So when do I start applying........

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Adelmo, Feb 27, 2020.

  1. Adelmo

    Adelmo Light Load Member

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    As you may know, I have finally joined a school and began backing up yesterday. It is a 6 month school because they take into account many are working and unable to commit to a 9-5 school schedule. If things go according to my plans I intend on taking and passing my CDL exam by June. I'm going to practice till it comes out of my pores both the pre-trip and driving. Repetition is the best teacher and that's exactly what I intend to do. I paid off the school on my own so I am not tied to any company, I have a list of companies I've researched, my question is: when should I begin applying?
     
  2. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I'd recommend 30-45 days.
    You can contact companies right now though and let them know you're interested. They'll probably tell you to get back in touch when you're closer to graduation. Never know, till you ask.
     
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  3. Hazmat Cat

    Hazmat Cat Medium Load Member

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    6 months!? O lawd
     
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  4. Adelmo

    Adelmo Light Load Member

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    Lol! Im in no way looking to take 6 months to get the license but i learned there are some students attending 2x weekly....
     
  5. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    You might want to consider companies that offer tuition reimbursement.
    I know Schneider used to and may still do.
    They're not an awesome company, but they're not that bad either.

    Just a thought. Best of luck
     
  6. flybynight12

    flybynight12 Medium Load Member

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    When ever you feel like working
     
  7. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    Freymiller does too, but not sure if they are near him
     
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  8. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I did 4 months on weekends. Worked part time weekly. It worked out well.
     
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  9. Flat Earth Trucker

    Flat Earth Trucker Road Train Member

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    Sounds like a Massachusetts jail term.
     
  10. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    AFTER you have talked to current working drivers at THAT company doing the work you want to do. Don't apply everywhere and hope for the best. The worst companies will telly you anything and you may believe them until it's too late.

    Think of a high school athlete that decides he wants to be a pro athlete, but he's still considering whether that should be baseball or basketball. Now consider the same athlete, but after he's decided it's going to be baseball. Your efforts are better focused after you know where you are going.

    I recommend actually putting off CDL school until after you have decided which company to work for. The company may have it's own CDL school or only accept newbies from certain CDL schools. If you do it in this order it also simplifies the decisions about paying for the CDL or school.