need advice on becoming a trucker

try c1 in ft worth texas

 

In general if you go to a "free" trucking school you are locked in to working for that company for somewhere between 6 months and 18 months.

I am a product of a company school and know several drivers that have gone the private school way as well.

I am not familiar with the company you referred to, but in general I would say to ask the recruiter to give you the names of 5 or 10 people who have completed training there. If they can't or won't you should look elsewhere. If they do call the people on the list, especially those that completed training a while ago.

Hope this helps.

Paul

Paddle faster, I hear banjos!

 

I used to always explain to people how you could get your cdl without going to a driving school, but nowadays with e-logs, TWIC, CSA, etc... I think a school is your best bet. Find the one that is best for you, but you may want to start looking at your local junior college. I would ask them about placement opportunities because many of these schools work closely with area trucking companies and can help you get hired after graduation.

 

Yes, go to a community college. Have their financial aid office work with you to get it paid for. While you are going to school you need to figure out what you want to haul. Most of us start out with Van, Reefer or Flatbed. But there are other things. Is hometime important? What trucks do you see driving near your home?

You will need to fill out 10 years of your employment history. They are required to verify 3 years. If you were self employed, you will need to bring in your tax returns. They are not trying to find out a way to get rid of you, they are just trying to account for where you were and when you were there. Do not leave any gaps in your history.

 

Yes, dot requires 3 years work history. Some companies require more. I am a recent cdl grad andbtherr was a man in my class with your situation. THe instructor told him to have his wife or if single to have family member write a letter indicating your stay at home to care for family. Hopes this helps

 

You may also qualify thru EDD.. The WIA training program for those unemployed. Thats how my school was paid.

 

What other options are there? I've been out of work and collecting unemployment for 2 years. I'm in California were the unemployment rate is in the double digits.