Pay for your own CDL training or go through a companies training?

Old Dominion is a reputable company. I have a good friend who left my current company for them and swears by them.

My school recruiters were from low pay mega carriers. Not The same thing as OD.

 

$20 per hour for an entry level position in a new career is not bad. You start somewhere. Especially if it’s for a good company with a good future.

 

We do have a few comping in. XPO logistics, OD, McLane, Redimix etc. We also have some Mega Cariers coming in. I've reached out to most of them already.

 

Find a company you want to work for. Then decide. I'd be happy to borrow money to get my CDL or work on contract to get my CDL at a company that is a good place to work. If you borrow money you have loan payments. If your new job doesn't pay you more than you currently make PLUS the loan payments, don't do it.

If you work on contract for a "free" CDL you will likely make a little less per mile or month to pay for the CDL. The difference between paying your own way or getting a "free" CDL are negligible. The difference between a company that is a good place for you and a company that isn't a good place for you are earth-sized. Pick a company and THEN decide how to get a license. Doing the school-first method just increases the pressure, and cuts the time you can take to make a choice. Work at McDs if you have to until you can pick a company that is good to work for, not just the most advertised name on YouTube & Google.

 

I tried going this route but everyone except the megas told me to come back when I received my big boy pants, aka, CDL. Then again, I'm only interested in working for a top tier, well respected company.

 

I would take the job! Getting in a OD is by far the quickest way to make a good paycheck while driving.