new driver

Decide where you want to work before you decide how to get the CDL. The goal is a 1 year job, not how to spend 3 weeks. I have a post about money for CDL school Money for CDL Training

You wouldn't focus on the wedding ceremony and hope to find a wife during the process of picking a venue. You would focus on the wife and then decide about the venue.

Some companies have their own school. Some companies only take newbies from certain schools. Half of the companies that hire newbies offer Tuition Reimbursement plus pay you wages. Pick an employer, then pick a CDL school/method. DON'T CONSIDER CR ENGLAND

 

Sometimes cdl schools have inside information on companies. I've seen that happen. Some local company will talk to the school administrator and say, "If you know of an exceptional student, above average, let me know. I don't want this public knowledge."

 

I used EI and a government ran school to get my CDL I opted to do dry vans and reefers.
I learned everything I needed. I tried a 2 weeks training with a major carrier. I failed to get along.
I got out on my own and became an O/O using Ryder & Penske leased trucks and contracting work.
Power only at first. 6 months later I convinced a Volvo dealer to sell me a truck and the rest was history.
21 years and 3 Volvo later as an O/O I'm retired now due to Covid19 vaccine mandate and age.
I have no regrets an I wouldn't change a thing. I loved doing reefer with a great carrier.

 

From all advises given regarding training and hiring a CDL graduate afterwards.
Your advice is right on the money.
And I like the analogy with a marriage decision.
Hopefully the candidates understand and follows it.
But, knowing people, I'm not holding my breath.

 

@Chinatown is unique in this aspect regarding career options.
Nobody does it better than him. If anybody even tries.
What a great human being. After giving half his career to the US Navy.

 

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I'm still waiting for a public rebuttal from @201.
In 5,4,3,2,1.

 

That proved how hard you were working on that beer bottle.
You are a great example for the younger generations. LOL /s