Hi Everyone, First and foremost, I appreciate everyone that genuinely strives to make this an honest forum, dedicated to helping each other succeed, and secondly, I would like to get some input back in regards to companies that a "newbie" might stay away from, and what to expect as a person progresses from a "prospect" to a full fledged barrel-chested, freight-hauling, road warrior. To start off with, I respectfully request anyone to save the admonishments of the whole "you get out what you put in" kind of nature. I'm 40-something, I've been in three wars, married 4 times and am honestly surprised that I have lived as long as I have. I have made countless mistakes, but almost none of them twice and if nothing else, I have learned that everything you get out of life is directly proportional to how badly you want it. I've been a splicer for the phone company, an overseas security contractor in austere environments and have had to start over a time or two...I'm no stranger to the concept of hard work or "big boy/ girl rules". All that being said, I am at a point in my life that I'm genuinely trying to figure out what I love doing, what I know how to do that someone will pay me for and I what I am honestly capable of doing. I've had some experience driving tow trucks, some experience driving construction equipment, some experience driving VERY large tactical vehicles and some experience driving semi-trucks for the military. The common thread I have found in all these experiences is that I have found that I like driving, so now my goal is to figure out how I can make a living at it. I don't have my CDL, though like I said, I have backed and docked quite a few trailers in the military, but I know there's more to being an OTR or professional truck driver than that. My question is, how and where can I get reputable, quality, training? I'm not necessarily looking for a company sponsored school, just a quality one who's sole purpose isn't to crank out passing test scores at the speed of light. I'm getting the general impression of some companies (CR England, etc.) that I, more or less, trust I should stay away from, but I would like to know if there's a general consensus ofa school or company that has consistently given good instruction and had a sincere concern about the safety and success of its students? Like I said, I'm no spring chicken, so I "get" the idea of speaking up if I don't feel prepared or confident, and I know how the chain of command works and I'm even well versed and adept at dealing with individuals that think they can bully or manipulate people because they think their "position" affords them that right, I was just hoping to get something more out of this forum, something that actually points in a discernable direction and something that when I'm done benefitting from it, I can fold it up, and pass it on to somebody else that needs it. Thank you for your time, may God Bless and keep all of you, and your families, safe. BadDad1970
community college truck driver training is your best bet, otherwise get in with a company that has straight trucks and tractor trailers, start out on straight trucks then move your way up this is what I did to avoid paying for school. hope this helps
Community college is what I went through and would do it again. Companies to stay away from would be ones that require team driving after you are done with training team and those that will lease a truck to a driver 2 minutes after being done with training team driving.
1st Thanks for your service....Now the important stuff's out of the way..to your topic. The community college route is the best/most effective/better in the long run deal you'll get , you'll get better training with them and won't have a contract holding you to certain company for year or more. That is just old retired drivers take on it. They , the community colleges/trade schools weren't as prevalent when I began driving ( my uncle taught me in the '60's ) as they are now. I really think you'll be happy going to a community college vs a private/company sponsored program. GOOD LUCK moving forward.............
If you have the money go with college / trade schools, but from what I have checked into its around $6000. Ive also checked for complaints on the various company/schools and yes STAY AWAY FROM CR ENGLAND. I won't go into it other than to say I have experience with them and none of it was good. Im actually pretty excited about Roehl. The company drivers are full of info and not shy about sharing it. Really couldn't find any complaints from students about them, and as everyone knows if people aren't happy they will tell EVERYONE! <See CRE remarks above> Call and talk to various recruiters and check out the thread on here about the various companies...you can ask questions and everyone has been great with courteous helpful answers. Hope that helps, and again Thank you very much for your service
Wow, everyone's great input has been invaluable and I hope to hear more. Thank you for those that thanked me for my service, it has been my honor and privilege, and thank you for all the advice as to getting training at a Community College. I will definitely look into it and find out what institutions are available in my area. Take care and God Bless all of you.
Good advice on here, go the community college route for CDL school. Get all the endorsements and TWIC and can land a good high paying tanker/hazmat or flatbed job.
