Hey all. I've been lurking & browsing this forum for a while now. I'll try to keep my message short and sweet, but its probably not going to be. I'm a 28 year old taxi driver in Tampa, Fl. To be honest, I spend $100 dollars per day in lease fees from the company. Additionally, I spend money on gas out of pocket. Usually, the per diem costs to run my cab total well over $140. After a 16 hour shift, I might walk with 45 bucks if I'm lucky. I spend half the day PRAYING to God to give me a fare so I can at least survive. I didn't always do this. In fact, I used to be a commercial electrician's apprentice with IBEW, but when the economy slowed down and construction basically stopped, the union cut the fat- which was me. So, I was forced to find work elsewhere and I got my PVDL license and a taxi job. I was curious about trucking, so I came here after a fare I took told me about the site. I don't know if he is on here now, but if he is then "Hey!" He told me that OTR was lonely, but that I could pay my bills, etc. To try and make a long story short, I have enough money saved for the Roadmaster driving school, but I'm hesitant after reading the reviews of it. I also thought of attending mid florida tech in orlando, but seeing as I live in Tampa, its quite a haul for me daily. If anyone could give me any advice I would greatly appreciate it. After all, its why I came here. Thanks in advance.
Hello MIKE, if you really want a nice school, the CDL School, their web site is CDLSchool.com. I graduated from them in may of 2001. my better half graduated from them the summer of 06, they are accredited (if i spelled that right). they will give you hands on approach to trucking, mind you they dont teach you everything as that comes later n the real world of trucking but they are the head start. if you have the cash up from usually 3,000 to 5,000 ballpark figure, you get all your tests with that, medical card, ect.... mind you FELONIES can bar you from alot of jobs in this industries ,espically if a felony is newer. if its over 15 ( being safe) then you have a shot. let me know how it goes. MIKE in Watervliet,NY
If Orlando's cheaper use them.You can get a cheap room off season in Groveland, Polk City, Sanford..... First check and see who is hiring out of Fl.Will they take driving school grads?How long on training pay(It will be considerably less).Do not under any circumstances sign on with a trainer company unless you: A:Read very carefully any contract they want you to sign to attend their school.Most have draconian penalties for not fulfilling the contract. B:Understand that if you attend their school,you are committed to honor that contract,even if you are starving out due to lack of loads. C:Any company that will hire you is gonna suck period.They can get a new graduate next week and have no incentive to keep you happy.The best you can hope for is an uneventful 2 years where you can go to a little higher company up the food chain. D:Florida is rough for freight in the best of times.Relocating eventually may prove advantageous if you pursue a trucking career. Trucking is really slow right now.Everyone is keeping their inventories low until the economy gets moving again. I would strongly recommend the technical school.Even if overall cost is a bit more. Road Masters goal is to get you to pass a test.Maybe the CC will actually show you why the truck moves a certain way. One last piece of advice,pay attention to the mechanics of any maneuver you are attempting.Do not worry about speed or looks,worry about the maneuver. Speed and looks will come with time
It sounds like the same one different town! SAVE the money! Go to Orlando! A cheepie motel for the time frame of the course will still come out cheaper than those bottom feeder mills! I gave this advice just yesterday, Get a P/U truck and a camper and KOA while going to school! Or rent one. Are you a vet? Do the GI bill.But PLEASE stay away from the major carriers that have these ripoff schools that will treat you as an indentured servant for 1 - 2 years as you "try" to pay them off.
There are drivers on here from the Tampa area, I'm up near Ocala. Not many training companies hire from Florida. Make sure you can get a job BEFORE spending any money on school. Stay in touch, Later, Jim
