On the ropes about becoming a trucker... Looking for advice.

Check out community colleges. The tuition will be lower, and you may quality for a grant, stipend (where state pays part of tuition; they do it where I live) or student loan. Some of these take longer...mine is three months, four days a week, 8:00-4:30. If the college system in your state is well-run, they'll have a well structured curriculum. If it's close to where you live, you can stay at home while you go to school. And you won't be affiliated or obligated to any company, so you can pick and choose the one that fits your situation.

 

It's too bad your not closer to Grants Pass, the program at Rogue Community College looks good......and much much more affortable. I would check with all of the state community colleges in the Portland area, I would assume you will find a better, cheaper option. I would also spend sometime reading more about the companies that hire students.......so you can make a good choice when that time comes. I have heard Gordon has a good over the road training program.

 

You are looking at about $25,000 as a new driver for your first year if everything goes well. A good experienced driver will do $35,000 - $40,000 a year. I personally think $8000 for school is ridiculous! $4000 - $6000 is about the norm. You can even find some for less than that. Keep in mind that trucking schools are nothing more then to get your license and get you ready to go with a trainer over the road. With that being said, don't get to picky in who you choose to get your license with. Trucking company schools are a good option if you don't have the money upfront or cannot get the financing to do so. Only problem is you will be away from home for that much longer and you are committed to signing a contract with that particular company. Welcome to the forum and good luck to you!

 

uh just FYI.....you had better take another look at those help wanted ads on Craig's List.....

6 months, 1 year, 2 year, 5 year experience........

just because YOU SEE help wanted ads, if you ain't reading the whole ad....and the requirements....??

you ain't reading everything and you're fooling yourself.........

do as you wish, but DO NOT expect a job right away, if there is anything in your background that could hinder your chances of a job, like those tickets you say you have......

you will be "up against" experienced drivers for some of the very same jobs......especially local jobs..

 

I don't know your situation but if you were layed off from your previous employer you can contact unemployment and they will pay for you to go to school. try not to get tangled into signing with one of these large companies for your schooling unless you have to. It will be bad enough you will need them to get your excperience you don't want to owe them anything if you decide to quit.But like I said eveyones circumstances are diff. you will need to due what suits your needs.Goood Luck.

 

its a constant job pool because many people quit to go elsewhere's...

and there are many reasons for that too....low pay, long hours, crappy equipment, not enough miles, working holidays, away from home long periods of time, and the list goes on and on.....

 

You might call Swift (doesn't look like you've ruled them out). They've got a terminal in Troutdale. I don't know if Gordon or Interstate take brand new drivers, but it couldn't hurt to call them too. Also, there's Oak Harbor Freight--I've heard it's a good outfit. I used to live in Tualatin and I sure do miss the northwest. You're lucky to be up there. BOL.

 

Good post, Chompi, and may I add: the school I have applied and accepted to (a local tech school) has a cost of 3400 bucks and is 4 1/2 weeks... now... I recently learned that if I go into the DMV and take the General written tests first (50 bucks) the they will lop off 800 bucks on the school.... Lots of things to learn and research before just jumping in!
Skeet