for and you may find yourself in a 200hr 400hr, or 600hr program. I have been doing extensive research on this subject as I do with everything I get into. First you may wish to do a little research. Second, if you know how to drive a large heavy truck and have past experience in the military doing this kind of work, you may find that the easiest route would be talk to your CO or platoon that you worked in and get a form sign that will attest to your demonstrated skills. Third, there are some changes since 91 with DOT laws regarding various types of freight and cargo. Therefore, there is a whole host of training modules available on line by the DMV. Go to dmv.com and click on your state. You will see the link for 'self-certify' for your state. Basically you will need to pass a general knowledge and skills exam. Additionally, you will need to pass Air-Brakes, and Tractor-Trailer Combinations. You will also need to take a DOT Physical Exam and Drug Test. FMCSA is authority which will put you on to Third Party Administrators of this requirement. Be advised that there are many schools and companies that are all under TPA status and huge money makers for the Third Party Administrators that supply the services. They are not all equal and the quality assurance or check and balance is undergoing much scrutiny at this time. I suggest you go slow and interview the schools and see if you can monitor or sit in a class or two. There should be no objections to a small simple request like this if you are going to attend a school of your choosing and Uncle Sam is going to pick up the tab. You should be able to get a general feel for the school culture and it's instructors by doing a little detective work. I would even go so far as say that forums such as this one are supported by schools and ratings are not necessarily what is in 'black & white' and this is all in my humble opinion. Feel free to reply with any questions that you may have. One final note is that you may wish to do a self-assessment inventory about your personality and if professional driving is suited as a fit for you. This is a dangerous business. Moreover, it chock-full of government oversight and regulations. You may change your mind after reading a little bit about the industry and you may learn from watching some YouTube videos. Watch with a healthy dose of skepticism and do not be fooled by drivers that boast of making six-figures per year. God bless and make sure you perform 'due diligence' before making a leap. Mr. Rick Jack of All Trades and Master of One.

 

Every CDL school will find a lender to loan you money for training. Frankly, if driving doesn't pay you more than you are now earning, plus the school loan payment, it doesn't make sense to start driving.