Choosing the best school

Hello,
I went to Dootson Trucking School in Arcadia, CA. One on one instruction, no minimum hrs, learn at your own pace and take the driving test at DMV when you are ready.

They have several pre-paid packages starting at $865 or you can pay as you go. They also offer permit classes and pre-trip classes.

If you want more information just let me know.

Good luck.

 

They do offer job assistance. All the mega-carriers (Schneider, Swift, May, etc) will take you from Dootson. Some companies will NOT however, they want a minimum of 160 hrs at a school.

I got my CDL after 32.5 hrs at Dootson, 10 hrs of that was behind the wheel driving, with one-on-one instruction.

My total cost was $1800.

 

dhtrucker,

Stay away from Dootson. They get you your license and that's it. And Schneider won't hire you from there. Call their recruiters and tell them you took their 32.5 hours and you have your answer. May trucking requires 160 as well. Swift is the only one that will take you if you pass their test, although they claim they require 140 hours.

 

Hate to tell you this Paluche, but you are WRONG!!!

I have orientation set with May Trucking on Sept 11th.

I also received a pre-hire from Schneider, AND several others!

 

Kimberly Hard, recruiter for Schneider National, and i quote "160 hours is required."

Pre-hires mean nothing. You can get pre-hires without attending a school.

May trucking makes the exception like Swift. (my mistake)

 

AIT...If you don't mind paying a lot for school they do have a good program and placement. I have a thread on Financial Aid and it being bad for truck schools but that really comes down to you. They will offer you what you are looking for through

 

I would start here:

http://ptdi.org/

Since 1986, the PTDI has been working with the carriers, truck driver training schools, insurance industry, and government to make safety a national #1 priority in the trucking industry. PTDI is the first nonprofit organization to develop uniform skill performance, curriculum, and certification standards for the trucking industry and to award course certification to entry-level truck driver training courses and motor carrier driver-finishing programs. Our goals are to advance truck driver training, proficiency, and professionalism and to put quality drivers on the roads. PTDI works with carriers and schools throughout the certification process to obtain national recognition that their programs meet these standards. PTDI has been certifying entry-level truck driver training courses since 1989.