Looking for some advice on getting CDL training.

How many hours is the school?
Many drivers attend schools with weekend classes and have no trouble finding work at graduation.

 

Its not the length of time that it takes to get a CDL that counts, but rather whether or not you pass. Whether you took 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year to get a CDL companies will still hire you if your qualified and that's what really counts. What is more important is that you have a clean driving record that will count more than lacking experience driving Tractor Trailers. You could even get in touch with some transport companies in advance tell them about your goal and ask if they would have any issues with hiring a person who was trained at such and such CDL school. All the best future OTR driver.

 

You should ask the school where their graduates have been hired, and follow up with those companies that offer the type of work you might be interested in, to confirm this. Or if you've already identified companies you're interested in, ask if they hire inexperienced drivers who trained at this school.

But the first thing you need to do is make sure this school is registered as meeting the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards. Training Provider Registry

 

You wont have a problem finding a job if you pay out of pocket. Lots of companies go to the private schools to recruit people anyway. I got my first job from a small company who came to the school to talk.

I wouldn't get involved in one of those contracts where you have to work for a year to pay it off. You'll make more money at a smaller company which would make up for that small loss. Plus you really dont want to get stuck with a mega carrier who will treat you like crap.

 

You should be more concerned about finding someplace with a good reputation for skills you need to be successful and safe. Make that the priority. Preferably one near mountain where you learn to handle almost 80,000 lbs going down a 6% grade. Some companies offer schooling with tuition reimbursement. Something to consider. Then find a company that has good equipment preferably newer not older than 3 years old and a good safety record because driving a piece of s*** that breaks down on you all the time it's just a lose-lose.