Saint Louis CDL Questions

Well, I've looked around quite a bit for something that would work for me. Something in the area, and would be even better if I wasn't paying out of pocket. I did some looking around, and am looking between two different locations in the area.

MTC & Nu-Way

MTC want's the cash up-front (although they give a huge discount) or they will finance you with half and a trucking company that is interested in you will pay the other half. If you pay in cash, the trucking company will 'Give you $125 out of every check, just because they don't have to pay those additional costs for you' I was told.

Nu-Way, isn't charging a dime out of pocket. Although I know this means the trucking company that is interested in me will have me over a barrel, I also thought this is the most cost-affective way of doing it.

I know both are rated a 'C' with the BBB, and I'm okay with that, as long as I get the CDL of course. I have to admit though, the Nu-Way building didn't look very nice at all. Looked like some cheaply converter repo yard. That's okay if they are running a good program, but it made me think twice. However, MTC while I was there, had a very nice looking facility. And while I was there, there was one instructor to each student which is GREAT. One instructor was in the yard doing a check, and another was helping instruct on parking. I got to speak with an instructor, who was enthusiastic about me joining, and even walked me through some of the stuff I should know prior to going and things I can do to help the process (like getting a permit) before I even go to the school. It seemed like a nice place, so aesthetics tells me MTC is more promising. However, wanting they're money up-front one way or another, does make me feel a little uncomfortable. And most importantly, there is very little available to actually form an opinion of either of these companies. My biggest question, is are either of these schools actually worth my time and money? I want my CDL and a job, not debt and a bad story.

Also, every training facility mentions 'hundreds of jobs available!'. Is the trucking industry really as good as they say (or good at all), or is it just as ugly as the rest of the economy?

I really hope some of you might be able to shed light, because I feel like I'm flying blind here.

Thanks!

 

Is there something particular that makes you say that? I'm realistic enough to know, any business is going to have it's good and bad. I checked out ripoffreport on both companies, and had seen some good and bad about them.

Thanks for the reply!

 

I totally understand. That's exactly why I'm asking for honest opinions. Take a peek at the other option. I basically have those two to choose from, so feel free to give me your opinion of MTC.

And my biggest question, if you had to choose between the two, would you just not bother or would it still be worth it? It's pretty much one of those two or nothing at all for me.