Lost

Ideally I wouldn't sign a lease anywhere until I was ready to move to that area and then, possibly, it would be to buy a really cheap place somewhere. I'm not sure how problematic it is going to be getting a job where I am now though.

I'm having trouble locating a school to even go to right now as they are all out of the area. Its disillusioning to think about paying $5000+ for a school for 2-6 weeks of training when I read tons and tons of people saying the schools only train you enough to meet DMV requirements and you get the REAL training once you start otr somewhere.

 

I have a feeling ALOT of other drivers have been in your shoes. Its rough. Tough to stay focused when someone is watching every move you make. Hang in there man, you got past the testing so you are a step up already.

I checked for local community colleges but there are none that offer CDL training anywhere around here.

I very briefly spoke with a semi local place today. I'll be speaking with them tomorrow, its about an hours drive each way though. Not too bad, it will save me money on hotels atleast. The cost is high at $4375 though. Hopefully I can find a company that will reimburse some of the schooling tuition once I get hired on somewhere. Class starts next Monday and its a five week course. I saw one of there trucks, its an older truck and trailer. I would guess early 1990's Volvo truck. It is a full sized tandem axled truck with sleeper and tandem trailer though. Not a little daycab with short box trailer.

I'll post up some more info on the school when I find out more tomorrow. It may help someone else out down the line.

 

Decision is made to press on. I'll be talking to someone in the local unemployment center (a program through Goodwill Ind. I think) tomorrow morning. I was informed by the CDL school that people in my county regularly were able to get the WIA to pay for the entire cost of the school and that I would be a good candidate for it. That would be a huge financial burden lifted off my shoulders, even if it only paid for a portion. I was told by the Goodwill gal on the phone the program roughly takes 3-5 weeks, could be more or less. If it doesn't seem promising after speaking with them in person tomorrow I'll just have the take the $$$$$ hit ($4375 for school +DMV fees, drug test, TWIC, FAST card, etc.) and enroll in school. Next class starts July 7th and its a five week program (one week in class, four weeks hands on).

I need to be out of my current place by July 1st and I have two months I can stay at my mothers place. After that I'll be needing to find something else. Hopefully I'll have a clear vision of how much longer it will be before getting a job in the industry at that point.

Progress so far isn't much:
Passed DOT physical unless something in the urine analysis isn't right- I have no reason to believe anything is wrong though.
Started studying the CDL practice tests
General knowledge test is averaging 94-100% on the 50 questions test
Airbrake endorsement is averaging 94-100% on the 25 questions test
Double/ Triple trailers endorsement is averaging 80-95% on the 20 questions test
Combinations Vehicles is averaging 90-100% on the 20 questions test

I'll be studying the HAZMAT and Tanker endorsements this week.

Since I have atleast two weeks before the school begins again, I was thinking I would go to the DMV and get the permit test knocked off the to do list.

Can I return the DOT physical paperwork to the DMV without the UA results, and do so when I go in to take the permit test? Who issues the medical card, DMV or the Dr.'s office?

Do you guys know if I can take all of the endorsement tests at the same time as the permit? Or do I need to wait until I have the CDL to do those?
At what point do you apply for the TWIC and FAST card? I'd like to hit the ground running when I'm done with schooling so the more I can do now, the more I can concentrate on getting a job later.

 

I just got back from the WIA meeting. Was a basic introductory consultation. For those that don't know, or might be interested in the process, it looks kind of like this:

Go in, fill out some general disclaimer paperwork.
Meet with a representative and go over a basic outline of the program.
Have a couple packets of paperwork I brought home to fill out.
Need to register with a couple different gov. websites and fill out more of their online forms. Print and bring back with me.
I am required to attend two different workshops. I will be attending them in the next two days if I don't have any snags in the paperwork, otherwise it will be pushed back two weeks as that is their rotation of workshop scheduling.
Friday I have a second level consultation/ evaluation I am scheduled for- as long as I can complete the paperwork and attend both of the workshops. I believe this is with a panel of people that interview you, though I am not entirely sure at this point.
I have to write a short paper telling them why I want to be working in the trucking industry too. I'm not sure how formal it has to be. I've not seen anyone else mention this while reading other threads on the WIA process.
Also need to do some research on some websites they listed outlining some information on the trucking industry- how much work is available, where it is available, salary, etc.

Its kind of sensory overload with all the information there is to put into your head. I didn't feel rushed or anything, its just A LOT to process all at once.

I was advised, after I explained my situation, that I should apply for other programs while I was there, things like unemployment, welfare, dept. of rehab services, housing, and some others. I told the lady upfront that I didn't want to take anything extra from the system and that ideally I could get the WIA in place for the next set of classes starting in July 7 so that I could then go straight from school and into the work force. She understood and said it is possible that things could be done that quickly, but there are no guarantees. I'll be making every effort I can to expedite the process so we will see. Its by pure luck that I have the opportunity to attend both workshops and have the next consultation scheduled all in the same week.

I'll write another update after I go through the packets and do the online stuff, and then attend the workshop tomorrow.

 

I just finished up the first workshop. It was basically a two hour class of going over the do's and do not's of interviewing, some things you should expect for different types of interviews, working in a small group for a couple minutes with other class attendees, etc.. Mostly common sense stuff but I'm sure everyone would take a little something away from it.

I briefly spoke with a counselor as well. She is urging me to apply for things like unemployment, welfare, and low income housing. It would not only help me as I am considered homeless at the moment with no income, but it would also help in obtaining the WIA funding. Still no answer as to if or when I would qualify for the funding. I think the next interview I have scheduled for this Friday should give me alittle more insight on the timeline. Then again, maybe not, it is after all a government funded program. I'll be applying for the unemployment today. I have another workshop scheduled for tomorrow so I will update when I get that finished.