Am I jumping the gun?

frankly, i didn't know schools would "negotiate" thier prices. ya might be thinking you can, but hardly.

if you go with a company, you WILL sign a contract for X number of months of employment, and they can STILL kick you out.

you are jumping the gun......and sure you can do your best when you work for the best, but i guess you really hadn't done too much reading on these boards, because they will ALL SAY they are THE BEST, each and EVERYONE of those companies.

it ain't NO quandry....go to a school, go to work at some company.

i think that was quite simple.

 

HMMmmmm

not the two i have worked for (or currently at)........

only a refresher, 160 hours, 420 hours.

 

My short term perspective. I'm in my mid 40's. My last company moved to Mexico so I got my CDL from th local ComCollege. A CDL will often not get you in the door. The first longhaul flatbed company I tried, their oreintation instructor wanted me to constantly yammer the points of the Smith System while I was driving. I didn't control a machine and yammer that much learning to be a flight instructor. Screw that. Now Conway, I could have walked in cold at that time, trained at dock worker pay and been a driver faster. But even if you sign far a contract for the next year for free training, you've got your CDL, That you would likely have paid for anyway, and you've got some real driving experience to back you up. Seriously, I found a CDL doesn't get you a job until you have at least a year of driving under your belt. if think you like the company, I'd take the chance.

 

well you see, this is how it was at my former employer (school). i have had students that HAD thier permit, drug screening, and DOT card.....i had the unfortunate situation where at least 2 of those students (on separate occasions had those items), so i went to the "higher up" and told him they didn't NEED any classroom time, it would be a waste and will bore them, and they WILL QUIT school......

well that "higher up" said, NO WAY.....they either go the full course or they go home, they ain't about to pay for "selected training", or ala carte` as you called it.

my current employer (school) has the same policy, "its the full course" or nothing at all.....(not including the re-fresher course, which one MUST already have a CDL).

so IF you are/were able to "negotiate" an "ala carte" training program, good for you.

oh and by the way, yes, the current economy is a "two way street", till you try and get a job with so few hours of training.....

best of luck to you.

 

First off I would stay away from any company telling you to just quit school and come to them. Sounds like a recruiter trying to scam you! Oh I'm sorry I meant, it is a recruiter scamming you! You probably told them your story about your school al a cart program. They know that no company is going to hire you without going through the whole ordeal and receiving your certification saying you did "x" amount of hours. So if you leave now then they will charge you for your training.

I would start calling companies now (reputable ones) and let them know what's going on and what your plans are. STAY AWAY from the mega-carriers. (swift, werner, england etc...) Especially in your situation! They will see this and take advantage of you. Just like the last "gung ho" recruiter. Keep in mind they get paid just to get you to orientation and it doesn't matter to them if you are there for more than an hour! With that being said, aim for the smaller companies. The mom and pop ones. They would be happy to have an older, experienced in life person. Also try finding an owner operator willing to take you on and show you the ropes. Go for the companies that aren't advertising. These are the companies with a lower driver turnover rate. Meaning their drivers are happier working for them. Try checking out careersingear or bigrigjobs. On these websites you can type in your city and they will give you companies hiring in your area. They also tell you their requirements and what they have to offer. Another really good site is OOIDA. There is a wealth of information on this site. They also can provide you with links to reputable companies. Good luck to you!

 

The 1990's are gone folks.......

Slabsurfer, I've seen folks go that route, and most are doing better than the majority of drivers on here.

Your plan makes more sense than most...........I say go for it.