Apply first ?

Get your c.d.l. and then apply. The school you go to just may know of a company or a few that takes new drivers.

 

Always better to get the actual CDL in hand before appling, that is what I did..

 

I agree. Get your CDL first. You have nothing to offer a prospective employer but hot air other wise.

Besides there will be several companies "pitching" your class while your in training anyway.

 

Get your CDL first

 

It doesn't really matter. Go ahead and talk to companies you're interested in but don't commit until you're sure that's what you want. If you have a clean record, you'll get several offers. I assume you're in an independent school? If you are, several companies will come looking for you.

 

Everyone OTR company will require training after school. Get your CDL first and pick the company you like. Look closely at what drivers say about actual company policies. You'll be able to tell the good ones from the cons. The more I read this site, the more I have doubts about a company whose policies and pay method look like nuclear physics.

A couple of guys from my school went to small local companies where there was no additional training. They were more mature guys who were able to convince the owner that they could handle the job without a lot of supervision. I think it's uncommon to go straight to something like that, but it's possible.

 

I will be starting my training at a local college on Aug. 4th. I have already contacted Schneider and the rep told me to call him back about 2 weeks before I graduate to get the ball rolling. I figure it couldn't hurt to get pre-hired before I actually get my CDL. It seems that all of the schools in my area(PA) have local recruiters show up but the companies that come are Werner/Swift. I am trying to aim high before I just take a job with the first guy that talks a good game.