Why you should NOT attend company CDL training.

Good point made by the OP. I dont know what these companies charge? $3,4,5,8K it doesnt matter. Im sure all will agree, it sucks when someone "owns" you.
I recently got finger printed to renew my hazmat endorsement. The local CDL training school has some arrangement and does it for the RMV. The girl working there said this economy has been very good for their business. She claimed many going through the school, are doing it through the unemployment programs. I dont remember the exact figure, but she told me it was in the $4+K range to go to the school(and IIRC, that gave you three chances to pass the driving test).
The industry sucks alittle more every year. I would never get into trucking, if i was starting out. Not that many years ago, trucking was a proud, honorable profession. Now everyone hates trucks. Truck drivers are one step below whale poop. But some of us still try to maintain some class and professionalism and put on an honorable show(I have this sickness. I like trucks and i like driving a truck)....

 

Many people that go through mills deserve to be here but can't survive the low pay and abuse from starter companies.
On the other hand CDL mills pass everyone including many misfits that don't belong behind the wheel.

 

I don't think that's what he said at all. Most that go through these mills have no business in this industry. If you can't see that these mills are a detriment to the industry, that speaks volumes. If you turned out to be a good driver despite the CDA Mill experience, good for you, but you should also be one of the first to stand up and speak out against these "schools" because you should have seen the problem as soon as you got out here. If you don't see a problem then you are part of that problem.

 

Many people spend more than $10K for a 4 year college/university degree that is worthless. It looks good hanging on the wall, but that's it. If a trucking company CDL school gets you off unemployment, it's at least a first step toward a good career. What difference does it make? Not everyone can get private funding. Some are so broke they can't even afford a bus ticket to any school every day. Some trucking company CDL schools furnish housing & some food & front money for some expenses. All you need at Prime is $100.00 and you're employed and in CDL school. It's a case by case circumstance & each new driver must take the route that best suits his situation. 8-12 months on the road after a trucking company CDL school & you're free and clear & if you planned well by getting your hazmat/tanker,TWIC,passport, then you can be in the $50K - $65K annual pay range within 12-18 months. Few college grads can do that in this current economy. Personally, I'm a big fan of private, community college, and trucking company CDL schools; that's 3 options a new driver has.

 

Same here, having close to the same experience as you did. Most of the schools teach you to barely make it through DMV. That is why all of these companies ave a for to five week tng program.

 

Just for the guys saying no CDL school costs over 8K. Check out NTTS in NY, lol. The only way the school would finance me is if I took the 18 week course. Let me get stafford loans and a grant for about a third of the tuition. I really wish I wasn't stuck in this program for so long, but I'm getting A LOT of backing practice and from what I've seen and heard, most of our graduates get hired on by the better starting companies (haven't talked to anyone that went to Swift or Werner, lol).

 

What's wrong with going to CRST for example? They pay CDL tuition for an 8 month commitment, then you're free to move on if you wish. Just badmouthing the company doesn't answer my question. What's wrong with an 8 month commitment? Might be a good plan for some new drivers. The trucking school route is not a one size fits all.

 

I hope this doesn't get docked because it's mostly false.

Companies don't try to run newbies off during the first couple weeks. You don't get the best runs because you haven't proven yourself.

Companies want to retain drivers. Experienced drivers give the best service.

Most people who go through company paid training end up resenting the company because they feel beholden to them. Many don't ever give the company a chance because their plan was always to move on. Those are the guys who complain about every little thing.

I do agree that private is the way to go if you can afford it. Many people can't.