Getting CDL Training in Arizona

This is another way to go. The LTL companies will sometimes take dock guys and train them to be drivers. At one point last year, Estes was putting office people through CDL training because they needed drivers and they had some management turmoil.

There's a LTL and local forum on here where you can ask questions.

Just avoid the two Centrals and you should be good with any other LTL, some better than others. Most will hire dock people from time to time. If you let them know you're studying for a permit that won't hurt.

IIRC, Old Dominion requires more than the usual 160-hour class to hire from school, it's either 180 or 200 hours.

IMO, a driver is much more hireable --if they want to branch out-- with specialised experience. I was talking with a company owner who does a certain oilfield tanker, they remarked on the different kinds of tankers I already had experience with with less than a year, and stated that if I could do those then I could do the ones they use.

A lot of it is showing that you're a good hand.

 

Lol, That will keep him busy for awhile.

 

I'm from Tucson, when i decided to get my CDL after I let it lapse I went through Knight's school in Phoenix. It was two weeks after a 3 1/2 - 4 day orientation. You're off on the weekends. Any short program is just enough to get you a CDL A you really start learning your craft when you go out with a trainer. I worked for Knight for about a year in their port services fleet. 5 days and off weekends. I made around 700 a week take home. I left on good terms.

 

A little more about Knights school. If you live in Phoenix or the surrounding suburbs driving to school is an option, otherwise like me, you'll be in a motel on your dime for a minimum of 10 days I drove home on the weekends. Lunch can be purchased at the terminal, really decent food. The wait for a trainer can be long and frustrating Cost when I went was $3000 + housing + meals.( lunch & dinner). I've heard it's gone up.Best of luck on your decision.

 

Good information-Thank you!

 

If your unemployed or underemployed, look for a WIOA Office near you and see if they have any funds available to pay for your training. It is a grant, you don't have to repay it. Good luck.

 

Thank you.

 

Thanks so much for this advice. I looked into and was approved for the WIOA grant which I had never heard of until your post. I enrolled in school and yesterday afternoon I passed my CDL exam!

 

Which companies are you gonna apply for

 

I have pre-hire letters from Covenant, Stevens, May and Werner. I'll pick one and work for them 6 months to a year for the learning experience and then move on.