What is the benefit or difference?

Why would you have to wait for a slot? I assume when you're talking about "doing the whole training thing with Con-way", you're talking about going to Crowder, right? There isn't any waiting list to go to Crowder. When I first spoke to Keturah from CWTL last week I had the choice of starting classes on September 26 or waiting another two weeks and begin on October 10th. If I already had my permit I would have chosen the class that starts next Monday, but since I hadn't done that yet, I told her I would take the October 10th class.

For me it's a no-brainer. Spend 5 grand on a driving school mill or $2,200 and go to Crowder. If you've read as many of the posts that I have, you know that the training program at Crowder is one of the best in the country. Plus you get on the road faster since you don't have to do the boot camp before going to orientation. Sounds like a win-win to me. Anyway, just my 2 cents worth.

 

You know, as soon as I posted my response I took a look at where you are from and realized that you were not thinking of Crowder but rather the newly approved school in your neck of the woods. And of course you're right; if CWTL is backing this school, it is definitely not a mill-type school.

There are definitely some very good schools out there if you're willing to pay the money. There is one here in Vegas that I strongly considered that only trains 1 student in the truck at a time, so no "observation" time counting as behind-the-wheel time. But, it is in the $5K range and therefore too expensive for me to go there for my training. Good luck making your decision. I know it isn't an easy one!

 

DenaliDad,

I went thru the US Truck Driver program in Sterling Heights MI and I'm finishing CWTL orientation in Taylor tomorrow. Shoot me a PM and I will give you the full rundown.

TJ

 

You were right. Apparently I have to make 5 more posts to be able to IM.

Oh well....I'm sure lots of people would like details on the program so here goes.

Con-way Truckload is partnered with US Truck Driver Training School here in the Detroit area. There are 2 main locations. I trained in Sterling Heights and there is also a yard in Detroit, just off Michigan Ave on Central.

USTDTS normally charges $5000 for school. Con-way students are charged $4000.

If you choose to enter the Con-way program, you will go thru the pre-hire process. If you are selected, Con-way will pay $2000 towards your training if you successfully complete school and your Con-way road test, orientation and training period. You are also required to obtain your hazmat endorsement within 120 days of employment with Con-way.

Unlike many companies, there is NO employment contract. You are free to leave Con-way at any time following your training, but the company is confident that you will stay around a while.

I started class in August, received my CDL the first week of September, and I completed the orientation process today. Orientation lasts 1 week at the terminal in Taylor. During orientation you will be given a DOT physical, road test and backing test. If you pass all 3, then your employment paperwork is processed at headquarters in Joplin MO while you spend the next 4 days learning about the company.

Once your orientation is complete, you will be issued a company ID, your fuel card, Comdata card and assorted company paperwork and manuals.

You will then await assignment with a finisher. You must be ready to leave immediately following orientation, however most people have to wait a little while for an assignment. You are paid $60 per day after the first 48 hours while you wait.

Once you meet your finisher, you will drive a minimum of 7500 miles. During training, you will NOT run as a team. The finisher will only drive in certain circumstances.

You as the trainee will do all the driving and the finisher will be right beside you in the passenger seat, NOT in the bunk, NOT sleeping or anything else!! Con-way wants you to learn as much as possible during this time so you will be safe and confident once you're on your own.

So, I'm at home waiting for a call from Joplin to let me know when I'm headed out. If you have any more questions fire away. So far I'm very happy with the process......

Hope that helps....

 

I know the feeling lol.....

I just wanted to make sure you knew you weren't on the hook for $5000 if you entered the Con-Way program. Your out of pocket cost is $2000, or a little more if you finance it.

Go for it....if you really want to do this you'll be glad you went this way.