Alliance School of Trucking, Chatsworth, California

DAY 1

IN THE TRUCK! It was awesome. They went over all of the gears how to shift (you learn on a 6 speed for the DMV then a 10 speed after your CDL). I learned to shift from first to second and stop. How to back up with a trailer.

They use a single axle with a small trailer. I was told if you can back up, park, and parallel that then you will be fine with bigger boxes since the smaller the truck and trailer the more movement.

I have never learned so much and so much fun at the same time. I was told to get my DOT physical out of the way and start studying for the permit. I am going to take my permit one day then come back and take my endorsements another day.

Everything has been explained and broken down so I know what to expect. I will be back Wednesday and more driving!!

Just so everyone knows right now I am at school MWF and study/personal stuff Tuesday and Thursday. It might take a bit longer but for one on one or in my case two instructors for one of me, it is worth every penny the VA paid!

 

I do not know. I know according to the VA they paid the school around $5,500. I am not sure if it is like insurance companies where they have an agreement but I would guess it has to be a couple thousand. Call them, their website is http://www.allianceschooloftrucking.com. If you are unemployed they also are a provider for the WIA program. Their might be other programs out there to pay for the training as well. Hope that helps.

 

DAY 2

I have to say that Alliance always has two things that all my time in college did not always have: Positivity and Excellent Instructors! I did Straight line backing, Offset backing (Left & Right) and started Alley Docking using cones today. Being Positive is helpful! It can get frustrating but I had to remember that like any new skill it takes time to master.

Dave was amazing! He can park a truck on a dime. He walked me through every exercise twice and then asked if I wanted to try it alone or if he should talk me through it. I was able to do it after we went through it twice, great instructor! I am more impressed every time I go to Alliance.

I am studying for my permit and need to go get my DOT physical soon. So far so good. Whatever Federal idiot called Trucking, Unskilled Labor has NEVER driven a big rig with a trailer. It takes skills! Till Next Time!

 

Sorry to hear it is not close to you. I have to tell you that Alliance was the best choice I have made. I think a CDL will pay off much more than my MBA has! I never thought I would love driving a truck as much as I do. My instructors keep asking me why I do not get frustrated when I back up (they said that most people hate backing up and usually get frustrated), I just tell them that I know it s not easy but if I focus I will eventually get it! For me that usually means the third try! HAHAHA! I am glad I made this post and I will update it again on Monday, July 29th.

Feel free to ask me any questions, if I can answer them I will. Until Next Time!

 

DAY 3

As promised more adventures at Alliance. Since I had an opportunity to earn some extra $$ on Friday I had to skip school. However, I was back in the saddle today. Today was more backing up as well as making turns to line the truck up in preparation for Alley Docking using cones.

I have to say that I SUCK at this. Straight line was not a problem and turning is not the problem. My problem is that I over think the turning and then over steer which makes me mess up. Sandy and Dave are helpful, with their help I can put it in every time. I know that they won't be there to help on my test so I need to get this down to be able to do it in my sleep.

They are very patient and very helpful. I love Alliance. In all honesty if I could work here and help students the way they do I would do it in a heartbeat. If anyone is looking for a school in the Los Angeles area I could not recommend Alliance School of Trucking more! Until Next Time, Keep on Trucking!