Should a newbie talk to a school or a trucking company first?

I agree with some of the other posts. I would go the private school route. Just make sure that you're employable in the industry first. The downside to private schools is that they will gladly take money from folks who can't get hired because of dui or felony.

 

This is kinda a "catch-22".
Go to the private schooling route, and MAYBE get hired on to the company you want.. OR...

Go the schooling route with the company you want, only to find it ISN'T what you thought it would be...

Research, research, research!!
And, personally, I would go the private school route.
Sure, it may cost more, financially...but once you are "graduated", you are free to choose which company you'd like to go to, and you aren't "TIED TO" the private school....just pay the loan off (if you didn't pay up-front for school), nor are you "tied to" the company, once you have the required training and experience under your belt.

Just my opinion.
Judi Kay

 

I might have a slight problem, I live in CA, no PTDI schools here. If I were able to go to a school I'd be looking to get on with KLLM or May. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in terms of a school? I have the cleanest record known to man so I will not have a problem getting hired on with anyone I qualify for.

 

Try an Oregon, or AZ PTDI school?

 

Problem is housing, spend 1 - 2 months in a different state = lots of $$$, unless there are schools that offer housing as part of their package, I'll have to check around.

 

how does a newbie even get into his driving career if its so hard - i went through a college & got my class A but cant seem to even get into a company ?

 

Its hard for experienced drivers to find a nice gig right now. Freight is real slow right now.