Company choices for me

DOT physical done. No issues.

Continuing to study for permit.

 

Wilson recruiter called. Conversation was going well until we talked about home time. They have local routes out of Springfield area, so that was why I took a chance on applying there. But he said I would be otr and home every 2-3 weeks or more. Not often enough, so that ended that. He got off the line rather quickly after that (don't blame him, his sale was gone). Appreciate him laying it out without sugar coating.

 

Maverick recruiter finally called. She talked with me quite a bit. Everything seems in order with app, etc. She went over orientation, training, pay, home time, etc.
I had questions. She answered them. She wants me to call again Tuesday (I will). They have regional routes in my hiring area. She said most weekends home time, but there would be 6-8 weeks a year where is might be longer. I'm ok with that (and I realize that recruiter info needs to be taken with a grain of salt). She also said that they have occasional boat hauling routes in my area that get home more often. One may come open in the future, or summer may bring a temporary need for additional drivers.

They have paid cdl training with the choice of a 1 or 2 yr contract (promissory note). The total cost of training is like $6k-7k, but by paying a certain amount weekly for the contract duration, only around $3k would be paid back and the remainder paid by Maverick.
The promissory note is signed after orientation. So if at any time after that, I were to not get hired (fail CDL test, not complete training for some issue, etc.), the entire promissory note is due.
That helped me finally decide to go with private school for my cdl. She said when I get my CDL, they would start me as a trainee, not a student. That sounds great.

I will be calling 160 Driving Academy back on Monday and see if I can get my school start date set up for around the beginning of August.

I will also be getting an application in with TMC.

 

Enrolled at 160 Driving Academy with an Aug 10 start date. Their first week is classroom (virtual) that will get you ready to get the permit. Take the permit test Thur of that first week. The following 3 weeks are with a training driver to get you ready for the CDL. I asked about what if I had the permit already and it basically means that first week can be with the training driver also. More truck time sounds good to me. I may try to finish studying for the permit and take the test locally before school starts.

Got an email from the Maverick recruiter saying I was all set for my Pre-Employment Evaluation to begin CDL school. I sent her an email letting her know I was taking a local driving school. She had told me before they just change my status from CDL sponsorship student to trainee (come in fresh from getting a CDL). Will call her next week and get everything squared away and hopefully get a trainee start date set up.