Where to begin in NY?

IMO, it is worth it to pay your own way. I paid $2800 for my CDL, then went to work without a contract. The contract jobs pay less, this is how they do the free training.

I work for Abilene Motor express, and they hired me with no experience. The no work history thing will not be a problem. Abilene starts solo drivers at .40 per mile now. Not the best pay, but it's an okay place to work. They will pay you $600 a week while you are in training,

It is going to be hard, being away from your family. But you should be able to make 50 or 60k, first year OTR.

 

Abilene is a good choice if you can make that work for you.
If you can attend private cdl school, then probably can get started sooner.
Try to attend a 160 hr. cdl school.
Abilene may not care about the length of the school as long as you have the certificate. You can ask about that to be sure.
You aren't unemployed; you are a caregiver. Now the situation has changed and you're able to work full time.
Nationwide Motor Freight Company | Abilene Motor Express
https://www.abilenemotor.com

 

Check the community colleges in your area, they usually offer accredited courses

70 Truck Driving Schools in New York with Student Reviews

 

I would not hesitate to attend a Company Sponsored training program. Many here have a differing opinions than mine, that's OK. I am not here to advocate for one side or the other. I attended Swift's Driving Academy in Phoenix, AZ 4 years ago. Had a very good experience. Yes, I was obligated to work for them for a year. Hey.......they trained me.....they needed to get a return on their investment. It is really a good idea to stick with your first Company for at least a full year anyways. There is a pretty steep learning curve during your first year anyways. If you choose to leave earlier, you pay the remainder of the balance on your "loan" and move on. Also, Once I passed my skills and road test and got my CDL, I already had a job waiting for me at the same location. Either way you choose, be prepared to be away from home for at least 3 months right off the bat. The first year has its pitfalls and will test you in ways you can not imagine......for me it was worth it. I love the job, I love the lifestyle. Good luck to you. Lots of options and plenty of driving jobs out there. I know several people that went through Prime's program that are still there. I believe they pay you during your schooling as well so you have a small income right from the start. Above average CPM to start as well. Do not let Prime or ANYBODY ELSE pressure you into a "Lease" of ANY KIND!!

 

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT opt for the free training offered by the megas. First of all, they will make you sign a contract requiring you to work for them for a specific time. Usually one year, sometimes two. So you will basically be an indentured servant working for peanuts while you're with them. Secondly, if you break the contract and quit, they WILL come after you. And they will charge you a ridiculous amount for that class you took. I've talked to many people who were charged over $7000 for the course.

As someone else mentioned, your best option would be to go to a tech school or college. The state or county might even pay for it if you are unemployed. I was very fortunate that I went to the school I did. It was a technical college and only cost me $2000, including books and materials. The course was 320 hours and was nine weeks long. It also included 1000 miles of real driving out on the road. You were partnered up with another student for the duration and each 2-man team had their own truck and trailer! It was amazing. The school itself had over 20 tractors and 20 trailers. I felt really fortunate after I talked to some other people at my orientation when I started with Stevens. Some told me horror stories about their "schools". One guy told me that his school had one truck for 12 students. They all had to fight to get drive time.

 

See........I told you this would happen.

 

WOW... people have different opinions... who’d a thunk it

 

Remember, when you fill out paperwork about employment, put down "Care Giver" or "Full Time Care Giver."

 

I simply related MY EXPERIENCE with MY TRAINING! Did not advocate one over the other. I did not pay even close to $7000. School was $3900. Over a period of 13 months, Swift took a $37.50 weekly payroll deduction. They matched that weekly. I paid a grand total of $1950 for my training. I was not an abused indentured servant or paid slave wages for my effort. AGAIN.....my experience was a good one. I'm afraid MY OPINION.....and only MY OPINION.......has opened a can of worms. LOL!!!