Wanting to get my CDL

You are naming the worst places to be.

 

They have a decent training program and they have tankers. The choice is yours but overall stay away from companies that are going to charge you for school.

A cdl only cost about $172 it varies in different states. But companies tend to say it's 5k for there course. And if you leave before a year then you have to pay them back. This is crazy when it only cost to take each written test. Along with the fee of the cdl witch is like $25 (varies from state to state).

And some states may charge for you to use there obstical course. But either way it's still cheaper than these company schools. All im saying be careful in who you chose. There are more ways to gain a cdl then through a big starter company.

If I had to get a start in the trucking world these days I would start through one of the LTL companies that offer training. Then once you test out for the cdl you will have a driving job with that company.

 

Get a move on; the highway is waiting!

 

If anything please don't rush this. I have seen a lot of ppl wash out of trucking because a company put a bad taste in there mouth. Most of the big box carriers offer to train because going to run you at a lower wage. And they have you under contract.

How would a company loose if they put a driver through school. Then make that driver sign a contract saying I driver won't leave for x amount of time. And if I do I will have to pay my tuition back. Of 5-8k.

And they have you leasing there truck, but paying you so low and taking so much out of your pay. That you would have to get advances every week to eat. That's what you will get yourself into at England.

So keep researching and take your time. I got my cdl at 18 yrs old. Because I didn't want to work in a factory. So after the Afghan and start up of the Iraq war. I got out and started driving for a O/O then got on at roadway with maybe 8 months experience.

Since you've had a permit before that helps. But please don't make the mistake of going with one of the bad starter companies. They will pay you in crabby patties. I've been with the horrible, the bad, the not so bad, the suppose to be good companies, then the higher paying companies. So if you could stay away from the first three out the gate. Then you should be good.

 

Drop some application with a few companies that have been recommended; then take the most appealing offer.

 

That's a Who's Who of places NOT to work. If you're trying to get free training look into the WIOA prrogra through your state. They'll pay for it all and then you can choose a much better option. Hint...stay away from the megas.

 

look at transport america, they were a good beginner company. decent trucks, more of an east coast carrier. they did have a southeast regional. some trucks had the cameras. they come with a fridge. opti idle or apu on most. just get your first year in and move on. also research them on fmcsa.org will tell you alot about them