Looking for a CDL school (Indiana). How did you choose yours?

I'm looking to get my CDL and I was looking at schools listed on FMCSA's training provider registry, but there are multiple pages.

The community college route seemed appealing at first, but then I realize it's just all outsource contracted anyway. Vincennes University doesn't even list their CDL training on their website's navigation panel. I'm unable to get a hold of anyone at Vincennes University anyhow.

Anyhow, I'm just want to make sure I'm setup for success. I'm not too concerned about cost, I also have enough credit left on my GI Bill. I suppose if I failed that would be a burden, considering I will have to quit my current job to go to school.

How did you choose your training school? I understand the REAL training is with your companies trainer, but surely the CDL school is important.

 

Also, hi, I'm new

 

Greetings! And welcome to the Forum.

Schneider veteran here.

Latest gig: hazmat tanker duty, hauling fuel (gasoline, and diesel). But NOT with Schneider.

One strategy for answering your question: find the bride (or groom) first--then find the church.

Translation: figure out which carrier(s) for whom you'd most like to work (that do in fact hire and train rookies)--then find out from which community colleges/tech schools they best like to hire.

This can be found sometimes by visiting the carrier's website....or visiting a nearby terminal, and talking to the management there....or calling the company directly.

What city in Indiana are you nearest?

-- Lual

 

Ah, that's not a bad idea. I was thinking about contacting Old Dominion, but I honestly don't know who is who.

Indianapolis, but I can travel state wide.

 

Do you have any CDL-level driving experience from the military?

If so--how much? Doing what?

-- Lual

 

Many companies will give you credit (or partial credit) for military CDL driving experience.

But it all depends on how recent (or far back) this experience was.

I don't see where Old Dominion has any listing/links for preferred CDL schools on their website. Instead--I would suggest using their Facebook page...or the recruitment contact info on their Facebook page--to request info for a list of preferred CDL schools in your area:

ODFL People | Facebook

Any CDL school(s) they recommend to you should be fine for them--or any other carrier, for that matter.

In any case--be sure to pick a CDL course that has AT LEAST 160 hours credit in it. More than that...is of course even better.

Also: try to pick/get a school that still has manual transmissions in their truck fleet; that way--when you later test out for you CDL final exam, you won't have an auto restriction on your CDL.

-- Lual

 

No, I didn't drive in the military.

However, I did drive a 3-cylinder Daihatsu Hijet micro-cargo van in Japan. No special licensing needed though

 

Welcome,
Thank you for your service.

Getting your CDL is pretty easy with out to much out of pocket expense depending on which Avenue you take. But if your choosing to pay it between 7 and 14k depending on the school and endorsements.
If long term comittments don't bother you some compaines will hire you with a permit only. Train you and let you use the truck for the test. For a one year contract. With there company. I would highly and I do mean highly suggest if you go this route try and find a flat bed company.
I do think there is some kind of charge if you fail thou. But this is just one way.

 

You have a decent one right where you're at....Online / Frontiere Transport in Indi. They have their own school w/no contract. Regional freight.

 

Paid to train and a job when done.
CDL Apprentice-Local - Indianapolis, IN in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States