Best Course of Action

Company sponsored training isn't all doom and gloom.
It's doom and gloom from someone's perspective that already has a good paying job; they're gainfully employed and not looking for work. For an unemployed person it's an excellent opportunity to get back in the workforce. Trucking companies providing training aren't non-profit organizations; they want a return on their investment.

 

Ok I've highlighted what I feel are the most urgent points of your posts. As others said, if you do not want to get caught in a scam then DO NOT GO THE LEASE ROUTE. Before even thinking about making it "a business of your own," which of course is how England will try to get you to lease a truck, you need to have some experience in the business. Much, MUCH easier to get that experience driving for somebody else.

Yes I know we have seen a number of people on here who have started right out as O/O. HOWEVER, most of the guys who do that, and make it, are not running on a shoe string. If you have retired from something else where you have a pension, and money in the bank, it might be do-able. But still not a good idea.

As has been said, CRE has a horrible reputation. And from what I have personally seen of CRST's operation, I'd stay away from them. There are a whole lot more options out there.

I realize that in Laramie, you are kind of limited in what you can do. But you aren't that far from Denver. And there have to be some decent schools in Denver. Maybe even in Cheyenne. Are you a veteran? If so, you may be able to get some assistance in training through them. The community college or technical schools are good ideas as well. And they usually cost thousands less than the private schools do. Biggest expense for you would likely be just "living expense" unless there is a program right there in Laramie.

I think it is good that you are looking around, which of course is shown by the fact that you came on here to ask about it.

 

Look at Roehl. They have their own school (3 weeks) and provide a hotel room during the school portion, you are responsible for your meals. Then you go out with a Roehl trainer for 10 days +/- and haul freight.

The school is "free" so to speak. You owe them 120,000 miles as a driver after completing the school and driving with a trainer. Their starting pay is .32 cpm with .02 cpm raises at 3, 6, 9 months. So after 9 months you should be at .38 cpm. If you leave prior to 120,000 miles driven you owe them a pro rated sum passed upon a tuition and fee price of $2800.

I went to a private CDL school but hired with Roehl out of school. They emphasize safety and fuel management. They do tend to micro-manage and, like many companies, the DM's often have no driving experience and can't really relate to what we do which is often frustrating and irritating. I'm not with Roehl now (left for a local job) but have nothing bad to say about them. Most on TTR will acknowledge they are considered one of the better starter companies. If you call their recruiting number ask for Dylan, he's a nice guy and a straight shooter.

Good luck and keep us informed.

 

Some soda companies will get you your CDL with no strings attached- and they'll actually pay you a nice salary to do it.. All you need is your permit.. You're gonna work for it- soda is tough.. But fairly quickly you'll have a CDL A that is yours to keep