CDL Training Options for Pittsburgh?

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Zick, May 11, 2017.

  1. Zick

    Zick Bobtail Member

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    Hey everyone! I discovered this forum earlier today at work and lurked a bit, and I finally have time to sit down and post now.

    So, for the past couple months I had been planning on finding a company I can train and get my CDL with, I think it's the best career move for me right now.

    The only company I've been really aware if right now as a legitimate option was Swift. I have been slowly saving money so that I could leave for school and not screw my girlfriend and roommates out of rent and everything.

    Aside from the not great things I've heard about them, I called a recruiter to ask about how much money I needed exactly, since Ive read online about needing to pay a seating fee and for the drug test and whatnot besides what is financed through them. He basically told me he had no idea and it didn't leave the best taste in my mouth.

    After reading here I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask - is Swift my only real option in this area or are there any other companies I can explore?

    Thanks in advance! Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.
     
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  3. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    It is alarming how little some recruiters know about their own companies. You can do better.

    Consider roehl transport, they pay $500 per week during training, and I think they do training in Bensalem (philly area) now.

    Check the roehl forums for more info:
    https://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/forums/roehl.229/

    Millis transfer is a great company as well, but they do not have the training pay. Either one of these companies would be a fine choice (better than swift).
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    @Kyle G. posted 2 good options. Millis Tranfer requires $500.00 up front. Roehl Transport does hair follicle drug test & someone posted Roehl holds back the first 3 weeks of that CDL school salary; I don't know; ask the recruiter how that works.
    Here's some more options & they provide transportation to the school plus meals & lodging:
    Contract Freighters Inc. (www.cfidrive.com)
    Jim Palmer Trucking - coast to coast refrigerated trucking.
    O&S Trucking
    Maverick Transportation
    TMC
    You may really enjoy getting out of that crowded apartment and hitting the road. Pick up a load headed to the west coast; nothing better than a night run with a thermos of hot coffee, your favorite music on the radio, dim the lights inside the truck, set the cruise control, and roll all night.
     
    Last edited: May 11, 2017
    Kyle G. Thanks this.
  5. Zick

    Zick Bobtail Member

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    Thank you both very much! I'll look into all of the companies you both suggested. :)
     
    Kyle G. Thanks this.
  6. Zick

    Zick Bobtail Member

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    After looking into it, I think I'm going to give Jim Palmer a call! It seems much better for my situation than Swift. Thank you again!
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  7. Zick

    Zick Bobtail Member

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    I didn't hear why but I was denied from Jim Palmer. So I'm gonna look more deeply at the other options suggested and go from there.
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Jim Palmer is a relatively small company, so being denied could mean some minor issue such as another applicant lives closer to a freight lane or something similar.
     
  9. Zick

    Zick Bobtail Member

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    I appreciate you saying that! It probably was something like that, I've never gotten a ticket so.
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    One driver recently was rejected by Jim Palmer, but accepted by Prime.
    Jim Palmer is contracted to haul Prime freight and the owner of Jim Palmer and the owner of Prime have been friends for decades.
    Prime would probably hire you, but the big problem is their trucks are Eco trucks. Very small inside with no storage for the drivers personal belongings. If you want a cooler or refrigerator, the passenger seat has to be removed. Have to leave your clothes, computer, etc. in your duffle bag because there's no storage.
     
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