Training/Schooling question, students without a cdl.

Discussion in 'TMC' started by chadraytay, Jul 18, 2008.

  1. chadraytay

    chadraytay Bobtail Member

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    I see ads in lots of papers saying call tvm at blahblah. No CDL no Problem. But just wondering what all that entitles?
    Can't seem to find info on anything except the school/training for those who already have a cdl.

    How long is the no cdl schooling? What's it cost/pay? Do you go from the cdl class straight into the training class or do they combine them? Is it easier if I already have a cdl learners permit? Is the cdl training in iowa with the rest of it or do they have local partners in other states for that?

    I think that's all I need :biggrin_2556: Hope there's some students (former?) out there who can shed light on this.


    Oh, actually, one last thing. Is there an online app for no-cdl applicants or just the phone number they plaster in the papers. So much easier to type out everything instead of reading it to someone on the phone :biggrin_25519:
     
  2. terrylamar

    terrylamar Road Train Member

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    In general, there is no difference between a CDL/No CDL school. The school will train you to get your CDL.

    Some CDL holders have the license, but never drove or it has been some time since they did drive and they need a refresher course. The company's insurance company dictates these policies.

    Some schools will require you to get your learner's permit before attending school, most will not and it will be a part of the course.

    I will assume most of the adds you are seeing are from the larger trucking companies and they have there own CDL schools. Other companies will sponsor you through a school and even others will hire you after you get a CDL through your own school.

    Attending a school is not a requirement to get a CDL. You can go through the process yourself and provide your own truck and trailer and take the test at the DMV. Again, check with company you want to drive for, their insurance carrier may require you to attend a school.

    Average cost of school is $3,500 to $7,000. CDL training at a community college may be cheaper. There are many different options if a company has their own school or sponsors you through a school. Usually, you will have to repay the "loan" if you do not work for the company for a certain period of time, usually, six months to one year.

    In my opinion, it is better to pay for your own school and hire on with a company that has tuition reimbursement.

    Application are usually for experienced drivers or inexperienced. Some companies will consider three months experienced others will require several years.

    It is best if you do your research on a forum such as this one so you can make informed decisions. Read, read, read, then ask many questions before you decide what school to attend, what seqment of trucking to go into and what company to hire on with.
     
    Splenda and LostOne9 Thank this.
  3. chadraytay

    chadraytay Bobtail Member

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    Nobody who's actually been through TMC's training? :biggrin_25513:
     
  4. Baack

    Baack Road Train Member

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    I believe they only offer securement training
    The rest must be done through an approved school?????
     
  5. Rawlco

    Rawlco Medium Load Member

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    Well I don't know what to think. In the other thread Snowman&Fred claims that he can't get CDL training through TMC now, and yet you claim here that you have advertising and a phone number for that. :scratch: :dontknow: :confused:

    I think what confused me at first was that in your first post of this thread you said:
    So to be clear: Do you have an ad that says "Call TMC for training. No CDL no problem?"
     
  6. Snowman&Fred

    Snowman&Fred Light Load Member

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    Okay, this is what the lady in recruiting said to me when i called them a few weeks ago. She told me that their training was for drivers who already had a Class A CDL. She suggested that I apply for the local community college's CDL truck driving class (DMACC) and that it was a 6 week course. Then they'd get me in. She said nothing about TMC teaching to GET your CDL....the way she was talking to me, was you already HAD TO HAVE your CDL before they'd accept you into their 'class'. All it really is, sounds like, is a 3-week orientation class.
     
  7. michiganmaddman

    michiganmaddman Bobtail Member

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    they used to offer cdl training a little over a yr ago now they will pay you $100-150 TA to pay for ur CDL training after u complete orentation and ur hired with tmc the school must be aproved by them you can get ur best answers by calling a TMC recruiter they are very very helpful people treat them like u would like to be treated if they dont know then will find out for u
     
  8. chadraytay

    chadraytay Bobtail Member

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    That's what i needed. Must have typod the name but oh well, you understood :)

    They are still running the ad in every paper I checked too. Wierd. I'll just finish what I started which was trying to get cdl here anyway and then contact and sign up for their orientation/school

    Thanks a bundle guys!:biggrin_25514::biggrin_25525::biggrin_25520:
     
  9. terrylamar

    terrylamar Road Train Member

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    To the best of my knowledge, TMC has never offered CDL training. In the past they have sponsored a student through an approved CDL School. They still reimburse tuition at the rate of $100.00, $125.00 or $150.00. I don't know what the determining factor is on the amount of tuition reimbursment. I am getting $125.00 per month.

    What some of you may be talking about is two week orientation, which includes several days of load securement and driving. Afterwards, you go out with a trainer for five weeks. This is part of the hiring process only offered to those who have applied and have been accepted by TMC.

    Just because you get a prehire letter or attend orientation does not mean you are hired. You can be released at any time before the end of orientation. Your official hire date is the last day of orientation. You can be released while in training for more serious reasons. Essentially, if you make it through orientation, you are hired.
     
  10. michiganmaddman

    michiganmaddman Bobtail Member

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    yeah Terry thats what i ment the sponsorship that they offer or did offer. i didnt get acepted for that when i applyed 1 yr ago.drivers need TMC more then TMC needs drivers