PTDI vs non-PTDI schools?

So I'm going to be taking classes at Houston Community College and I was there getting info yesterday and noticed that they are certified by PTDI.

I'm curious if this makes a difference in the kinds of companies a new driver can be hired on by or is it just a marketing fluff credential? I did a search on here for PTDI certification but most of the threads were a couple years old so I'm curious if anyone has recent experience in the last year or so?

. . . and yeah, I know "the real learning" starts when you get out in the real world. I'm just curious if completing a "certified" training program can make a difference in the quality of employers you can shoot for even as a noob OR if it will make a difference in the kind of money you can ask for?

 

Good advice. I've been doing some research and called a few companies to try and get a sense of if they hire new CDL grads for tanker work and what they offer?

So far I've talked to:
Schneider tanker - They take new CDL grads and they're training facility is here in Houston. Training is five weeks mix of class room, skills training and tests and on the road. Training is paid $80/day but based on anecdotal reports initial pay and miles could be lacking. Schneider also offers tuition reimbursement for CDL school ( even if you paid out of pocket ) paid @ $200/mo after the first 30 days.

Superior Carriers - Typically requires one year CDL experience HOWEVER they have an "Entry Level" driver program if you graduate from an approved training program. HCC is on their list of approved training programs and the recruiter I spoke to actually said that it is one of the better programs they've worked with in the region, very good reputation for producing quality new driver grads. To apply w/ Superior new grads need to have tanker & hazmat endorsements + TWIC card and a passport. After completing CDL school *IF* there is a position open new CDL grads can hire on and complete six weeks of paid training @ $20/hr at their facility in South Carolina. After completing training new hires start at the standard pay rate of .53cpm loaded / .45cpm unloaded. Depending on the home location there's a mix of regional or system freight runs. Regional drivers are usually home for weekends and maybe 1 day during the week. System drivers are usually out 10-12 days and home 2. The recruiter I spoke to wouldn't speak to specific miles or pay ( wisely ) but anecdotal research seems to indicate even new drivers can gross around $70k in the first year w/ descent home time.

Highway Transport - Requires one year CDL experience due to insurance requirements. No exceptions though the person I talked to once again said they'd heard good things about the HCC CDL program. In order to work here you need to have tanker + hazmat and TWIC + passport. Pay rate seems very similar to Superior Carriers and interestingly enough Highway Transport's largest terminal is in the Houston area where they run regional and otr.

A&R Logistics - I've called three times and left two messages. Still waiting on a call back.

I have a few more companies I'd like to talk too but at this point Superior Carriers is looking like the best deal. However, even if I had to start off w/ Schneider for a year or so and then move over I don't think it would be a bad deal.

 

Yeah, the thing that sucks is I found out HCC has a waiting list to get in to class until September unless someone drops and a spot opens up for July or August. Oh well, gonna use the time the best I can and study up on getting my permits, TWIC card, passport renewed, etc.