I don't know what to do next...

Who gave you a harsh comment and judgement? I hope you don't think my comment was harsh. If you are going to post a question, and the answers people give aren't what you like to hear, I'm sorry, but that's the way it is.

 

The drive axle lifted is a "tag" axle, and is lifted when empty (or light load) to save tires, brakes and one less axle on the toll roads.

 

Celadon CDL school is free plus they provide free lodging and 3 meals a day.

 

So many people on here push guys towards the megas for the path of least resistance. I'm going to a local tech school that allows me to pay in installments and I won't be stuck with a company for a year when I get out. Will my hiring options be limited? Sure, but at least I have some freedom.

 

But how much freedom is the question? Even going your route, you will still (more so than not) need a 6 month to 1 year commitment before jumping ship for greener pastures, because most wanna see that experience. Unfortunately the industry has made this situation a "6 in one" scenario for newbies....and there are few options around it (depending on what you wanna do in the future, or how you approach the present).
It's not my rule...I'm just the observant messenger.

 

I'm in a similar situation as the OP as far as being very indecisive in which company to go with and not being able to get a grant or loan for a school, and I have to say your post was about as spot on as it gets, and a very good insightful read. I do have a buddy that went to a private school that landed a local gig right out of school. However, I consider him to be an exception to the rule, because even though you hear people saying "drivers are in demand", and "companies that require experience are taking new CDL grads", people have to keep in mind that landing a local gig right out school and being put right into a truck is rare and lucky. I've also seen a lot of people pay cash to go to a private school and ultimately end up having to go OTR anyway, now in their defense they have the freedom to up and leave because they aren't stuck in a "contract" due to the company not putting them through school but in the end, I'm starting to look at it as, "I might just have to bite the bullet, suck it up, and go OTR for a year" then I can do whatever I want.

 

Any company that offers free training will require time with the company, would you teach someone a skill for free, just so they can leave and work for someone else? I surely would not, this you should expect, if you don't want to commit to a company, ask a family member to co-sign for a CDL school

 

So tell me what was it about Roadmaster you liked?Them denying you was a blessing in disguise and here's why.They offer a 3 to 4 week program,you could have got ripped off if you didn't pass.Have you did much if any research on schools?How's your credit you may be eligible for a school loan.Schools aren't cheap but why not get your moneys worth out of it.Six thousand for roadmaster is way too expensive.Now the other issue you have,what is wrong with signing a 1 yr contract with a trucking company?I heard Schneider is one of the best starter companies.You're afraid
you may not like it,well i'll tell you one thing if you don't like Schneider you won't like any company.So if going to a school isn't an option then you're going to have to go to company sponsored training.You need throw away the negativeity because otherwise you're going to find only things why you don't like the training rather then anything positive.

 

This is very true, when a friend of mine, who drove trucks for 25 years, only local, never been over the road, OTR companies told him he had zero experience, and would need to go with a trainer for a couple weeks

 

TLL, let me help your understanding as well as I can. This trucking thing is not easy. White Dog is pretty much telling you the truth. If you think the truth is harsh, just wait 'til you get in one or two of the millions of crazy situations drivers find themselves in all the time. So, there a lot of mega's that offer training, private schools abound (you might go out of town, rent a cheap room and still save money over that $6K figure you posted - high end, there) and you can do this. Page 2 - you'll have to commit to staying with it whatever comes your way, and believe me, you'll be challenged in ways you can't imagine yet. If you accept these things as a reasonable part of what you're doing, and don't stress too much, you should be just fine. It's a good, clean, necessary industry and you can make a good living if you can make that commitment. If a company will train you up to your CDL, put you in a $140K truck, and give you loads, you just say yes all the way to the bank.