narrowing down the list

DFritzKY · Apr 13, 2018

keen98 said: ↑

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.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice.

DFritzKY · Apr 13, 2018

tscottme said: ↑

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.
Click to expand...

It's not all about the pay. But thanks for the input.

DFritzKY · Apr 13, 2018

Mr_Rick I said: ↑

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.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. I'm definitely doing tons of research so I'll feel comfortable when I make my choice of companies I end up applying to. I don't think my military experience is really worth anything since I got out in 1991. Impossible to contact anyone I was working with at the time too. I just need to continue my research until I'm comfortable making my choice. Thanks again for the advice.

keen98 · Apr 13, 2018

DFritzKY said: ↑

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. I'm definitely doing tons of research so I'll feel comfortable when I make my choice of companies I end up applying to. I don't think my military experience is really worth anything since I got out in 1991. Impossible to contact anyone I was working with at the time too. I just need to continue my research until I'm comfortable making my choice. Thanks again for the advice.
Click to expand...

If you have your dd214 the schooling for Millis is only like $1000. They give a good discount to anyone who served in the Military

DFritzKY · Apr 13, 2018

keen98 said: ↑

If you have your dd214 the schooling for Millis is only like $1000. They give a good discount to anyone who served in the Military
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. I'm most likely to try Jim Palmer first. Prefer west over east. I like Prime too, but don't like the idea of a 62mph limit.

firemedic2816 · Apr 14, 2018

DFritzKY said: ↑

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
I am a career changer, empty nester who is planning to embark on a solo, OTR trucking career. I am based in central Kentucky. I have a clean driving record but no CDL. I am an honorably discharged veteran (in 1991). I'm not overly concerned about home time. I would rather not start at the bottom of the barrel as far as pay.
As I cannot afford to pay for driving school up front, I'm trying to narrow down my list of companies that offer the training and CDL and who also have a presence with enough loads in my home area to keep me busy driving nationwide. I would prefer long haul OTR heading far west and midwest.
My short list is as follows in rough order of preference. Any other suggestions? Any advice and/or words of caution would be greatly appreciated!

Jim Palmer Trucking
KLLM Transport
Prime Inc.
Stevens Transport
CR England Inc.
Schneider National
Swift Transportation
Click to expand...

Millis Transfer, has a terminal in Trenton Ohio, Students start out at $.42/mile for ALL MILES the truck drives while earning a cdl they have school as well

DFritzKY · Apr 15, 2018

firemedic2816 said: ↑

Millis Transfer, has a terminal in Trenton Ohio, Students start out at $.42/mile for ALL MILES the truck drives while earning a cdl they have school as well
Click to expand...

A lot of people pointing me their direction. I will give them a look. Thanks

Chinatown · Apr 15, 2018

Titan Transfer trucks run 70 mph. Their school is in Shelbyville,TN and no lodging provided. Students usually stay in a cheap motel across the street. It's dry van. Teams runs west coast a lot, but not sure about solo drivers; call and ask about that.

DFritzKY · Apr 15, 2018

Chinatown said: ↑

Titan Transfer trucks run 70 mph. Their school is in Shelbyville,TN and no lodging provided. Students usually stay in a cheap motel across the street. It's dry van. Teams runs west coast a lot, but not sure about solo drivers; call and ask about that.
View attachment 220797
Click to expand...

Thanks, Chinatown. I'll definitely give them a hard look. I just saw this too, even closer to my home but doesn't look like they provide training but will still ask. Home | Mister P Express

DFritzKY · Apr 18, 2018

So I have decided to apply with Millis Transport. I sincerely appreciate all the valuable advice I've been given from everyone on here. I'll be sending in my application this week with a projected school start date at the end of May. Wish me luck!

Log in or Sign up

Forums

Find Trucking Jobs

narrowing down the list

DFritzKY Light Load Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

DFritzKY Light Load Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

keen98 Road Train Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

firemedic2816 Road Train Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

Chinatown Road Train Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Find Trucking Jobs

narrowing down the list

DFritzKY Light Load Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!

DFritzKY Light Load Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

keen98 Road Train Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

firemedic2816 Road Train Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

Chinatown Road Train Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

DFritzKY Light Load Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!