Im New and I need advise on obtaining my CDL

Do something else! This was the worst mistake of my life! $100,000 in and I have managed to pay off over 60k of it but this industry is for the birds. If you go in with the right people maybe it good but that is usually not what I here. If you do it I have a 2004 387 Pete I would sell ya anytime you want. 25,000 and its yours. Honestly, good luck trust almost no one. Have more that one person who review any contracts,leases etc. BEFORE YOU SIGN. There are a many better ways to make a living.

 

Or don't run right out and buy a truck if you have no idea how the business works...

 

Schneider requires you to have a CDL to start now, but will train you to be a truck driver and will reimburse your training if you completed training through a college accredited school. Contact a recruiter for details. PAM runs a school here in Ohio; I know a young man that received his CDL through them and is now on his fourth day on the road with his trainer. Check Swift also to see if they are currently running their school.

Most companies you have to agree to work for them for 6 mos- 1year... GOOD OR BAD EXPERIENCE... You are still expected to stay and if you leave prior to that it is a BREACH OF CONTRACT in most cases.

You need to think about this REAL GOOD because it is a serious COMMITMENT not a game. This is not an easy life nor will you make tons of money; but is a respectable job.

Try to avoid getting suckered in by super truckers bragging they are making $150-250-500K a year driving truck; their not taking but a fraction of that home.
Read old posts on this forum and you will figure it out.

Good luck in your decision.

 

You might make 20k after taxes your first year. After realizing everything cost 5x to much out on the road and paying bills you would be right where you started with no money wanting to be a driver and then the 2nd year comes around if you are still out here driving and your bank account might start showing positives instead of negatives.

 

It takes some time to get everything set up: Physicals, background checks, drug screens, scheduling of classes, etc. Not to mention most will not talk to you till you turn 22; may be a few will, but I don't know of any.

Airfare?? GET USE TO GREYHOUND. I know some companies that run schools have housing (Prison cells) on their facilities.

 

tmb04 if you're dead set on this career give Millis a shot judging by some of the post on their forum 1st year drivers do ok