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Starting Class this Winter

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Future Student, Jun 17, 2009.

  1. Jun 17, 2009 #1
    Future Student

    Future Student Bobtail Member

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    Jun 17, 2009
    Lenhartsville, PA
    0
    Hello all.

    I am going to be leaving my current job this winter to enroll in a truck driving school. I will be getting my CDL Class A.

    My main question is, how difficult is it going to be to find a job once out of school?

    The college says that they offer job placement, but I am wondering if other companies require additional on the job training.
     
    Future Student, Jun 17, 2009
    Future Student, Jun 17, 2009
    #1
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  3. Jun 17, 2009 #2
    rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    Most companies require at least some time with a driver trainer before they will let you have your own truck.

    What is your current job?
     
    rich_t, Jun 17, 2009
    rich_t, Jun 17, 2009
    #2
  4. Jun 17, 2009 #3
    Future Student

    Future Student Bobtail Member

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    Jun 17, 2009
    Lenhartsville, PA
    0
    I work for a landscape company driving an International 4700.
     
    Future Student, Jun 17, 2009
    Future Student, Jun 17, 2009
    #3
  5. Jun 17, 2009 #4
    rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    Some questions you need to ask yourself:

    1. What are your income needs.

    2. What is the rate per mile and how many miles per week at that rate will you need to drive to meet your income needs after taxes and other deductions.

    3. What expenses will you incur as an OTR driver that you currently don't incur (meals on the road, laundry, showers) etc.

    I am not trying to discourage you from going OTR. I am merely trying to give you some things that you need to consider.
     
    rich_t, Jun 17, 2009
    rich_t, Jun 17, 2009
    #4
  7. Jun 17, 2009 #5
    Future Student

    Future Student Bobtail Member

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    Jun 17, 2009
    Lenhartsville, PA
    0
    I'm not planning on being a full OTR driver. Something more regional would be better suited for me.

    The job would be driving a day cab, or if there aren't jobs available, i'd be willing to drive tri-axle dump for the time being.

    I just worry about putting all kinds of time and money into CDL A training only to find that i'm out of luck when it comes to employment.
     
    Future Student, Jun 17, 2009
    Future Student, Jun 17, 2009
    #5
  8. Jun 17, 2009 #6
    rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    Ok.

    What will it cost you to get your class A CDL? Prices vary by school. How long will it take you to "earn" it back?

    The bottom line here is to consider your income needs vs. expenses.
     
    rich_t, Jun 17, 2009
    rich_t, Jun 17, 2009
    #6
  9. Jun 17, 2009 #7
    Future Student

    Future Student Bobtail Member

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    Jun 17, 2009
    Lenhartsville, PA
    0
    I'm not concerned with the costs, it's the availability of jobs afterward.

    If trucking companies are looking for people with a minimum of six months to a years worth of experience, what do I do? Are there good companies that cater specifically to drivers fresh out of school?
     
    Future Student, Jun 17, 2009
    Future Student, Jun 17, 2009
    #7
  10. Jun 17, 2009 #8
    rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    There are some companies that will. I can't say if they are "good".

    Werner
    TMC
    Gordon
    Star
    Stevens
    Swift.

    All hire newbies.
     
    rich_t, Jun 17, 2009
    rich_t, Jun 17, 2009
    #8
  11. Jun 17, 2009 #9
    BoostedTeg

    BoostedTeg Road Train Member

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    Yeah but you wont get a regional job right away. You probably will drive all the lower 48 states for a while before goine regional or dedicated.
     
    BoostedTeg, Jun 17, 2009
    BoostedTeg, Jun 17, 2009
    #9
  12. Jun 18, 2009 #10
    CURTWAYNE

    CURTWAYNE Medium Load Member

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    Jun 4, 2008
    LITTLE ROCK, AR
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    Most of the local companies around here, require 2 to 3 years of experience. Most of the larger trucking companies will want you to drive OTR. Of the larger companies I've talked to that have terminals here that use local drivers in day cabs, offer those positions to drivers who have been with them quite a while.

    Of course, there may be a distributor that might take you. Beer, soft drink, or similar.
     
    CURTWAYNE, Jun 18, 2009
    CURTWAYNE, Jun 18, 2009
    #10
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