Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Mentoring advice for a trucker hopeful :-)

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by getn2it, Jul 4, 2011.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Jul 4, 2011 #1
    getn2it

    getn2it Light Load Member

    169
    25
    Jul 3, 2011
    houston,tx
    0
    Hey,:smt006
    Everyone, i will start by saying, Happy 4Th of July; I am new to this site, I have plenty intentions on becoming a great trucker.:biggrin_1square2: Here is what I ‘ll do, I’ll give you a run down on where I am with my life right now and I would appreciate being guided in the right direction. The reason I turn to this forum is simply because I don’t know any truckers that could give me advice, no male support figures in my life so…
    I am 21 years old, college student(online), in a relationship of almost 5 years, got all the support from the ones I love, to be there whatever my decision. I am not in any type of financial crushing situations, I actually have a lil bit saved of in case of emergency. I have been reading posts and trying to find at least ONE good person who can cut the B.s. and teach me how to do this thing right.

    I’ve heard the goods and bads of ALL of the companies, you all have taught me just how these companies’ trick people, especially a “newbie” like myself. These are the 2 different ways that I was taking to open up my career:
    1. Obtain my CDLs on my own and then look for jobs(the bad side to this , well, a lot of people won’t hire a non-experienced driver).
    2. Compare the schools that will accept me at 21( bad side of this, well, Get screwed over for my money).
    I will say this, I really wouldn’t mind whatever conditions that may come with going to one of those schools, I just want after they deduct, at least 300 a week to bring home( for me this is more than enough). I willing to deal with that for the first year, get that experience, then take a job where I could be home a little more, but at least I would have that experience.
    Listen, I am not expecting in any way, to walk into a “peaches n’ crème” situation, coming from a military background, and just knowing the type of personality that I have; it will not be hard for me to adapt to constant changing situations.
    I will close by saying, Thank you, the help that some of you guys provide, TRULY, could save one from making just one of decision. I’m ready, Leggo’
     
    getn2it, Jul 4, 2011
    getn2it, Jul 4, 2011
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Jul 4, 2011 #2
    Okieron

    Okieron Crusty Okie

    1,641
    1,024
    Dec 23, 2009
    muskogee, ok
    0
    well first you have the right attitude. and you are right most wont take you without school. now if a community college is nearby and they have the school that's the cheapest way. if that wont work then it's to a private school the reasonI prefer this is it gives you options on which company. when I went I had 4 different companies after me when I graduated. Now this is my opinion! and I'm not an expert on anything but it worked for me until the doctor said not to drive anymore. listen to what everybody has to say and sort out all the bull from the truth and the anger from the frustration. Good Luck
     
    Okieron, Jul 4, 2011
    Okieron, Jul 4, 2011
    #2
  4. Jul 4, 2011 #3
    blktop-bucanear

    blktop-bucanear Medium Load Member

    510
    247
    May 23, 2011
    transition
    0
    you can also look at other community collegs. not just at home some even have dorms available. 1st get a cdl manual and start studying. while you do your home work here. good luck
     
    blktop-bucanear, Jul 4, 2011
    blktop-bucanear, Jul 4, 2011
    #3
  5. Jul 4, 2011 #4
    getn2it

    getn2it Light Load Member

    169
    25
    Jul 3, 2011
    houston,tx
    0

    thanks a lot, i have heard about this option, as i said, the money isn't the big issue, i want the experience and training. i look at it like the military. you have to work through the ranks for better money. i am skilled at working through the ranks 8)
     
    getn2it, Jul 4, 2011
    getn2it, Jul 4, 2011
    #4
  7. Jul 4, 2011 #5
    getn2it

    getn2it Light Load Member

    169
    25
    Jul 3, 2011
    houston,tx
    0
    i have already started that last week. i even think im ready to go and get my permit...just would have to figure out which direction from there... its a little discouraging to hear all the bad; but i let determination drive me past the point of ever giving up.
     
    getn2it, Jul 4, 2011
    getn2it, Jul 4, 2011
    #5
  8. Jul 4, 2011 #6
    blktop-bucanear

    blktop-bucanear Medium Load Member

    510
    247
    May 23, 2011
    transition
    0
    check out this site to practice cristcdl.com good tests. i am takeing mine thrs.

    have you checked the dac reports? or the scools thread. the top search button is very helpfull check schools in tx for examaple.
     
    blktop-bucanear, Jul 4, 2011
    blktop-bucanear, Jul 4, 2011
    #6
  9. Jul 4, 2011 #7
    Lantern

    Lantern Road Train Member

    1,800
    824
    Mar 8, 2011
    Deliverin Soda
    0
    There is going to be alot of bad when dealing with pissed off drivers. But when filtering through alot of that, you will find some post that really go into detail on how bad some company's are. But with bad, there is ALWAYS good. So just keep that attitude when looking through it because it seems you already understand.

    As for community college, it really is a great option. I start mine in August and it only cost me 2.3k out of pocket compared to the private school with 6,095$ + 18% interest(give or take). Not all schools are out to screw you either, the school I am attending is very well liked in my area and the instructors sounded great when talking to them. So when looking for schools, just ask if you can take a tour and meet the instructors.

    As for reading a CDL Manual, don't worry, I've still doing that as well. For a few months I've been studying the books and rereading them, partly because I'm stoked for this, but I'm just going to wait for school to start before I jump the gun like I did my DOT test haha.

    Just know, there will be challenges along the way just like everything else in life. I've have had drivers tell me I will get discouraged at some point during school (mostly skills pad) but to not give up because even at the weakest points we are the strongest. If you served in the military (and from what I took from your post you did), thank you for serving our country.
     
    Lantern, Jul 4, 2011
    Lantern, Jul 4, 2011
    #7
    getn2it Thanks this.
  10. Jul 4, 2011 #8
    blktop-bucanear

    blktop-bucanear Medium Load Member

    510
    247
    May 23, 2011
    transition
    0
    lantern: when in august? i am going to crowder on the 22 told to get my permit first
    good luck to you both
     
    blktop-bucanear, Jul 4, 2011
    blktop-bucanear, Jul 4, 2011
    #8
  11. Jul 4, 2011 #9
    Lantern

    Lantern Road Train Member

    1,800
    824
    Mar 8, 2011
    Deliverin Soda
    0
    I start on August 1st, ends in September 23rd. Good look to you as well, and to the OP to.
     
    Lantern, Jul 4, 2011
    Lantern, Jul 4, 2011
    #9
  12. Jul 5, 2011 #10
    Trilleth

    Trilleth Medium Load Member

    432
    243
    Jan 17, 2011
    Southern California
    0
    I did the independent school. I've known people who did both the company-based training and the community college route. Here's what I think you probably want to consider:

    * Do you think you'll learn the actual mechanics of driving the truck easily? I didn't, but if you do, the independent school is a great option. You are in and out in 30 days and you can go to any company to drive that you want. (There are actually plenty that will hire you out of school.)
    * Do you have a company you want to go with and they offer schooling? Go with them. Otherwise, if money isn't an issue, don't. You are stuck with that company, period, and still get just the 30-days training (usually). The only other benefit is that if you are on-site, you may be able to get in additional practice during "off" hours.
    * If neither time nor money is an issue and you have a community college nearby that offers the classes, go that route. You will get MONTHS of practice, rather than weeks. You will go in depth and actually know what a log book is by the end of your education. Your instructor is expected to hold to a certain standard, rather than just check things off a list and spend a lot of time watching videos.

    No matter where you go, do a search for that school on these boards and see what kind of reviews they get. Don't worry about the "this place sucks and don't go there" ones. Read the ones that say WHY it's bad or good and then form your own opinion. The school I went to was TERRIBLE for me, but would work fine for some. In the end, you need to use your own best judgement.

    Good luck!
     
    Trilleth, Jul 5, 2011
    Trilleth, Jul 5, 2011
    #10
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

    • Page 1 of 3