choosing school and other questions

If you're near Orlando you have a few options. Mid Florida Tech is the cheapest, costing around $2300 for 8 weeks of training. It's a good school but seats fill up quickly and new classes start every 3-4 weeks. Don't let the low price fool you, it's a good school and it's run by the Orange County school board. I don't believe they offer financing, so you'll have to pay the whole nut up front.

If you don't want to be in school for 8 weeks, or you miss the sign up deadline (that's what happened to me), I recommend TDI in Sanford. It's a 3 week course that will cost you $5,000 if you pay upfront (add $1,000 plus finance fees otherwise). Classes start every Monday so you can start whenever you want. Yes, it's a CDL mill, but they do a good job and you will pass the exam and receive your CDL providing you do your part.

 

That's going to be tough, but not insurmountable. No work history equals no proven responsibility on the job. Also, companies favor applicants who have longevity with employers and in your case you have nothing to show. If I were you, I'd be working on your references now, finding friends, family, neighbors, and even your pastor if you have one, that can vouch for you and give specific examples of how you are responsible, dependable, safe, and have a good work ethic.

I'd also be formulating in my mind how I'm going to answer the inevitable question that a trucking company is bound to ask: "How do we know that you're going to stick it out with us for the long haul?"

 

I don't know about Mid Florida Tech, but TDI will provide you with a stack of applications on the first day of class. They want you to complete as many as possible, as quickly as possible. Most of my classmates had one or more "pre-hires" before they completed the course.

As for Mid Florida Tech, they hold orientation once a week where you can ask questions. Visit their website to find out when it is http://www.mft.ocps.net/our_programs/transportation/index.html