Like sonofatrucker said, check out Crete. If you can get on with them that would be the hit! Make sure you call them first before choosing a school because they only except students from certain accredited schools.
Going to the truck stops is an idea... but the drivers hanging around in truck stops are not making any money doing so! The drivers you want to talk to are the ones who come in, fuel, and get back on the road. Of course, it's hard to talk to them because they are busy! The truck stops down on I-20 in De Soto/Lancaster/Mesquite area might be an exception, since lots of drivers stop in there after unloading in DFW or waiting to deliver the next morning... I started with Prime's training program a little over 8 years ago and wouldn't change a thing. Instead of driving around a pad or the same town for several weeks learning to drive, you learn ON THE ROAD... and get paid while in CDL training. They also have lots of freight into and out of DFW for home time. I had to go to another company for a while for family reasons, but am "fixin'" to go back to Prime when we move back to Texas in a couple months. They are a GOOD company, despite what you hear from so many whiners and naysayers on this board. You will find gripes about EVERY company - because it always has to be the company screwing the driver; never the driver's fault!
Thanks fellas. im gonna look into crete today. Ive looked into there accredited schools and it looks good so far
I would make a couple calls to actual companies that hire. Some companies have opinions of schools so do make sure you don't go to a school with a bad name. They are out there. I work for the Pumpkin. They are hiring Tankers and some Intermodal. I am dedicated grocery for Walmarto. I dig it and the pay is very good for a new driver. Do YOUR homework. You make the calls, talk to recruiters and drivers alike. Soon you will have enough pieces to figure out the picture. I am a former Software Support guy, now I drive. Funny thing that I did not think I would enjoy it this much. Some days suck, so don't get me wrong. It isn't easy all the time. However, most days I grab my trailer, hit 3 - 5 stores, put some miles on the meter and crash at the closest store. I have electronics in the truck ... PC, DVD player and XM so I am very comfortable in there. Strange job overall. Who knew it would be fun too. This is my second career (I think) after 25 years in IT. Had I known I would have done this sooner.
