Trucking Schools...Do they just want your money?

Don't forget about backgrounds too. Most schools will say you'll qualify, take your money, get you your license, and leave you sitting at home on your couch because you have a criminal record. That didn't happen to me, but I've seen it happen a LOT. The school I went to over 5 years ago didn't teach me anything but how to pass the test. As was stated before, I got in to a truck and was dumbfounded by what I still needed to learn. And NOT just to do the job well, but needed to learn to do the job at all. Logbooks were part of that.

 

Another vote for your local community college. The one I went to here in mid Missouri was modeled after Crowder College and I think I got much better training than what I've heard from others who have attended other programs. The cost is usually less too.

 

where is that one at?

 

The Community College I went to, had tuition of $3,700 and was a 3 month program in Iowa. Some of the local yokels were surprised at that length of a program....and said....can't you take a weekend course for $500 and then take your CDL? Answer: Yes, but I want to have more than 8 hours of class and 8 hours of driving time.

Community Colleges have a good reputation, because they deserve it....the others have a less than good reputation because they deserve that also.

What do trucking companies want to hire? As the ads show, they want 1 yr of experience or 6 mos or 2 yrs, depending on the company...and some do not require any experience. They all want a Class A license and prefer good driving record and clean drug test.

Go to your state Work Force Development website and log in and see what driver jobs there are in your area and the web site lists how much experience is required.

In this part of Iowa there are about 25 driver jobs listed and 5 - 6 of them do not require any experience.

I graduated in May and started driving in May for a guy with 10 trucks...I like working for him, plus there is no #### employee handbook to read that is 50 pages long telling you how to button your shirt and your pants. I prefer to work for someone that does not need an employee handbook to tell me how to behave as an employee...as he has a brain and so do I, and we can both communicate with each other.

 

I went to a Tech school and got a State grant that paid for most of the cost. I don't know if your State has anything similar or not, but I would check to see. I had about 300.00 out of my pocket.

 

State Fair Community College in Sedalia, MO

 

You pay them money.

You go to school to learn how to pass the CDL test.

You pass the CDL test.

Why the distrust ?

 

Originally Posted by roadbum
Quote[ ,i blame these idiots that train them. these guys that couldn't hack it on the road so they sit in a school somewhere and tell a bunch of #### stories to these new guys about the way it used to be,when they weren't out there long enough to know.then teaching them just enough to pass a cdl and shoving them out here.they are good guys and gals but they have been sold a bill of goods by these schools.] end quote

I feel sorry for someone having such a jaded view of schools in general. Having said that, I'm not an expert nor a trucker (yet). So take my opinion with however sized grain of salt you need. Please read that last sentence again, if you would be so kind.

I'm at Metropolitan Community College, Omaha NE. Actually, the campus itself is in "Irvington" NE, but I digress. 286 hrs of edgukashun with about twice or more drive time in all respects than two more widely known local schools here in Omaha. There is a company based out of Lincoln NE that boasts a 40% or less turnover rate, stated as largely retirements or such. I know, I know, but hear me out. This company cannot hire out of the other two schools due to concerns of a minimal amount of preparation given to students, in comparison to "Metro". I know, I know, but hear me out. This company is debt free, gaining customer base and recently raised starting cpm by 3. I know, I know...

Many of us in my class have eyes on other companies, but I'm pre-hiring at the company I speak of, and two others as one never knows what will happen down the road.

Why discussing said company in response to the post I took the quote from? Well, I believe I may have found an 8 +/- on a scale from 1 to 10 in regards to overall company quality who wants to hire not only experienced people but will take those with fresh CDL-A stamped on thier licenses and will only hire from qualified, quality and responsible schools. ...Soooo, back to my point.

The leader of the gang in the CDL department at Metro drove for over 35 yrs, both company and O/O. He's no spring chicken. The three lot trainers are aged approximately late 50's, mid 60's and one (I know fairly well who sits beside me 4 days a week) is in his early 70's and has driven since leaving the military during the Vietnam conflict. Yeah, they've driven some and have the credentials to back it up. I can float gears in a FreightShaker 10 spd and we haven't even "officially" be taught to shift yet, that's to start next week which will be our third week of 8 total. We get to spend time over in the deisel mechanics edumakational shop area and learn some maintenance as well, while the tractor is on the ground AND on a lift! I admit, how much maintenance can a guy learn in a few hours, but some schools don't even have such a department to utilize.

Yesterday, a Friday, after almost two weeks in class and on the lot, I passed my DMV CDL-A tests and all 3 endorsements and went to get my fingerprints taken. (Now I just have to learn how to drive the #### things!!!)

My point is these guys at Metro have driven around the block a few times and have no shortage when it comes to driving experience. Rick, the department head and classroom instructor, from what I can tell, is no trucking slouch. Anyway, driving till in your late 50's, late 60's and 70's after starting in one's 20's or early 30's gives experience, wouldn't you say?

As a result of all of this I will forever take any and all comments about trucking schools for what they are worth, and not a penny more. I feel I lucked out in a huge way and simply hope the luck continues despite the immense doom and gloom that finds its way into these boards. I intend to make my own way, my own mistakes, my own good and bad days.

There are good schools out there. There are good companies. Yes, the opposite is true. It's just a shame that bad news travels so fast and is typed onto computer screens with vigor and so much good news is kept to ourselves

 

Ok, I guess it depends on the school. I personally recommend a private school or CC before a company school. No sense tying yourself to a company if you don't have to. There are many state and federal programs to help you finance (or grant) the school.

I attended CDS in Lakewood, WA. 4 weeks, 8 hrs a day. Learned enough to get the class A. Went straight (2 weeks) to work with Swift. I chose that option due to the local terminal ( I wanted Interstate, but no trainees). Every member of my class got employed within 30 days. Some got local (small company) gigs, some went to larger companies such as Swift, Werner, etc.

After 6 weeks with a mentor, I went solo and drove successfully for 2 years. Some hard times, some learning experiences and a lot of fun later, I got a local job that pays very well.

 

i am going through neu way. they make sure you have your pre-hires before they will even train you. if you go to a school make sure you get pre-hires.