Questions from a newbie

Red Neck,

Some parts of the U.S call these trade schools Community Colleges and some parts of the US call them Technical Schools.......such a "Fox Valley Technical College" (which has an excellent truck driving program) ....to be technical.

 

Thank you every one, I really appreciate the help.

However, I will be visiting some schools to better evaluate their trucking program curriculum . If I ever learned anything in college, it will be that the admissions office tell you something on the phone and tell you different in person. And most importantly to speak to the program director.

As someone suggested, I will start a tread on the trucking school section and somewhat keep a comprehensive diary/ discussion of my quest to becoming a trucker. Thank you all.

 

that would be part time in trucking (or possibly local.) 90 hours + is a little more accurate. and you're only going to make the equivalent of minimum wage for the hours you DO work.

"trucking program curriculum..." LOVE it!! LOL seriously. "today, class, we're going to learn how to light a cigarette with the cigarette you're already smoking, then we're going to focus on how to cuss like a sailor on the CB. after lunch, we'll have a discussion about how to negotiate effectively with lot lizards...." want to here the itinerary for tomorrow's lecture?

seriously, what did you go to college for? do you not have any ambition left?

 

Scorp,

If you choose the school you mentioned, they will follow the outline listed on the PTDI website, often they will exceed the min hours required for certification like my school did. One of the most valuable parts of PTDI is the required hours with your butt in the seat and the required night driving.

 

####!, you punch straight to the gut. Minimum wage...come on, you cant be serious... If my calculation is correct we are talking about $.12/mile in respect to PA minimum wage($ 7.15/h) and moving at 60 miles/h.

I have a BA in economics with minors in physics and mathematics from IUP (Indiana university of Pennsylvania). Earned these degrees while fully restoring a 91 chevy corvette (which I delivered driving from PA to san fran in 2.5 days!), and a 77 celica gt. People knew me as the kid who was always tinkering on his cars under a pine tree behind his college apartment (ask Mrs Betty; the elderly lady who walks her dog twice a day). I drove 3 times bi-weekly for 14 months from north of pittsburgh to philadelphia ( 270miles each way) alternating between jobs. Did someone ask....?

Planned to go to law school and pratice law in a coperate setting but a kid is on the way. so had to look for job in all conners of the job market which has nothing to offer as it is today.....a job at the bank for $8.90/h or sears for $6 and commision..... I wouldnt like to go back to my old ways of the streets so MILITARY ( like every recent college graduate is doing) or "trade school" certification is the only option to satisfy my responsibilities as well as ambitions to further my education. There came the thoughts of being a certified mechanic or a trucker cos I hate being in the military.

I have got some heart...paid my way through 4 year college schooling with just a little loan and lots of sweat. I know my limits and what I can do. I have done my researches, I did not wake up one day and wanting to become a trucker. Yes it is a lifestyle, and it is daring but its ok...I CAN DIG IT!! I just hope it all works out.

 

OK then you win I quit you the man .

 

I did go to a private school. There was no other school around at the time so I took it. Now I did pay my way and owe nothing to any one. But still looking for a JOB. It looks like I went to CDL mill call truck driver institute inc. At $5000 three weeks of training & you better keep up. I passed got my CDL CLASS A /HASMAT. They did have a job placement program. But I still looking for a JOB. Now with that said I passed in 8-21-09. I my self do live in florida.Which makes it hard to get a job any way. Found two that companies that will hire out of school. But I still have to sigh a contract for x #'s of mnths at training pay. ALSO GO TO THERE SCHOOL ANY WAY. go over the stuff i just did at the tdi school.Which one said they pay half & take $25 week until payed up. If i went to a company school yes I would have to pay for school with a contract anyway. But would don't still looking for a JOB.I do believe the economy had alot to do with alot of the job.But still looking.

 

Let see private school at $5075.00. Hasmat cost $127.00.TWIC CARD COST $120.00. Plus comanies school $2500.00 more or less total of $7822.00. Just to get a JOB. That pays maybe $3500.00 ayear starting out. I glad all my kids are grown and gone.

 

Hazmat is probably gonna be a must.The doubles/triples???Probably easier to get it now and keep it.But JMO spend some time pulling one trailer first.Most of the companies I can think of in your area running multiples want 2+yrs exp. anyways.53' is a long way behind you,56' more so with an extra break point





And yes if ya let people they will work you 90+ a week.Key words being if ya let 'em.

 

If your in N. Fl check with Werner about DG accounts.Knew some guy's part time made decent money there.One of their sons started there after attending SFCC in Gainesville I believe.