Training

I worked for a non-trucking school. One less expensive option they had for students was a group instruction program, rather than an individual program with student and instruction from two individual assigned teachers, several students shared several instructors. The group program was less expensive, unless you quit and asked for your remaining money refunded. If you quit the group program the contract you signed authorized them to go back and charge for all received instruction at the personal/higher costs. Almost nobody got a dime back unless they quit in the first month rather than the 6th month. In fact, you may owe the school more money. If you were getting any money back you would be old and tired before they got around to the "refund".

The trucking companies are experts of what to do when a student quits early. The student probably doesn't quit programs as often as the company has students quit. One party will be prepared and the other party will get hosed.

 

I am having lunch right now in Meridian, MS. Delivered Busch beer there this morning.

First, you are not driving for a company, you are driving for your family. There is no loyalty in trucking. Everyone screws everyone else. People quit all the time. People abandon trucks all the time. Doesn't make it morally correct. KLLM runs teams because they make money off teams. You get a partner who hopefully can teach you a thing or two before you kill yourself out there. It takes 2 plus years of all season driving to begin to understand all that you don't know. It took me longer.

Right now, no matter how little KLLM pays you, you ain't worth it. They want a year out of you to break even. Give it to them if you have to. I am not sure that God will send you to hell for breaking your word to KLLM. He might send you to K&B and that is worst.

Shop around now. Shop around later. Your value goes up as your experience goes up. Most people who go to trucking schools that are company schools leave the industry before a year is out. Think of yourself as a private in the Army. Now go charge the guns. I am behind. Way behind you.

 

I know KLLM as FFE out of Lancaster when we ran for them.

After you finish school, stay with the company for a year. Always say good morning or whatever it appropirate to everyone you meet no matter how bad or tired you are. Office staff loves sunshine drivers. Then you will have friends willing to work with you for this and that during your first year there.

If there is a particular black road tester still working there scaring the newbies rounding them up to the corral for road testing, do not be intimidated. Some people are a sort of a command style and his is theatrical. But if you did something stupid he will eat you with bad words and you know you will did wrong and why. IF you are lucky, you will be taught how to fix it so it does not happen again. But this is a long time ago in my time there prior to 2001. I don't know if anyone has lasted that long with Lancaster.

It's not a BAD outfit. Just gotta keep your head on straight, mind your payroll and double check all your trips to make sure everything is in order. You will be ok.

If you are talking quit now before your year is up, might as well have the 4000 dollars cash ready to hand it to them because you DO owe that money. STick it out and after the first year? You are free and clear.

You have NO idea how valuable that is. One measly simple year. I needed 8 years to make 2500 school go away with dear uncle sam in my time long ago.

 

Simple, yet profound.

"But Six, shouldn't we make plans just in case things go south?"

Measure twice. Cut once. You are the one making the agreement.

 

Well now days most company or the drivers dont keep their word, so whats to worry about just pay the balance and be prepared to Hand them your money or be smart save money and go to school of your choosing and then choose a good starter company to go.

 

4000 dollars is nothing when you really think about it.

333 Dollars a month....

11 dollars a day...

1 dollar per hour on duty line three...


No matter who you go with....man up and complete the program. In return, you will qualify to make at least 38 to 48 thousand per year driving a truck. Up north it can be more.