Looking for advice

At least you are going about this the right way.Good luck finding a school that you won`t come out of pocket to get started.Have you checked any community colleges?I`m not sure how many still have grant money available.

 

This is really getting to be difficult, to advise any new drivers on where to go to start anymore with where things are.

 

Covenant used to take newbies. Of course they are one of the worst companies to work for I have heard of based on pairing up trainees to continue the training program.

Not sure about US Xpress.

Could also look at USA Truck.

I think Prime has a training program as well.

If I think of any other newbie companies that will train or offer tution reimbursement I will post them here.

I cannot vouch for the quality of any of the companies I have listed, just that they may have in house training available.

 

Here is the deal with Swift. I went thru their school in August. They require a $150 sitting fee, and then you sign a contract for $3900. What they do, is take out $70 out of your check each week for 13 months from the time you go solo, and they repay you $35/week for 26 months from the time you go solo. So actually, they are only taking out $35/week. Now if you choose to go O/O with them, you forfit your half of the tuition reimbursement, and you owe the tab on their half.

You can leave after 13 months, and everything is covered. you dont owe a dime. You just wont get your schooling for free if you dont make it to 26 months.

NOW for the bad news. From what i hear thru the grapevine, students going to school now will be allowed to complete the school, same with students going into orientation. They might still leave a few schools open, however Swift is not hiring any new drivers till April. That time table might change in a week or two, but that is what i am hearing now. There are so many students still starting out with their 42-days of on road training, that we are going to be saturated with students in a month.

I went via Swift, because I wanted a company willing to teach me to get my CDL. if i got on with them, great, if not, i would have got on with someone else. I'm using Swift as a stepping stone. In a year, i will see how things are. if i am happy, i stay. if i'm not....i split. its that simple.

 

As has been mentioned, now is not a good time to start trucking. However, if nothing else is available to you, welcome aboard. Just realize, you won't make much. Veterans aren't making much right now.

 

I was just on the phone with Millis. I am starting the training with them Feb. 16th in Wisconsin.
I am very much looking forward to starting a new career after 25 years in construction. Been working my tail off running my own business only to have this latest economy find me fighting to stay afloat.
Always wanted to get back on the road since in my early years I was a roadie for a band that practically stayed out on the road.
If anyone has any advice for me please let me know
Thanks

 

I would keep looking for companies. The way things are out here, the quicker you can get into a seat the better. My gut tells me that these newbie programs will pretty much all shut down on the first of the year. I have never seen it this bad out here.

Mike

 

Just a HEADS up for you. Where ever you decide to go to school or training make sure they teach you on MANUAL transmissions. I have heard of many a student learning on auto shifts and when they leave that company for greener pastures they cant get work cuz they cant work a manual trans. Like I said just a heads up.

 

you also might try "roehl",what what i heard from my recruiter,"wade",they are still hiring and scheduling training clases for march,2009.i'm set to attend roehl school,feb2009.they also have a "honor program"for us vets,ask the recruiter...

 

I'll be starting school with Swift in Lewiston, on Jan. 12th......They offered me three different school starting times: Dec. 29, Jan 12, or Jan 29.
Hope it doesn't all go to h*** before then.