I'm currently located in Columbus, OH and very interested in a career in trucking. I've been reading about the industry for about a year now and it is now decision time. I want to do this but I have to choose a route for my training. I have a couple options for training in Columbus. One of them is R-Master and I've heard some bad things about them. There are a few more similar outfits around the Columbus area but the whole private school thing sounds a bit shady. I've been looking around for a community college program as well but so far have been unsuccessful in locating anything. Even if I do find a program I'm worried about spending 3 months or so without a job while I do the training. I have heard good things about Schnieder National on these boards and a little bit around the internet. They do have a training program but it requires the even bigger step of going to Green Bay, Wisconsin for two weeks. I can either pay the $3500 fee for the two week training program or sign a one year contract. The idea of a one year contract terrifies me even though the job offered afterwards doesn't sound too bad and the idea of escaping the $3500 fee is tempting as all hell. There is also the fact that if I do it this way, I can have a paying job in about three weeks. Training pay just to start but it would drag me out of a huge hole. There is also the fact that my family hates this whole idea which doesn't make it any easier. Luckily it's not a wife and kids thing, I'm single, it's a dealing with parents thing. They would rather I work 9 to 5 at a painful office job. Something I don't want right now. To be honest, if I didn't have the stress level of my parents to deal with, I would be on the next bus to Green Bay even though the one year contract thing still worries me. I've been researching this work for a long time now and can't wait to get started. I realize trucking has long hours, an uncertain schedule, and is more of a lifestyle than a job. My eyes are wide open I'm just trying to determine the best way to get into the industry. Any help/advice is appreciated.
The Big Pumpkin is a good place to start. You'll be surprised how fast the first year goes by. Have a couple of friends been with they for 20+ yrs.
Schneider is a very good deal in your case. Schneider's schools are also PTDI certified. A year will go by quickly, you'll gain valuable experience and with the PTDI cert you will be wanted by other companies.
The great pumpkin training is very fast paced but they will keep doing things with you if you are having a hard time getting it. By the time you are actually all done training is more around 6 weeks. You have 3 weeks at the school just learning how to drive, then out for 2 weeks with a trainer. Then go back to school for SQT (Skills Qualifying Testing) then off for road test in your home state. SQT is usually 2 days. Then road test. They are nice an give you a few days off afterwards before they assign truck to you. Good luck
Go with SN, sounds like a good deal for you. You have to do what will make you happy not your parents.
