NETTTS: 160 hours vs. 480

Local jobs are for 25 year-olds that can handle 15 hour workdays.
Quite often 7 days per week.
There is no such thing a a M-F 9-5 trucking job unless it's running parts for O'Reilly in a Ford Ranger.
More like 6-6 or 6-8.
OTR is far more suited for older people IMO, and if you want to "be your own boss" and work at your own pace, forget about so-called "local" jobs.

 

Ok so I just read through this thread and will say this, Im a noob to the industry as well. Im scheduled to attend a 160 hour course, TMC recruits straight out of my school, and doesnt have issue with the course as they are going to teach me OTR anyways. My school is $4200, its at an adult education center. Personally, I dont think there is no advantage from one to the other. I know several who attended the same school and are all successful in trucking, and 2 own their own rigs. Its all a matter of how the individual picks it up. I failed my permit test the first time. I refuse to fail the school even once.

 

A CDL is a CDL.
A truck school is there for one purpose: To get you your CDL.

160 hour.
400 hour.

Doesn't matter.
The result is exactly the same.

The real training comes AFTER you get hired, go through orientation and get out on the road.

Every trucking company has their own load assignment system, and CDL schools often teach you stuff that is flat out wrong.
Example: A CDL school will tell you not to downshift on a downhill.
Complete BS. You might have to drop 5 gears depending on the downgrade.
That's the real world.

If you are completely new to the industry, just get a CDL any way you can.
Then, pick a company with a good reputation.
I have been with Watkins Shepard for 2 years, and don't want to work for anybody else.
Fantastic people to work with.
New trucks.
If something breaks, they fix it, pronto.
Make your appointments and dispatch never bothers you.

They hire new drivers every week.
Orientation is 2 weeks at one of the terminals, and out you go with no ride along trainer.
You are on your own from day 1.
No other company that I am aware of does that.