40 hour program for local class A or B?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Trekker1, Aug 16, 2009.

  1. Trekker1

    Trekker1 Light Load Member

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    Aug 16, 2009
    Castle Rock, CO
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    Greetings everyone. I am a new member and this is my first post. What do you think about a 40 hour Class A program for a local job? Ignore the economy issue for a moment. Would this be a good way to go to start out maybe at a company that had staight and t/t trucks and work your way up?

    Anybody out there do a short program with success or failure??

    Thanks!

    Rich
     
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  3. Raezzor

    Raezzor Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

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    Columbus, OH
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    So, at the end of one week you'll have your CDL?

    Scares the piss out of me. 40 hours is far too short of a time to learn how to safely handle a rig, even if only for local driving. There's no distinction, class A is class A.
     
  4. Trekker1

    Trekker1 Light Load Member

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    Aug 16, 2009
    Castle Rock, CO
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    So, hour-wise, what do you think is a good number?

    The thing about it that got my interest was the price- around $1,400 versus the 160 hour course ($3,800)

    Then again, the old adage "you get what you pay for" may stand out here!

    Thanks again
     
  5. Raezzor

    Raezzor Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

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    Columbus, OH
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    Well, most of what are considered "driver mills" have 3 week programs, and I'm sure alot of the folks on here would agree that even that is a bit fast. Now, I went through one of them, but I'm a rather fast learner, have good mechanical comprehension, and was used to manual transmissions and backing concepts from working on my old man's farm.

    40 hours is ok, as long as you learn what you need to or are already familiar with trucks before you go in. It's subjective really. I don't know if I'd put a number on how much training is "safe" for purposes of being a good driver. On the up side, any company you start with will put you with a trainer for a few weeks so you can still learn alot with them, but 3 weeks is about the minimum to really get a feel for driving a truck in school.
     
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  6. cherokeechief

    cherokeechief Light Load Member

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    Aug 10, 2009
    Gilson, il
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    a 40 hr class? you got to be kidding?
    what do you think you are going to learn? nothing except you will be another statistic of an undertrained steering wheel holder.
    you need at least 200 hours to get your cdl.
    that is worst than the 3 week wonder schools.
     
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  7. Trekker1

    Trekker1 Light Load Member

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    Aug 16, 2009
    Castle Rock, CO
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    Thanks for the replies so far- good advice and I am starting to think a little more than 40 hours is definately needed. Anyone else? Come on, don't be shy!
     
  8. DozerCowboy

    DozerCowboy Light Load Member

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    Port Saint Lucie, FL
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    Well i did the 40 hour class. It was a waste of 1995.00 the only thing they really taught me was the "PROPER WAY" to do a pretrip and to pass the SKILLS test the way they administer it. The 40 hour certificate u receive for completion doesnt help you at all because as stated most companies dont feel 40 hours is adequate enough. 200 hours or better to meet training needs. So even if u take the 40 hours and u know how to drive already, that certificate is just for your wall.... atleast thats all its been for me.
     
  9. Trekker1

    Trekker1 Light Load Member

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    Thanks Dozer, what did you end up doing? Are you/have you considered a longer school? Going with a straight truck? 40 hours I guess seemed so appealing because I can take vacation at my current job, knock out the course in a week or so...I guess that kind of thinking is what they prey on!
     
  10. dr5169

    dr5169 Medium Load Member

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    I took a 160 hr course and some trucking companies didnt think that was enough. I have been driving for about 3 months now and 160 hrs prob wasnt enough .It takes alot of practice and trial and error.
     
  11. DozerCowboy

    DozerCowboy Light Load Member

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    in did just what my name says.... finally found me another DOZER to run..... just sittin on my cdls until i can get a break through.
     
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