I live in Ruston, Louisiana and am trying desperately to decide which company to go with. I know that there are pros and cons to every company but any advice would be appreciated. A little about me, I am single and don't mind being away from home for extended periods, in fact, I welcome it. I fully expect to have to pay my dues as a newbie with any company and I am certainly willing to do so. I'm not one to gripe and complain about every little issue and expect a certain amount of bureaucracy. Company sponsored training is my only option at this point. I want to do this, I have done a fair amount of research and completely understand the terms of the sponsorship program. I am currently leaning toward Stevens in Dallas, Texas. If you attended Stevenson's training in Dallas, please share your experience with me. Thanks in advance for all the great advice and experiences!!!
??Company Sponsored Training - Which to Choose??
Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by LouisianaNewbie, Jul 5, 2011.
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I too am looking at company sponsored training (as it is my only option as well)
From what I have read, Stevens seems like a great school. The only thing that seemed troublesome to me was that they require you to leave your truck at one of their terminals during your home time, which could be an issue of u don't live close to one.
I was wondering what other schools/companies have you looked into if any? -
I'm also looking for co. sponsored training. reading the posts on this site has got me confused as hell. some are good some are bad. i realize every company is gonna have bad posts about it cause its impossible to please everyone. I was looking at stevens transport or tmc they use a school called mtc in hazelwood mo. Pretty much every review or post i have read says they suck. the accomadations are bad, the instructors have no knowledge, they dont have enough equipment to support the # of students and etc. some please let me know what you think
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I did a lot of research on schools (company paid & private) and found that, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Got a return from CR England, the recruiter sent me an email that essentially said, show up on this date and here is what to bring. I was able to get one response regarding accommodations, I would be sharing a motel room with a stranger for the next three weeks. I looked up the motel online and found it to be very dingy, not to mention sleeping in a bed next to a complete stranger, could be a thief, have mental problems, etc. I followed up with a few more questions, but never got a response, aside for a coke can response of, "great to hear from you, see you on Monday".
Decided if it's this difficult to communicate with this company before they've placed a $3,000 loan on my credit, I can only imagine how it will be if I went to work for them.
I will say, I never did attend their school, nor did I go to work for them, so I can only speak to my experience in the pre-hire stage. I read a lot of bad post on the web regarding this and other companies, but I like to keep an open mind, as there are a lot more people that will get online to throw sand, than people that are happy that will take the time.
I decided to pay for the school myself and enrolled at California Truck Driving Academy (CTDA), in Santa Ana, Ca. It's a bit of a drive (95 miles each way), but the class had some good reviews, was listed on a few company websites as an approved training facility, so I went for it.
Been attending since last Monday and have to say I am pleased thus far with the training I'm receiving. This school is not some, "get you your license in a week" school, this is an actual Academy. No note taking is allowed! Their thought process is simple, you're not going to have a note book in your right hand as you drive, you have to know it like the back of your hand. I'm not only learning what is needed to pass the written (took General, Combo and Airbrakes this morning, passed first go), they are teaching us what to expect once we get out in the industry. We never know what time class will start or end, we receive a text the night before telling us what time to be at class and even then, we are sometimes required to sit and wait. Takes a little getting used to, but I'm starting to see their reasoning, as this is what you will be doing once you're out getting loads, hurry up and wait.
CTDA is not for everyone, but I would recommend it so far, I'll keep you posted as I progress, as we begin driving day after tomorrow.
Oh yeah, I read a post on this school from 2009 that questioned what type of equipment they use; they have late model Macks, 53', 48', 28', Class B, etc. Trucks and Trailers appear to be in excellent condition.
I'd say, do your research in your area and attend a private school that teaches the fundamentals, as opposed to the, "we'll get you licensed with no skills schools" and beware of the company sponsored deal. CR England was $3000 financed at 18%, they'd pay it off over two years of full time employment with them.
Just my three cents.
Regards. -
Im also looking for training and just move From MD to AZ. I have to wait till 23 to go with Swift wich is in two months. My birthday October 1 but I'm tired of sitting around waiting. From research I honestly think its better to go to school so you won't have to go through the BS of being with a trainer for forever and then owing ya Rookie ##### to a company for however long the contract is.
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As to the company owning you, this happens when you get your CDL through them. If you come in already having your CDL they no longer own you.
These are my understandings and I am sure if I am wrong someone will correct me. -
Yea I don't really wanna be with a trainer for more than a month. But living in Mesa and all the training courses are in Phoenix they start too early in the morning. I'm looking at Central Refrigerated because they start trainees off after school at 450 a week wich is better than swifts 300 a week.
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I would choose a local community college where you can get FASFA funding if you are eligible.
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This thread was created a month ago, but for people looking for similar advice, here's a blog page that helped me a ton when I began my process of deciphering between paid training companies: http://www.truckingtruth.com/free_truck_driving_schools/homepage2.html
Last edited: Aug 3, 2011
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Howdy folks, sorry about the typo in user name, new to all this eletronic age. Any way, I also am looking for a company sponsored driving school. I live here on the east coast near savannah GA and was hoping to find something nearby. know of any??
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