I'm about to turn 21 and would like to become a truck driver. I live in GA and turn 21 on march 23rd, what can I do to become a truck driver? Are there companys that will help me get my CLD, I do not have the money to just go and buy it. I'm sure there are, but witch ones?
J/C, there are many companies that can train you, and pay you for schooling, but you do have to sign a binding contract. You would usually work for the company for about 1 year, to pay off your loan with them, or your training with them. This works for some, others it is a disaster. There are many threads here that students have had bad experiences with the companies, and some had good experiences. Someone else will be here to let you know some of the better choices out there, but frankly, you say you cannot "buy" your CDL, well, that certainly is one way to look at it i guess. But there are trucking schools that have student loans, Pell Grants, maybe even some state grants for continued education. If there is a trucking school some where near you, at least inquire there as well. Good luck in your new future.
JCody, I figure you'll get a lot of replies, some very much against a company school. Some guys will tell you it's the worst thing you could do. I say without knowing someone's situation, I wouldn't advise either way. In my opinion, if you can afford community college, that's not a bad way to go for a youngin. But, it takes time. Since you're 21, I have earned the right to call you a "youngin". I'm quite a bit older. I went the company school route almost 3 years ago and it worked for me. But, I had a burning desire to be earning in the shortest time possible and I refused to give up or fail. There were 21 people in my class, only 12 made it and within 6 months, only 5 of us were still on the road. I must tell you the "youngins" bailed out quick owing the company $3,000+ for their new license. The way my company was set up, the school was $3,200, $0 down, and the tuition was deducted from your paycheck each week. If you stayed with the company for 1 year, they reimbursed 1/2 the tuition. It worked for me, but it takes a lot of dedication. Everyone's situation is different. I never felt like an indentured servant. Well, wait...I guess i felt lower than that during the 4 weeks I was with my trainer. Good luck, whatever route you take in this life.
I think Clyde summed it up well. I got my license through a very large reefer company. I paid cash so it was 50% off (or $1500). My route worked for me. I'm an owner operator now and doing well. However, we started with about 100 people. By the time we got through the classroom and range (learning basic backing) part of our training we were down to 50. By the time we finished our OTR training (about 2 months), there was only 13 of us left. At the 6 month period of us starting their was only 6 of us left. And at the 1 year point there was me and 1 other. 3 weeks later I was the only one. So out of about 100 people, 98 of them had to pay back $3000 or so. And as was mentioned, most of the first to go were youngsters. But I must admit the one that lasted a year with me was only 23 or 24. Just know that this is a hard life if your not use to it. It gets easier with time but rest assured we don't run around playing "Smoky and the Bear"
Here's a few that hire at 21 and have their own CDL school. Millis Transfer - need $500.00 KLLM Transport Southern Refrigerated Transport Midwest-coast Transport Maverick Transportation Prime Inc. Knight Transportation Some pay for lodging and 3 meals a day while attending their school. Things you will need: Original birth certificate Original Social Security Card-not laminated Sleeping bag(no sheets) Pillow Cheap work gloves Flashlight Instant foods- Ramen noodles, coffee, etc. If money is tight you will need this for between meals & studying at night. Microwave use is free. Pack everything in a flexible duffle bag, not a hard suitcase.
I attended a driving school in 2002. It was with a trucking company that I didn't stay with so I just got my cdl and then set up a monthly payment for paying what I owed after my cdl was obtained. I then called Roehl and signed up to learn how really drive a truck and be trained on flatbeds. This method worked for me. You can get the cdl wherever and then set up a payment when you go to a better training company.
It all depends on you. Do you really want to drive a Truck 11 hours Per day and everyday. If you do have that want like some of us here than sighning a contract is not a bad thing. Youl get good experience and on your way fiinding a high paying job, but you have to pull through your contract or do couple years of otr . Id suggest start with Swift, crst, cr england, or knight. ITS going to be hard, and painfull, but if you Trully up for this than youll be fine. Good luck to ya
I know it'll be hard, how hard not to sure of. Thanks for all the replies. My girlfriends sisters boyfriend is a truck driver and has been for around 15 or so year(not really sure) I talked to him about it and he also suggested swift i'll check that out, also I'll check those out China. Thanks y'all.
One more thing, I try'ed to for the program at prime inc. and it said I have to be 21, it would not let me continue. What can I do until I turn 21? Are there programs I can take, stuff I an read up on and learn more about it what all can I do for another month +?
