The plan

Ok balanced between these two sides of a coin I would lean towards retirement pile of coin.

You can always get another CDL.

 

Just don't sign any contracts with a non compete clause.

 

I paid for my CDL school out of pocket by putting it on credit card and then transferring the balance to another card that was running a 0% balance transfer promotion for 18 months. So essentially I gave myself a 0% loan w/ 18 months. Like stated above I think have CDL in hand going to the job market gives more flexibility though I'll still be looking for companies w/ tuition reimbursement but I won't be signing any contracts or "no compete" agreements.

 

any companies near you?

where do you live? it helps to train close to home in case of wanting out.

I'm an old fart and self taught,(lol), so have no personal experience. but I have gone to some co. orientations and ran out the door, when the real story came out.

 

I still stand by my opinion that getting your cdl on your own, through an independent school is the best option. Being commited to a mega fleet co for however long they require just seems ridiculous. You basically agree to let them own you for that period of time.

Do it on your own and dont owe anyone anything.

 

this is solid advice. People act like rookies that just graduated are so sought after. Lol. Let’s be honest, some (maybe MOST) new drivers are only qualified to be approved at a mega. Insurance companies aren’t gonna let just anyone with a brand new CDL hop in a rig. Why not keep your money in your pocket and let the mega pay for your CDL?

People say they will treat you like crap and make you sit , and I disagree with this. Swift, and other megas, didn’t get so big by having their drivers sit. They want you turning miles. They NEED you turning miles.

point is, you could do a lot worse than company sponsored training thru swift or roehl or Schneider etc etc. Don’t discount them right off the bat.

 

agreed, and if you happen to be in an area where Schneider offers their apprenticeship program, it’s the best option for getting a cdl - hands down, as it’s 100% free, paid, no contract training.

 

Megas are the big trucking companies. Swift, prime, knight (basically swift) Schneider etc. I’d stay away from cr England and CRST, but the others have a year or less contract with no mandatory teaming. You’re gonna need a year to figure out what you’re doing out here anyway. Put that year in with that company, focus on being accident and ticket free , as well as on time- and in a year you’ll be able to really advance to some good companies.

it’s basically a paid apprenticeship. If you decide you want to stay at that company (many have), they actually start paying you back for your schooling.

I know I’ll get flamed for this, but if I was starting today, I’d absolutely go with company sponsored training and let them pay for my CDL.