Advice for Getting CDL

I just went through ATI to get my CDL. 8 weeks of classes (at night) the first 4 weeks are class room time, prepping you for the DMV tests that you have to take, since you will have to have your permit before you can drive the second 4 weeks of class. Those second 4 weeks are basic backing, learning your combo, and lots of city driving. (to get us used to the turns we might have to make)

I had an open mind and some spare money when I got mine, so I went ahead and got my endorsements (H,N) while I was in class and it was fresh. Also got my TWIC, since I have 2 ports very close to possibly work out of.

But the thing I liked about a school is it gives me the flexibility to choose who I want to drive for. Plus a school (at least mine did) will teach the basics for DMV and not be biased about a company. I did happen to have quite a few instructors with MANY, many years of experience, so I asked all kinds of questions and got a lot of "read between the lines" info out of them, which helped me in the long run. And to be quite honest come DMV driving day. it ended up being easier than I expected, since my instructors were so adamant about double clutching, both hands on the wheel, down-shifting, etc... I actually passed with the best overall DMV grade.

In the end it's how you want to spend the money, what you want to get out of it, and how much of an open mind you have. I personally went to classes because I didn't know JACK and it helped me start the iceberg of research finding out about trucking industry. Just my 2 cents

Expect the worst, hope for the best

 

If all you want is a CDL you can get that buy spending around $300 and hiring a truck that has air brakes and a trailer with air brakes. There is an outfit here in Kansas City that uses a Ram 1500 and a 12 foot flat trailer that has all the decking taken off of it so you can see out the back window and see your through the deck to the ground. Very easy to pass a test. No one will hire you.

If you are looking for a job you have to do it one of three ways. Go to school as Chinatown says, work for a company and sign on with their school, or find a company that is so desperate to hire someone they will train you.

Fastenal is one of the GREAT MANY companies that have fired me in the past 9 years. They are desperate for drivers. They hired a guy who only had a drivers license and trained him first to drive a B truck and then trained him to drive an A truck. I believe the trash hauling companies are that desperate now also.

This is a profession. If you want to become a professional it will take some sacrifice on your part. You will not be handed a job that pays 70,000 a year without you doing your share. If anyone could just climb into a truck and drive away the wages we earn would be less.

 

You know ATI was shut down by TWC, but thanks everyone

 

ATI was shut down in TX. I live in VA. Didn't know that at the time, sorry.

 

From reports looks like it was really bad, but thanks, i have a few schools i'm going to check, hope to find something soon :/

 

Best response to your question is pursue a technical school close to you. They should be able to provide a syllabus for you as well as ask them the number of students per class.

 

Check into some tech colleges around you. Do not sign a contract with a company. Im basically a shelf taught trucker. I was lucky to get to use trucks around work. Id go in on my days off, stay after work.

Pepsi and Coke are always hiring and will train. It will get you started. I work for Pepsi and have worked here for 15yrs.

 

How about covenant. Im getting my cdl at my vocational school.

 

The community college courses are typically the cheapest and best over all. Ours was $1200 and 8 wks long. One class room day a week. The rest was either out driving on the road or practicing on the yard. Basically 2 days on the yard and 2 on the road each week. They had CDL qualified trainers so by the end we had our CDL certificate that we just took to the DMV for our license. Look for something like this. They keep you busy, it's fun, you learn a lot, and companies will hire you.