Looking for some help for a newbie

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by HD_Renegade, Jan 3, 2011.

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  1. Jan 3, 2011 #1
    HD_Renegade

    HD_Renegade Road Train Member

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    I am new to looking into over the road driving. I am use to using boards like this and I know a lot of people post the same thing too. I have been trying to read a lot, but it does tend to get a little confussing too.

    A few questions that some of you might be able to help with:
    Can you folks recommend a company to work and train to get a CDL with or is this a bad thing?

    If you were starting out, what company would you look at or look into?

    I have read a lot of people talking SAGE for school, are they that good, or should I look at a few others?

    I am a middle age guy in my 40's with a clean licnese. Looking into starting something new in life. O'ya, single no kids, and no pets, so I am pretty free to do what I want to.

    Thank you for any help you can give,

    Bob
     
    HD_Renegade, Jan 3, 2011
    HD_Renegade, Jan 3, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jan 3, 2011 #2
    TWHMan

    TWHMan Light Load Member

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    I would recommend a community college if you're still working a job or even on unemployment. They will teach you right and give you plenty of time to practice. Six months of training versus three weeks is really easy to figure out.
     
    TWHMan, Jan 3, 2011
    TWHMan, Jan 3, 2011
    #2
  4. Jan 3, 2011 #3
    HD_Renegade

    HD_Renegade Road Train Member

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    I currently have a full time job that I am sure pays more the OTR, but I would like a change, and I have thought about doing OTR for over 20 years. I think I would like to do something like a 3 to 5 week class for the CDL, but as I said I am new to this and I am looking for input from people that have gone down this road.

    thank you,
     
    HD_Renegade, Jan 3, 2011
    HD_Renegade, Jan 3, 2011
    #3
  5. Jan 3, 2011 #4
    American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    Go to a Private school, there are tons of them here in NC. I went to Charlotte Truck Driver Training School AND Trans Tech (more comomly known as Charlotte Diesel Driving School. Both Schools where alright, but More Companies Hire out Of Charlotte Truck Driver Training School, it cost a little bit more but its worth it. Both are 4 week corses. And both are Under $3000


    For Companies out of NC.....If you want Dry vans and your GOOD out of school and confident you can go out solo right away, Check out Watkins Shepard, its who I drive for. If your looking for Flatbeds Look into Maverick or if your to far east for them look into TMC. If your looking for Refeers look into KLLM (JUST DONT SIGN A LEASE!)


    I wouldnt recomend company training, as your stuck with them, and if for some reason if doesnt work out either on your end or theres you get stuck with a HUGE bill! And they will take advantage of the fact they know you cant quit without getting a big bill......



    DO Lots of research and try to find a company and a school that meets your needs.





    American Trucker
     
    American-Trucker, Jan 3, 2011
    American-Trucker, Jan 3, 2011
    #4
    HD_Renegade Thanks this.
  7. Jan 3, 2011 #5
    TWHMan

    TWHMan Light Load Member

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    So nice to get blown off by someone wanting help. They're going to love you on the road.
     
    TWHMan, Jan 3, 2011
    TWHMan, Jan 3, 2011
    #5
    PurpleKW Thanks this.
  8. Jan 3, 2011 #6
    PurpleKW

    PurpleKW Medium Load Member

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    Now THAT'S hilarious!!! Don't sweat it, TWHMan, your time will come when ya pass this hero upside-down in a ditch... :biggrin_25523:
     
    PurpleKW, Jan 3, 2011
    PurpleKW, Jan 3, 2011
    #6
  9. Jan 3, 2011 #7
    TWHMan

    TWHMan Light Load Member

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    No worries here, just giving the man a chance. But he is in that area of NC we don't consider the best and brightest.
     
    TWHMan, Jan 3, 2011
    TWHMan, Jan 3, 2011
    #7
  10. Jan 4, 2011 #8
    PurpleKW

    PurpleKW Medium Load Member

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    Ironically, I received my first "driving award" in a big truck near Waynesville... many years ago. Was still in training, no less... the revenue collector said I didn't slow down fast enough when the speed limit dropped 10 m.p.h. (didn't feel like standing on my brake with wet pavement downgrade and a four-wheeler passing on the left). Needless to say, I donated to the Waynesville Revenue Collectors' "Widows & Orphans Fund"---which means I bought the beer for their annual picnic, 10-4? :biggrin_25525:
     
    PurpleKW, Jan 4, 2011
    PurpleKW, Jan 4, 2011
    #8
  11. Jan 4, 2011 #9
    HD_Renegade

    HD_Renegade Road Train Member

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    A lot of info there and thank you. I am in Western NC

    Bob
     
    HD_Renegade, Jan 4, 2011
    HD_Renegade, Jan 4, 2011
    #9
  12. Jan 4, 2011 #10
    HD_Renegade

    HD_Renegade Road Train Member

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    TW - I was honestly not trying to blow you off at all. I am just not looking for a 6 month training thing. Sorry that I was not clear about that with my original post. I thank you and everyone for your opinions, I am open to job ones bad ones what ever you folks have to say. You are the people that have been down this road, so I really would like to hear the good and the bad.

    Respectfully,

    Bob
     
    HD_Renegade, Jan 4, 2011
    HD_Renegade, Jan 4, 2011
    #10
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