C1- Little Rock

Discussion in 'USA Truck' started by EmptyPockets2, Jan 7, 2009.

  1. EmptyPockets2

    EmptyPockets2 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 4, 2009
    Midland, GA
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    So, I've just received a call from Driver Solutions that I am supposed to be in North Little Rock Sunday afternoon to start CDL Training Monday morning.

    I've got the brochure about the school and understand that they have a dorm or at least rooms available on site for the students. But we all now that brochures can be mis-leading at times. Is there any additional advice or warnings I need to be aware of.

    Supposedly, I will start training with USA upon completion of the class's assuming I pass and obtain a CDL. Is there a specific time frame from graduating to starting with USA? OTR training with USA, are there specific thinngs that trainers like or dis-like for students to bring along? Knowing that space is limited on the inside of a truck I sure would hate to show up with to much or to little.

    I've read most of the post here on this site as to what is needed but I'm thinking that a USA driver or even trainer could provide more detailed information vs a generic listing.

    Any help or information would be GREATLY appreciated. :biggrin_25525:
     
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  3. bluegrassbandmom

    bluegrassbandmom Light Load Member

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    Nov 15, 2006
    plainfield, indiana
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    emptypocket, I have no experience with USA, however many yrs ago when I first went to C1 in Indy they were the ones I was going to go with. I am sure glad that I didn't, this site was not around then and I would have had "EMPTY POCKETS" for sure. C1 is one of them "CDL MILLS" that everyone should stay away from. My son is 18 and went to a community college 'sage school' through his high school it was a six week course for non high schoolers, I took Aaron over there several times to the range and spoke with his instructor, he had taught at C1 and TDI in Indy and was fired from C1 for failing the students when they were doing bad, and also for telling them to follow up on their financing as students were told to not worry you will be financed then at some point in the training they were told "we could not get you financed, you owe us $4900" then when the student couldn't pay they were sued, or better yet, when things did not work out with the company that hired them and it often does, LAWSUIT. So in other words, stay away from CDL MILLS!
    Oh, one other thing, if you do go ahead with it, make sure you are not bound by USA for any length of time, that will also get you into trouble. Just check out a community college (a lot cheaper) or try ROEHL they are cheap and has a good cdl course it was $2850 with housing included 2yrs ago, also try old dominion great company, here in Indy they are advertising at the terminal for students for their cdl class. there is a terminal in Atlanta. ROEHL at one time was talking about starting a school at the atlanta terminal back then, check em out also. Hope this helps, don't want to see anyone get taken for a ride. Good luck to ya.
     
  4. bluegrassbandmom

    bluegrassbandmom Light Load Member

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    Nov 15, 2006
    plainfield, indiana
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    one other thing, check out ripoff report c1 tractor trailer driving school there are several posts on there from all over the country, this is just FYI.
     
  5. DirtyDawgJake

    DirtyDawgJake Bobtail Member

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    Aug 16, 2008
    In the granny lane
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    I went to C1 at ASU in Newport, AR. I would inquire about that one since it would be closer to you and from what I've heard has better living arrangements. I personally was very pleased with everything about ASU, other than our tv not getting espn. I would recommend paying out of pocket if possible. You could get training, housing, and all fees for under 2k. I couldn't swing the 2k so I'm under contract but it works for me and has worked for many others. I knew I would work at my first company for a year and only had to make one call to make it happen. As far as what you need the school/driver's solutions should give you packing lists for school and otr. All you really need is a sleeping bag, as many clothes as you can fit into a small bag, pillow, and all your paperwork. I brought all that, my laptop, and some snack foods so I wouldn't starve. I've heard people are finishing school and having to wait weeks or longer to get with their trainer so plan for that scenario. I had to wait 2 weeks for mine back in sept. Good luck to ya.
     
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  6. EmptyPockets2

    EmptyPockets2 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 4, 2009
    Midland, GA
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    bluegrassbandmom

    I really appreciate your comments. I did go there and look, and read. Being that I'm the type of person who usually see the glass as half full I would have to say that the comments there are about the same as here. 50/50. So.....I think I'm going to have to go there anyway.:biggrin_2552: And I may be in the position of coming back here and having you tell me "I TOLD you so!"

    BUT

    much like DirtyDawgJake
    . I'll just rephrase that and say " I'm not in a position to swing 2k and after reading here about USA Truck there are quite a few who made it through their 1 year contract time"

    I have talked with USA and according to Heather my application with them has been pre-approved upon completion of any CDL Training School. This one can have me out there in 3 weeks with no out of pocket expense. But being that my pockets are already empty what can I say.
     
  7. EmptyPockets2

    EmptyPockets2 Bobtail Member

    16
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    Jan 4, 2009
    Midland, GA
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    Yes, I have that....but was thinking that there may be some things they "missed" or that a trainer would deem unnecessary, should I get lucky and get one fairly quick.

    I do appreciate the reply though.
     
  8. bluegrassbandmom

    bluegrassbandmom Light Load Member

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    Nov 15, 2006
    plainfield, indiana
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    Hey empty, good luck to ya, hope all goes well for you and I sure hope you DON'T have to come back with an "I should have listened":biggrin_2554:hopefully it will be a good experience, and when you do get out with a trainer you will have already been given a list of necessities to bring along, for me, I thought having a good book or cards or things to keep me occupied while not driving was a necessity-I was too pooped to care about anything but eating and sleeping-waste of space. Just my 2 cents worth:biggrin_2552:
     
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  9. DBL_TIME

    DBL_TIME <strong>"Two Mints in One"</strong>

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    Feb 9, 2008
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    Just remember that grayhound will charge extra for more than 2bags and extra weight which is not covered by the bus ticket u r bought, so that's you're dime.
     
  10. Locdrjr

    Locdrjr Light Load Member

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    May 19, 2008
    Eaton Rapids , MI
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    I went through C-1 Indianapolis campus, I paid $450.00 upfront for my housing and license fees, I was put up in a hotel room by myself at a howard jonhsons, the people in the dorms had a way worse time of it. I did finance the CDL school course and went to work for USA did my year got my school paid for, got almost $1,100.00 back at the end of that 1st year of money that I had overpaid to C-1 due to the weekly $45.00 payments which I didn't really miss as I basically lived out of the truck and then stayed another year on top of that before I left for a so-called better job with Celadon, lasted 26 days getting a total of just over 3000 miles in 6 days driving and the rest of the days either in a terminal or in a hotel room after the issued truck made it 700 and some miles and broke down... I drive regional now and make almost as much as I made with USA, plus I get home 2 day a week(like now). 2weeks worth of clothes, a sleeping bag, pillow, some food, and your paper/pencils/calculater..and a humble attitude will get you through C-1..good luck
     
  11. EmptyPockets2

    EmptyPockets2 Bobtail Member

    16
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    Jan 4, 2009
    Midland, GA
    0
    Hello again. OK, so I've been in North Little Rock for two weeks now. Seems my son likes my laptop a lot more than I so it ended up staying with him. Today is the first chance I've had to get online and actually say anything.

    C1 in Little Rock is nothing to brag about, but considering it's a CDL mill I was not really disappointed with what I saw. Rooms are small, really small and facilities leave a bit to be desired. But considering everything I cannot reall complain. Training has gone pretty good since I've arrived.

    Common knowledge, air brakes and combination was pretty much etched into your heads the first few days. After the first trip to the State Police Office for testing I managed to pass all 3 on the first try. I was promptly put on the road with a pretty good trained. WEll...at least from what I can tell from what the othres are saying about their drivers I guess I got lucky.

    I was actually on the road the first Friday, on the pad Monday doing skills and back on the road for the next three days. There are 4 of us who drive togeher and three of us have caught on quickly. One...well, let's just say he might be around for quite a while or eventually dropped. We did spend Friday studying for the PTI but after the first test the 3 of us were told to just go back to driving.

    So.....one more day of skills, one more day fo driving and they say I'm supposed to test Wednesday. I sure hope I pass the first time since I have no real desire to hang around here for another week.

    Instructors....most are pretty good. I've realy had no problems with any. Well maybe one but he was fired last Friday. Seems he and a student who was supposed to test last Thursday had a slight accident wwhen two tractor-trailers found themsleves in a left turn lane and they both thought they could get through at the same time. The truck was towed back with most of the right side crushed in and forward from the rear of the sleeper forward. The student was charged with the accident but he did pass his test the next day so was able to leave with his CDL.

    Any who......I'll try to get back later. I have talked with USA and have been offered a job....UPON completion of this school.
     
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