CDL School or Company Paid training...Memphis, TN

Hello, this is my first post, so thanks in advance guys. I have been researching and considering getting my CDL and changing careers after 20 years of doing the same thing. My kids are grown and gone, no wife, so nothing holding me down.
I have read through many threads here, and have seen alot of great advice. I have a couple of questions myself. I feel I'm pretty fortunate in Memphis, as we have driving schools as well as several terminals locally. My friend, who drives trucks, says having a terminal in town is a huge bonus.
We have Drive Train and Roadmaster schools within 10 miles of me, as well as terminals for Swift, Schneider, Werner, J&J, Perimeter, Ozark, Prime....etc etc etc. Plenty around here.

My question, school or company? Swift or Schneider or ???? I'm basically preapproved according to the Swift recruiter, and I'm going to Roadmaster today to speak with someone in person and see the school.
Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks for the reply. I was a milkman in the past and had more than a dozen Dollar Generals on my route. I will pass on that Werner oppurtunity, lol. I understand the first year will be tough, and I will have to work my way towards an OTR/long distance route. I know Schneider uses Drive Train here and not Roadmaster. The unlimited options I am finding are very overwhelming, and quite frankly a deterrent. I will need financing as I do not have the funds up front, which is why I was leaning towards a company paid program. Getting a foot in the door is just a start. I know other opportunities will be available after I get some hours under my belt.

 

My buddy said the same thing. I'll go today and listen to what they say at Roadmaster. I haven't seen many other options as far as school and financing available. I can't tell if I need a permit first, or do you get that at the school. Recruiter at Swift said you can do either. And hello fellow Memphian!

 

Yea, I don't have that $1900 up front. I'm 44, kids are married and doing their own thing, so I want to start something new. As much as I see a private school is the better option, I'm thinking a company paid training deal is my only option right now. I'll just have to suck it up and do the year thing, which is fine by me. I d9nt have to be home every night, if at all, so I am open to just about anything.

 

Thank you sir. Roadmaster was a bust, i dont have that kind of credit to finance. My options now are for company paid training, and i prefer a local company, as i cannot afford out of town expenses. Even with Roehl.