Currently in school Need help with what company to start with..

I'm thrilled to finally be understood, after all these years.

 

IDK, I'd just say suck it up and get it done. I was 59 when I went out with a trainer. First week I didn't do so good adjusting to be around someone in close quarters and it was a real pain in the neck. BUT, after a week, took myself out of the truck for a night and had a chance to chill. After that, I was able to see past all the things that had driven me stupid and looked at what my trainer had to offer. My trainer was a crazy, crude, gruff 64 year old Mexican who had been driving for 16 years and training most of that time. He also had a heart of gold. Once I got past that first week, I actually had a great time and learned a lot. God we laughed so much and I will always look back with fond memories. I also had a valuable opportunity to see how someone who has been doing this for 16 years does it. What was important, what wasn't, what to consider, what not to bother with, etc. The things that time and experience teach. I was able to glimpse those things, not 'just' how to run loads.
Anyway, please consider the following before you insist on not going out with a trainer:
1. It is only temporary. It will pass and you will get through it.
2. If you get a decent trainer, they can teach you things that will make this all a lot easier to do!
3. Most likely, you will gain a valuable resource to draw upon once you get out on your own. I called and talked with my trainer several times after I was out on my own for advice and information that helped when in a situation I wasn't quite sure how to handle. My trainer retired a few months after he finished with me. I was his second to last trainee and I miss not being able to get ahold of him.

Anyway, you don't state what, if any, previous experience doing all this you had. If you do have recent experience, you're probably not going to really need a trainer anyway. But, if you don't have any recent experience, you are going to make it a lot harder and more difficult on yourself by skipping the time with a trainer. That's the point and why all these companies have a trainer program to begin with. If you think you can do just fine without that, and without experience before you jump out there solo, I don't know what to say. Just, I'd advise against it. Do a trainer, it is worth the ordeal.

PS. I'd like to add that I live in a place that is about 80% Mexican and my Mother-In-Law's maiden name is Garcia. I have absolutely no prejudices with Mexicans or their culture. The way I phrased this, might be interpreted as being such. I definitely am not.

 

I understand you're ready to get out there, but the desire to hurry anything in trucking is a deadly mentality. If it takes 4 weeks or 8 weeks, get that training. You'll achieve your goals, OP, but be patient and pay attention to details. Also to touch on the 1099 thing.....you're trying to hurry up to get money. Doesn't exist in trucking, or anywhere for that matter. One thing at a time, and you will be fine.

 

I was with my trainer for about a month and a half. But, about a week of that was hometime while my trainer took some time off. I had to log 200 hours of driving, perform 40 backings and probably a few other things. My first 50 hours of driving, my trainer had to be in the front seat 'observing' me. After that, we mostly ran as a team and basically I ran days and he ran nights. So, there was a significant amount of time I was driving and he was sleeping in his bunk. Lots of folks seem to have a 'not so good' experience with a trainer. But, after my first difficult week to get my head on straight, it really was a good experience. Like I said, we laughed a lot!!!
Good Luck to you!

 

Make sure to keep up with the IRS as a 1099 Independent Contractor. They WILL take your "stack of cash" and or that piece of land!

 

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think with Schneider there was something different with their training than with most other training companies. They came to recruit at my Community College in 2018 when I was going to CDL school. I think they train you for 14 days and then let you go solo? And during those 14 days they might even put you up in a hotel, rather than sleeping in the bunk beds in the truck with your trainer? Or maybe it was 5 days out and sleep in the bunk beds, then the weekend home, and repeat that for 3 weeks total to get to 14 or 15 days total training, which at that point you upgrade to your own truck?

Again I remember specifically Schneider doing their training differently than any other training company I've ever heard of but I can't remember the specifics. Might be good for what OP's looking for.