Hearing horror stories....

Maybe a smaller outfit, but none of the big ones will touch you without the schooling through an accredited school.

 

An accredited school helps many companies lower their insurance costs as well.

 

That would be a good idea. Personally, if you are learning from someone that is teaching you really well, it will be a better education than you will get in any of the schools. Too bad the companies and insurance companies don't see it that way.

 

You might want to review the FMCSA Regulations section on employers hiring entry level drivers (Part 380.505: Proof of training). It would be pretty tough any employer big or small to bypass these regulations. Even for carriers that offer their own training, they must have an approved program. I understand even tougher regs regarding training are to be proposed this spring.
I dont think your 1 on 1 training will be a waste, but I would start shopping schools

 

Actually you are better off going this route. No mega-carrier will touch you unless you have gone through an accredited school. This is good because now you are forced to go with a good, smaller, more reputable company. You have done well. Plus I bet you didn't pay this guy $6000 to learn to drive either! I would at least try to stick it out with this guy for at least a year. This will greatly improve your chances. Welcome to the forum and good luck to you!

 

That is true by the book,and maybe true in other ways,but,cmon now,I have been doing this OTR thing for 7 years,and if there is one thing I have learned,there is always a loophole,and if not,time to be the outlaw,whatever,but I basically taught myself to drive a Big Truck..,(farming background)& having a older brother show me the "ropes"who has been OTR &Regional since 1974 didnt hurt either,but,when I started,I NEVER had a problem finding a truck and trailer to go somewhere in the U.S.,granted,maybe the "mega carriers" would not even touch me now,but from the folks I have talked to on the road,and from what I have read here....,well,that in itself is enough to go to church tomorrow,and thank the Almighty Spirit.........Every once in a while,-I get lucky..

 

I wouldn't worry too much about it. I got my CDL-A without formal training (nearly a week ago so this isn't some story from yesteryear). I'm not the least bit concerned if a super-carrier won't hire me. If things don't pan out with the company who's training me (it should, but if there's no work, there's no work), I'll find another small outfit or find something else to do.

It won't hurt my feelings to work on a dock for a while, or labor as part of the job in order to get my foot in the door.

The job search might be more difficult- the small outfits may not advertise, and aren't hiring 24/7. You'll have to make calls, burn some shoe-leather, and fill out applications but it is possible to do. Persistence and following up will be key. Networking won't hurt either. If the company training you doesn't have enough work for you, maybe they know someone who does.

I certainly wouldn't pay for "formal training." A piece of paper won't replace a road test anyhow.

In closing, I'll share some advice I got shortly after I passed the state test: "Congratulations on getting your license, now all you've got to do is learn how to drive."