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Looking for advice on schooling...

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by TheGolden0z, Mar 16, 2010.

  1. Mar 16, 2010 #1
    TheGolden0z

    TheGolden0z Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Mar 16, 2010
    Easton, Ma
    0
    Hi everyone... I am looking at getting into the trucking field CDL Class A and have a few questions.

    I am looking at NETTTS and Parker schools. NETTTS has a 480 and 160 hour course, while Parker has a 120 hour course. I am leaning towards the 480 at NETTTS. Although i do have a lot of experience driving a single car trailer I am going into this very green when it comes to tractor trailers. Could someone who doesn't know much at all about driving the big-rigs possibly enter the field confidently with only 120 or even 160 hours of training? Even if i were able to pass the test with that training i want to go into this knowing as much as possible, really know the trucks, rules and regs, etc... and feel confident about myself.

    Also i have noticed some negative feedback about NETTTS on this forum but they are the only one with the 480 hour course. Is there anyone that can give me some feedback on their opinion of Parker vs. NETTTS?

    Thanks in advance for the feedback! Have a good day =)
     
    TheGolden0z, Mar 16, 2010
    TheGolden0z, Mar 16, 2010
    #1
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  3. Mar 16, 2010 #2
    rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    A lot depends on actual wheel time, especially with backing skills.

    I went to a 160 school. There was not near enough time to really get comfrotable with certain backing skills.
     
    rich_t, Mar 16, 2010
    rich_t, Mar 16, 2010
    #2
  4. Mar 16, 2010 #3
    nascarchuck

    nascarchuck Road Train Member

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    Sep 2, 2008
    DFW, TX
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    I hope to be attending my local community college in May.

    I was told by the guy running the program that even though it is a 160 hour course, if graduation day rolls around and a student is uncomfortable in a certain area such as 45° backing, they can stick around and get more practice after the course is over with for no extra charge.

    I have talked to a few guys that have gone through the course including one guy I have worked with for 20 years and all say that they guy running the show is a straight shooter and that this is a really good course.
     
    nascarchuck, Mar 16, 2010
    nascarchuck, Mar 16, 2010
    #3
  5. Mar 16, 2010 #4
    phroziac

    phroziac Road Train Member

    3,138
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    Jun 16, 2009
    Gary, IN
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    Before i went to truck driving school, i had similar experience to you. Had pulled boat trailers up to 20' total length. It doesn't compare at all. The only advantage i had on other students was i knew which way to turn the wheel. The size of the trailer makes a huge difference. Even a 45' trailer handles far differently from a 53'
     
    phroziac, Mar 16, 2010
    phroziac, Mar 16, 2010
    #4
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