Indentured Servitude or $6,000?

I have watched a lot of Russian 'crash' videos in an attempt to learn how to drive a truck, especially one with no brakes. From watching YouTube, I am convinced none of their trucks have brakes.

 

I keep seeing posts on here about guys wanting to get their CDL and willing to go to months long classes/schools/colleges for $3,000 and now apparently $6,000 to basically get help passing the tests and have tractor trailer training...that's a lot of money when you start without having a job to begin with.

Nobody's got 6 thousand dollars laying around when you are thinking about becoming a driver as the last resort job.

Are CDL schools really gauging new potential drivers like this?

 

"Table dances", better yet, take 10 hr. breaks at Oriental Massage Parlors that have truck parking.
Here's a few to check & they all hire new cdl grads. Some may have "experience required" on the websites because the websites aren't up to date. Apply to as many as you want then take the best offer. Submit applications during the first week of school.

Universal Truckload - flatbed & van
Halvor Lines - flatbed & van & reefer
Tyson Foods - reefer
Magnum Ltd. - reefer (apu equipped)
Abilene Motor Express - reefer & van (apu equipped)
Freymiller - reefer (company driver or LO)(apu equipped)
Wil-Trans - reefer ( company driver or LO)(apu equipped)
Melton Truck Lines - flatbed (apu equipped)
System Transport - flatbed (apu equipped)

 

I almost enrolled in a school up n michigan this past summer and talked to Schneider with the intent of doing company with them for 6 months at 27cpm and than getting into their Choice lease program for 1 year.

My dad had some health problems so I put it off.

Recently Got approved for school and hire by Henderson and I think this company training program will put me money ahead after my 1 st year.

Their company training program sounds like the least painfull and most accommodating compared to others I have looked at.

After that hope to buy a old truck and lease on with mercer or landstar.

 

The highest number I have seen so far was $10,500 from a CC that had no classes scheduled. At that low, low price, I cannot imagine why a line was not forming out the door. Without a set class schedule, I would not consider them unless it was free and I literally had no other options. The Sage quote at $5,800 is not too bad I think. They do 1 on 1 driver training which I think is huge (lots of time holding a wheel in reverse). Also, tell a prospective carrier you are considering Sage, and they know those who complete the course have top notch training and it definitely gets their attention.

That said, there is no substitute for experience and one of the things I am considering is going through the Swift Academy for training and then see if Schneider does offer me something. There was another thread on here that indicated people can do the Swift Academy with no obligation to drive for Swift. I still find that hard to believe, but if true I may go that route and pay Swift $3,900 for their program. I have read their Academy provides really good training.

 

Henderson has a good reputation. Their new trucks arriving are set up nice for the driver.

 

CT, I already have half of those companies in a spreadsheet I am compiling but will add the rest, thanks.

I think I'll stick with my table dances, thank you very much. I don't think I'll make enough money to frequent Oriental Massage Parlors and I'm not sure if my Penicillin Shots are up to date either.

 

There's no community colleges in CT that offer driver training that I have found. I'd look into Allstate in Seymour & Newington. They offer 1 on 1 training which really appeals to me. Where in CT are you?

 

I was leaning towards Prime for a company training program but they would not hire out of Florida and their program was looooonnnnggggg.

I know Henderson is associated with Prime but I think Henderson s program is one of the best

You have a link for the info on Hendersons new trucks Chinatown?

 

I'm not; I abbreviated 'Chinatown' to 'CT' because I was too lazy to type it out fully the first time.