Truck Driving Schools and Trucking Companies: Post Your Comments about Them Here
First, I want to thank you for your trust and support in helping to make Truth About Trucking the best selling CDL Trucking Book for Students and New Drivers. Allen Smith
A Must Read for CDL Students and New Drivers
Many of you have been writing me and voicing your opinions about specific trucking companies and trucking schools. Here is the place to write about them!
Every time you have a legitimate comment, you could be helping fellow truckers (or future truckers) avoid a bad experience.
Know a good or bad company? Write about them. Know a good or bad trucking school? Write about them.
Whatever your experience, just feel free to share it here.
Please note: There is a delay upon posting. All comments are moderated to avoid spammers. Sorry.
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how is central refer as a trucking school?
Rick – I don’t know about others….but there is no need to read between my lines …. LOL ………. good luck to ya’
Hi Dave p : check out our Truck Driving School Guide:
http://www.truthabouttrucking.com/documents/TruckDrivingSchoolGuide.pdf
With the economy the way it is right now, it can be pretty tough for students/new grads to find employment…..be sure to inquire about job assistance from your school….this is still no guarantee….but be sure to do your home work….pretty rough out there right now….if you can find someone willing to take you on…you might want to grab it….and hope it goes well….get that first year in under your belt…that’s the key….good luck, Allen
Allen,
I’ve noticed that none of the SAGE Truck Driver Training School locations are listed on the Professional Truck Driver Institute web site http://www.ptdi.org this year (2009). I was seriously considering either their Cheyenne Wyoming or Denver Colorado facilities.
I would like to keep as many options open as possible for being hired after training. In fact I would really prefer to attend a school recognized by top trucking companies as an excellent one.
How important is PTDI certification and should I consider attending a PTDI certified school like CDL College http://www.cdlcollege.com also in the Denver area?
Thanks for all the information and advice that you and Donna make available.
Hi Alan B. — PTDI certification is another “straw in the hat” so to speak for schools. To become PTDI certified can be a lengthy and costly procedure, thus the main reason many good schools are not PTDI certified. If a PTDI school cannot be located close to you, then you will at least want an accredited school. Not being PTDI certified does not mean they are a “bad” school …. it is just considered the best alternative … make sure the school is accredited at the least…..I still believe the best route for CDL training is thru an accredited Vo-Tech school/course …. PTDI is always a BIG PLUS! – but, again….you at least want them to be accredited! Good Luck, Allen
The best school for truck driving is one that is run by the Department Education. Your local Community College, night education at your local High school or a Technical School. I went to the Bradford Vocational Technical School in Starke, Fl.
They also have classes for Automotive repair, Nursing , Secretarial and so forth. These are night classes and adult educational class for adults who want to continue their education. Which makes them what — non-profit classes.
It is run by and mandated by the Florida Department of Education. They are there to ensure that you learn what you need to secede in the transportation industry. Some companies are there to make a Dollar and can care less if you know how to drive a truck or what is involved in truck driving. There is more to truck driving then just sitting behind a wheel.
I went to school 1999. things change so check them out. The first month is track knowledge, pre inspection, backing, docking, logs, DOT book, your physical being (diet, sleeping, excersice, health, family ), and the law.
The second month you drive and haul food for the State prison system. State school State prison. One way of keeping the cost low. You end up with 1500 – 2000 logged, loaded miles with actual loads when you finish. You know how to drive a Class A commercial vehicle when you leave.
The cost $990.00. 5 days a week 8 hours a
Allen,
Thanks for the additional information and I hope you had an excellent birthday! Best of health, joy and success to you in your next decade of life.
Hi Fidel: We are on the same page – I always say the Vo-Tech route is the BEST route! Thanks
Hi Alan B – Thanks alot….I appreciate it …..another DECADE?? LOL …. take care! Allen
This post was made in the sign up form area of http://www.askthetrucker.com. We’ve copied it in this section for you.
Greg Adkins
March 14th, 2009 at 12:52 am
Edit Comment
Are there any other former ‘Nu Way’ Trucking “School” students out there who attended one of their facilities in either Livonia or Pontiac, MI – THAT WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART IN A ‘CLASS ACTION’ LAWSUIT AGAINST THE COMPANY???!!!
We are a (growing) group of individuals who have had very bad experiences with this school, in everything from repeatedly being LIED to by recruiters, very poor “trainers” (many of whom were YOUNG ‘twenty-somethings’ who’d JUST FINISHED THE SCHOOL THEMSELVES 6 MONTHS EARLIER, greatly misled about the actual “tuition” payment terms they would eventually saddle us with NOT being in accordance with what they initially promised verbally – problems with “Lifetime Placement Garauntees” proving to be a farce less than a year after ‘graduation’, and being issued ‘CDL’s in some fradulent way – to students who really weren’t cut out to competantly and safely drive in long term trucking jobs – but whom ‘Nu Way’ wanted “on the hook” for many thousands of dollars anyway – even if they couldn’t find ANY kind of job here in Michigan to use to pay them!
IF YOU CAN RELATE TO ANY OF THESE COMPLAINTS OR SITUATIONS FROM YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE WITH ‘NU WAY’ – PLEASE JOIN US!
Please contact us at peterpaulandmary70@yahoo.com
Hello All,
Have just been reading some of the stories here about
C R England. My fiance just went to one of the training sites. He was lied to from the start on the phone by the recruiter, instructors and experienced a real bad time.
My finace has a CDL and has had since like 1982. He was told by the recruiter in Salt Lake City, Utah that he would have a job if he went thru their SR= School Refresher Course, once he got to the tech center for the training they had him listed as SC= School Complete Training and had him listed on paperwork as not even having a CDL… He was told by instructor if he paid $500.00 upfront he would be upgraded to the SR=School Refresher and the other 495.00 would be deducted from his pay at 55.00 a week til paid off. If the didn’t take this option then his 2nd option was to finace the training which turned into $2995.00 plus interest with 30 to 90 days of training and not receiving a paycheck for at least a month. He told the instuctor that he did not have 500.00 up front and could not go without a paycheck for a month and the instructor reply was 3rd option is go upstairs and talk to so and so, which he did and he told her the something as he told the instructor and she said well I guess you go home. To me there sure is alot wrong with all these and alot of lies and money making gone on here as they pry on people who are needing jobs. My fiance and I have not a good thing to say about this experience and C R England, other then our experience may help someone else from being taken advantage of. He did not pay them a dime and come home and now he is looking for a job with a good company that does not paratice like this. He has 25 years of truck driving experience and like I said has held his CDL since 1982 but has been out of the truck for like 7 yrs working 2 other jobs during those 7 yrs. I can understand a company wanting to know their drivers know how to drive and are safe drivers but all this BS is for the birds, you don’t forget how to drive a truck, especially when you’ve kept drivng a car. Isn’t it like riding a bike?? Now that I’ve vented and stated facts of what happened to my finace, I hope this will help others and any input would be appreciated. Thank You!!! Martha
I’m looking into getting into trucking and getting my CDL through Truck Driver Institute in Sanford, FL. Has anyone had any experience with them, good, bad or indifferent? They “guarantee” me a job with Covenant upon graduation and also claim to work closely with Werner. Also, are there any companies that are actually GOOd to start off with?
Thanks for any info. you all can give.
Hi Gene: Here’s a link with several reviews about TDI in Sanford, FL : http://local.yahoo.com/info-14098718-truck-driver-institute-sanford
I personally can’t provide any info about them….the FL schools I suggest can be found in our Truck Driving School Guide:
http://www.truthabouttrucking.com/documents/TruckDrivingSchoolGuide.pdf
With the economy the way it is, you may have no choice but to grab a position with one of the “starter” companies….however, I do have several friends driving for Covenant, and they are all very happy there…..
The key, remember, is getting that one year of driving exp. under your belt….after that, better opportunities will open up for you, if the company you’re with is not working out…..
Florida is a tough state for finding the right company to start off with….after you complete that first year, you will have a lot more choices….
Good Luck,
Allen
Hi Allen I posted about a 2months ago on your DAC page still waiting on my dac report there giving me the run around,I’ll get with you on that later. However I saw a few people on this page asking about ,Driver’s Solution,C-1 Driving Schools & USA Truck to all please avoid these company’s they are bad news,I attended there school in St.Louis,MO and they are crooks yes I have my CDL’s but at a cost that no thanks to them is not worth the money the time. There all about money not you not teaching just the money and wend your done no job your on your own. Students in my class we taught our self because most of time the staff was hung over from the night before and were no where to be found, the company USA Truck that I went to work for I had to beg for them to get me a trainer they came up all type of lies why they could not hire me and the school would not help like promised. But I kept bugging USA until they knew I would stop and got hired, I got poor trainer that used me for a log book so I went to a better company 4yrs later Driver’s send me a 8,000 bill were still fighting over and 4yrs later ALL DRIVER’S from that class were sent notices that by STATE OF MO. we were improperly tested and had to be tested at our cost ,bad for me because I was OTR at this time so my license was suspend what a fight to get them back but I DID and I’m driving today. THX CLASS 329.
Allen, thanks for that link. They got me for $150 up front in fees but that’s all TDI will get from me. You’re a lifesaver!!!! I got you CDs and found them very helpful.
I went to enroll in Mid-Fl Tech. and the instructor, very candid, told several of us a class B might better get us where we want to go in driving.
I’d very much like your thoughts on class B careers and opportunities vs. class A.
thanks.
Hi Keith, thanks for the info. You will have to keep on DAC sometimes in order to receive your report….just the way they operate…..
Hi Gene: In Florida, Class B positions are plentiful, if available. As you can imagine, not too many people will leave Class B jobs too often. I know of several Class B operations with pay ranging from $500 to $750 per week. With the recent difficulties many Class A students are facing, Class B might prove to be easier…..be sure to check with your school about their “job placement” assistance with Class B jobs. As the economy improves, you could always upgrade to Class A if you wanted to……good luck
I’ve been told you can’t hold a class A & B simultaneously. Is it possible to have a class A with a passenger endorsement so I can have class B job options as a backup?
GThanks again, Allen.
Hi Allen,
I’m a family friend and mentor to a 23 year old who has decided getting a CDL and becoming a truck driver is what he wants in life. A friend of his recommended GreatCDLTraining.com (Trucking Solutions) but web searches have turned up a ton of bad reviews and lots of horror stories, plus they sound very expensive and like they break their promises frequently. We are between Chattanooga and Atlanta, have a college fund that can be tapped into and the young man has an uncle in Florida who is truck driver, so he has already had some experiences on the road. What do you think is better, a community college type training or GreatCDLTraining.com ? Will getting that all important first year of work be more likely to happen with a program like what GreatCDLTraining.com offers, or through a college program? Do companies hiring care where you get your training? He is a bright high school graduate with about one semester of college and has held his current job for over 3 years and can pass all back ground checks no problem. What options do you recommend? Thank you (and anyone else with info) in advance!
Woah.. This looks like a tremendous reference resource of info. Right now i have been for a while considering about getting into truck driving industry. Why ?.. i haven’t had that a good luck getting a job in a while. Now what ?.. i don’t know a bit about truckin’ a. But i have heard it is in a great demand nowadays. I was checking the other day about Roadmaster, and found that the 3 weeks course is more than 6,000 ‘rockets’ !!.. No way. Who knows about the Mid Florida Tech program ?. Anyone out there knows about their course ?.. I’ve heard it is a lot less. Any shared info is gonna be ‘big time’ appreciated.
Hello Jose: Times are a little tougher for students and new grads right now, due to the economy, but jobs can be found…it just may take a little more leg work on your part. Vo-Tech courses are normally the best route to take….much more affordable and better training. Mid Florida Tech in Orlando is one of the schools we would recommend….
http://www.mft.ocps.net/our_programs/transportation/commercial_vehicle_A.html
Good Luck,
Allen
I want to start driving for a trucking company can some one out there help me get started? I have a Class A CDL but with little exp the time I got behind the wheel I feel Im a safe and good driver please help me find a company that will take me I dont mind staying out on the road for a month ant a time or longer I want to drive and make money for my family please help me get a job driving truck email me at eddieconnections@msn.com or call me at 406-451-9813 thanks
Hi Edward: Students and new drivers, today, are having a rough time finding a driving job, due to the economic situation and many experienced drivers being out on the market … as you well know. Have you checked with :
THE WAGGONERS TRUCKING
5220 Midland Road
Billings, MT 59101
800-999-9097
They also offer training …. also check with Watkins Shepard: http://www.wksh.com
With little driving exp. I’m afraid it just may be a “waiting” game, until the economy turns around …. also, check to see what is available locally thru this link: http://www.everytruckjob.com —-
You may also want to just try applying thru one of the many on-line submission forms, which sends out your request to many trucking companies, and see who answers back? One of the best sites is:
http://www.findatruckingjob.com/
Good Luck,
Allen
I’ve been wanting to make the move to OTR trucking for years and it now seems to be a good time to do so. I live in middle Tennessee and would like your input on which schools have served you well. I want an accredited school and class time is not a factor. SAGE came highly recommended by two of it’s graduates and it has stellar reviews on the net but unfortunately the closest school is about 160 miles away. Any ideas on a good school south of Nashville.
Thanks in advance for all your help
Bill
Hi Bill: For a PTDI certified course, this school is highly recommended:
Tennessee Technology Center At Nashville
100 White Bridge Road
Truck Driving – 7204 Cockrill Bend Rd.
Nashville TN 37209
(615) 741-1241
Certified Course: Truck Driving
Certification Dates: 9/7/06 – 8/30/11
Good Luck, Allen
I just graduated from Katlaw Truck Driving school in Austell GA. and I have to say it was a TOTALLY positive expereance! All the instructors were very knowledgeable and professional. I passed my cdl test on the first try with no problem. It consisted of one week of class and two weeks of driving. I got plenty of driving time, as there were only three students per truck. The equipment was in great condition. My instructor was William Johnson, and I don’t think there could be a better one anywhere. The office staff was great and they are continuing to help me with job placement. I did a LOT of research before selecting a school and I am so glad I selected Katlaw. I would reccomend this school to everyone, and I will be posting this on multiple websites. Just a great place to learn. If anyone has questions feel free to contact me at dporter86@hotmail.com.
Thanks to William and everyone at Katlaw.
David Porter
I am in The Arizona Area and I am looking for a company that will not take advantage of me financially.I have seen that you can gross up to 1,000 dollars a week if with the right company.Can anyone tell me of a company that is in the state of Arizona or at least near by that offers this and possibly will help with you going to driving school?Also what company has the best trucks that will take a newbie driver fresh out of school.I really need help, I lost my house recently due to a mortgage scam that was ran on me and I am trying to start over.Any help would be great appreciated.
My husband is looking at getting his class A CDL since he has been out of work (construction) for almost 3 months now. He can probably get his tuition paid through the WIA (workforce investment act). I suggested that he attend Tri-County Technical College who offers this class for 4 weeks at a cost of $2,755.00. He has also found TDI not too far from us in Richburg, SC, but I’m not sure of the total cost with them. They told him the only out of pocket cost would be $250.00 and the WIA program would also pay their tuition. They told him they could help him get a job with a local company due to his clean background and motor vehicle record. Because of this he wants to go with TDI. Would the technical school help with job placement after he completed the course? I am also concerned after reading several comments about trucking jobs being few due to the economy. Are there trucking jobs available???
Thanks for your help in sorting this out.
Champ: Companies in AZ? Nothing comes to mind right now…..maybe someone out there knows of one? However, I would recommend checking out of NV with:
WATKINS SHEPARD TRUCKING, INC.
6435 South Valley View Blvd.
Suite G
Las Vegas, NV 89118
800-409-9138
Not sure if they are still accepting students, many companies have stopped doing so, but it is worth a check …….INFO:
Offers School Training with Guaranteed Job – New
Drivers and/or Graduates Start at $43,300 per year – Experienced drivers up to $72,400
Here’s their Link for students:
http://www.wksh.com/school.aspx
GOOD LUCK, Allen
Hi Cheryl: Most schools will “offer” job assistance ….. NO school can guarantee a job …. Vo-tech training is the best route to go, in my opinion ….. and, yes, there are still jobs available out there, especially for new drivers with excellent MVR records, etc…..Good Luck
Thanks for the post, DAVID …. always glad to hear about good schools doing the right thing…..
Allen
I may qualify for free training, as I just started my final UI claim. I checked out one of the local schools and it smelled like a diploma mill. I won’t mention the name, because I don’t know for sure. If I find out it is I’ll post it on your blog here. The other local school does not seem all that professional. The third option is through Cumberland County College and has some sort of partnership with Bradway Trucking in Vineland, NJ. Ever heard of them? Think it’s a family owned fleet serving the Northeast hauling refrigerated goods. I would rather get up early and drive 40 minutes to a quality school than attend a rush job minutes from home. Any scuttlebutt on Bradley or the School? You’re a good man…keep up the good work!
Sorry…the name of that trucking outfit is Bradway, not Bradlee.
Ooops…Jimmy Dee
Thanks for the kind words, Most of your tech schools and Community Colleges offer good training. Ask questions, don’t be shy.
Keep in touch and let us know how the school turns out
My husband and I would like to start a class action against Truck Driver Institute (TDI) and its financial arm Standard Financial Services (SFS). He attended the “training” in Sellersburg IN and found what we now know are common problems — blue sky promises, lackadaisical instructors, equiptment barely roadworthy, and topped off with an outrageous “student loan” at usurious interest. We want to follow the example of the Michigan case against Nu-Way. So what we need is TDI graduates or non-graduates, who are getting the same scam job we are. Please put out the word. Sue them before they sue you! All these CDL mills give trucking schools a bad name and endanger everyone on the road with undertrained drivers.
My husband is looking into a career change into trucking. He has his learners CDL already with tanker/hazmat endorsements. We are just at a loss as to what school to go with. I have read and researched until my eyes are crossed. We live in Virginia, so a school in VA, NC, TN or WV would be great but we are willing to go else where for a good school. Any recommendations would be so appreciated.
Pat: I’m glad to see the “fighting back” spirit from others. Our goal has always been to “Raise the Standards of the Trucking Industry.” I was in contact with those in Michigan when they asked my advise on where to start when looking at taking that school to court. They are doing just that. People CAN change things in this industry, if they will get involved. Good Luck….Allen
Donna: We offer a truck driving school guide with the schools we recommend …. you can get it here:
http://www.truthabouttrucking.com/documents/TruckDrivingSchoolGuide.pdf
DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A LIST OR A TRUCKING COMPANY who would hire a good driver who has an excellent MVR, six years of OTR but job hopped a little which is not uncommon in the industry? Please email at ineednow@live.com, thx
After being unemployed for several months and with no prospects of enployment, I have recently applied for the WIA grant and plan on attending an accredited training school in my area. I have a spotless MVR report, however my concern is my credit score, as it has turned to terrible since being unemployed and I am actually preparing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing in the the state of Illinois. I know that I was turned down for jobs withing the last 3 months due to this. Please does anyone have any information on how the trucking industry looks at an individuals credit score when applying for employment.
Hello
My name is Andre Walls and I am seeking employment. I have 2 1/2 years of over the road experience and ticket free and no accidents.
Let me tell you my story. I had worked all week with no rest trying to make some extra money for my lady and my children so I was taking every run I could take so I could get back on track with my family. I came through my home town and I had a run northern part of arkansas. I was dog tired but I had to make the run. I was headed up the road when I got a call from my brother in law stating that his car had broke down and he was trying to get home because his child was at the point of death (which the day he got home, the baby died before day the next morning) I picked him up and let him made the run with me and when he got up in northern part of arkansas i got turned in stating that I had an unauthorized passenger on the truck(which I did) I was asked to write a statement which I did and I told the truth about it. I still got terminated and it has made it very difficult for me to find a job and I am at the point of losing everything, I know that there should be a company out there that is willing to hire me. I dont feel like i should be punished the rest of my life for this one mistake. I have learned my lesson and i promise it wont happen again, all i need is for someone to give me a chance so i can take care of my family, god knows i need a job.
If anybody out there know of anything hit me, i am will to relocate or whatever it takes for me to survive.
Andre,
Your story is not alone my friend. We’ll try to get the word out about your situation. In the meantime keep thinking positively and sending in your applications.
hello i was just checking the web site out and i am wonting to go to the prime training and im willing to go and i thank im going to do so i have been geting stuff ready for school to be a machanic but im droping that couse the economy sucks now and the class is to dam exp 36.000.00 to go to UTI TO BE AUTO MACHANIC SO IM GOING TO GO DRIVE TRUCK ITS BEEN MY DREAM SO IM GOING TO GIVE IT A TRY SO I WILL LET PEOPLE KNOW THE OUT COME IN A FEW MONTHS
try tmc they pay great i know people that work there . i would but i hate flat beding
roehl is a good company
Ha Ha Ha. They have a good school, and it reasonabley cheap and good student to instructor ratio. Here is what they did to me after I graduated and got my CDL. I pick up my first trainer in Dayton, Ohio about 186 miles south of my house. I was on the road for 11 days, Which I didnt mind, thats what its all about Driving and delivering loads. But when it came time for me to go home for a few days. They dropped me off 23 miles from my house with no way home, and my car was still in Dayton, Ohio 186 miles away. I talked with the dispatcher about that, and he told me I would figure it out.! Yea I figured it out alright. Needless to say I didnt continue on with Roehl. But some of the others in my class didnt have any problems? So I think they all have their days. Looking back I still think I did the right thing. It might save the next person from being treated like I was.?? who know what lukes in the evil minds of the dispatchers.!
dont take no sh#*!!
Hello all im in los angeles,Ca im looking for a good cdl driving school or a good company training program can anyone give me some input on what companies to contact or school’s to attend.
how much would having a criminal background affect my ability in getting my class a and finding work.
It could effect it greatly, even preventing one from ever getting a CDL license. Depends on many factors, such as what type of offenses, how long ago they were, etc. Talking directly with the company, if they are upfront with you, they should tell you right off, yes or no.
hey all how its goin just wanted some input on good trucking company’s near los angeles california or schools.I spoke with a recruiter from cr england but I’ve been hearing really bad things about that company.Can anyone give me a few good companys to contact for training in los angeles california.I would really appreciate any input.
need some advice ,I recently obtained my CDL from an un-known school, after that ived been driving cross-country with a friend for about a month but would like to get into a big company, the few ived contacted wanto charge me $1500 to train me
Do all companies work that way?
mariatortiya@aol.com
Your school should provide job placement assistance, and should be working together with various trucking companies that accept students from the school. Being an “unknown” school …. this is your problem. If the school you chose have no company contacts to work with, this obviously is going to be a big problem for you. Companies most often only hire CDL grads from schools that they know and, more importantly, know that they turn out well-trained student drivers. Since the trucking companies may not know any of the background of this unknown school, then yes … they will more than likely want to “train” you all over again so they can train you the way they want new grads to be trained … and yes … they will require some kind of pay for their time and effort. Good Luck
my schooling was simply drive the semi truck around the city for a total of 20 hours at $80 an hour. then take the road test given by a 3rd party tester.
I am a NEW Trucker. I went to School at PDI in Rochester NY. I had a very good experience with them and would recommend them for anyone that is interested in this career. The Instructors had many years experience in all forms of Trucking. The Equipment is well used, but maintained well.
You get what you put into the training. I had a great Crew in the Cab while in training. The ratio of student to Instructor is 3 to 1 while driving. This worked very well. You got to see and experience more this way.
As to finding a Job…That can be tough. As a 53 year old, recently downsized from a huge company locally, I did not want to go OTR at this point in my life. I started looking at every truck that went past me on the Road, B trucks, A Trucks, anything. If they had a phone number, I called seeing what they may have available.
I found a local firm that does Tanker work and they were interested in me. The wanted me to have my CDL-A and my Tank and Hazmat endorsements. After I got my CDL-A and applied for my Hazmat, they called me in for an Interview and Road Test. I passed both and started the next week. I have been told that I was very fortunate to get on with this company. Family owned, and Safety minded with very very good equipment. I am into my second week of training and I am loving it. I hope my enthusiasm holds through the Cold Winter Months coming up.
There ARE Jobs out there. You just have to be pro-active and look for them.
I am about to leave on Sunday for school with CR England but in the past two days I am hearing it’s not a good company to go with could someone, anyone help me asap I don’t mean the guy that has a problem with one trained I need someone to let me know about the company I am a serious greenhorn don’t let me step off into deep water I can’t swim in. I got kids involved
You can read a ton of comments from drivers about this company here: http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/cr-england/
I was wondering what was thought of “older” students. I am in my forties and looking for a new career but wanted to check out what folks heard, seen, or thought as part of the research I have been doing.
Beware of the truck driving school Shippers Choice. I finished the courses and passed the driving test all to find out that I couldn’t drive a truck because of a past ticket I have on my record. Do you think they told me this before I enrolled? No, they promised me a job but when I told them about my problem, they did nothing.
Hi I would frist off like to say I think it’s great that you are so involved with trucking and the industry.My school story is that they did’nt talk about Canadian border crossing.I live in the Detroit Mi area, and its right on the border of Windsor Canada.After I graduated I went to work for Werner. I did 280 hours of training with Werner and then I got my own route I took zone 8 which was a Canada route. I crossed the border 5 or 6 times no problem and then the day after Thanksgiving I was ready to saddle up and cross the border when I arrived at customs there was a ball busting customs guard and she said because In 2006 (2 years before I became a truck driver)I was charged with disordley conduct for fighting was not giving entrance to Canada from what I have reserched it 5 years from the date of your release for misdermeaner to even apply for a permit to be in their country. I have treated 99%of the people I know with professonal courtesy in my life,and people are paying up 7000 dollars for half assed education so schools and the companys keep getting turn overs.Greed is what is wrong with this country today.
Dear Allen and Donna Smith: I don’t have a CDL horror to share with you. I
> will share my recent experience with you. On 09/19/2009 I graduated from
> Great Lake Truck Driving School in Columbia Station Ohio. I took a 160
> hour tractor trailer upgrade-which for me was a refresher coarse. I had a
> very positive experience-the recuiters and instructors were fantastic and
> very professtional. Everything was above the board and up front. I hope
> this helps. Respectfully Yours: Stephen G. Stromack
Has anyone heard of MTC Truck Driver Training in Hazelwood, MO.? I enrolled in that school in 2007 hoping to obtain my CDL and land a job in the truck driving industry. I did get my CDL, but for some reason I cant get any over-the road jobs. I was supposed to go to Swift but Swift turned me down cause my blood preasure was a little high at the time so they sent me home jobless twice. Its been about 2 years since Ive graduated and Ive only had 2 trucking jobs (which were local jobs that didnt last for no more than a 3-4 months). I want to do over the road but I dont know were to start at. Every OTR company Ive applied for turned me down because I just dont have no OTR or not enough tractor trailer experience or they didnt respond to my application. What can I do? Im from Nebraska and I did try Werner but they turned me down. Now Im stuck between a rock and a hard place. I really dont know whats going on. Can anyone offer any good suggestions on which companies to contact get some kind of OTR experience. I appreciate it. Thanks!!!
recently, i sent you an email about my desire to begin a new career in the trucking industry. i ran into some obstacles in relatiion to mistakes i made when i was young and dumb. i decided that i know who i am, and that since idid not qualify for any of the schools i applied to for training that i would study and take the written tests from a course i paid $95.00 for through advanced tech courses located in grawn michigan, also @ http://www.cdl-course.com. i studied the material in the general knowledge training manual, and out of 200 questions in the practise written test, i missed 8 questions, 4 of those questions i guessed, because the material was not found in the study material. well, i went to the dmv oct. 8 @approx. 2:30 in the afternoon feeling confident that i would easily pass the exam since i scored so well on the the test included in the course i purchased. on a hunch i asked if the state offered a cdl traing manual, and they did for $1.00 ,so i purchased the manual, and you could not believe how horrified i was to discover i would not have been able to pass the exam based on the study material that i purchsed from advanced tech courses. i wound up sitting there for the next 2.5 hours extracting the info from the state produced traing manual. thankfully, i was able to pass the general knowldge test with a 96% score, i missed 2 of the 50 questions, and i still believe that those 2 questions both had more than one correct answer offered. o well, i passed, so i will just be quiet now. anyway i thought i might let you know about what i believe to be yet another scam, i REALLY didn’t have the money to waste on that course, i don’t even know yet how i will make my mortgage payment in 22 more days, that really did hurt, but they already have my money, what can i do ?
I CAN TELL YOU THE BEST SCHOOL FOR FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO ENTER THE INDUSTRY IS ” THE SWIFT DRIVING ACADEMY”
AT LEWIDTON IDAHO. THE PEOPLE WHO RUN THIS SCHOOL ARE OF THE HIGHEST INTREGRETY AND CALIPER OF PEOPLE I’VE MET IN MY 59 YEARS ON THE PLANET. NO MATTER WHAT YOUR OPINION OD SWIFT TRANSPORTATION, I CAN ASURE YOU THAT
TRAINING AT THIS LOCATION WI8LL BE THE BEST EXPERIANCE
YOU CAN EXPECT ANYWHERE.
I WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK OVER TO LEWISTON ONLY TO SPEND SOME TIME AND SEE THE INSTRUCTORS AGAIN.
I ATTENDED ONE WEEK THEN GOT THE SWINE FLUE.
THEY TOOK ME BACK 3.5 WEEKS LATER AND I STARTED OVER.
GOT BETTER GRADES SECOND TIME AROUND.
AT THE END OF WEEK TWO THEY OFFERED ME TWO EXTRA WEEKS FREE SO I COULD GET MY SHIFTING DOWN RIGHT.
THE INSTRUCTORS THERE ARE CREDINTIALED EXPERTS WITH VARIED BACK GROUNDS IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY,AS WELL AS
DOT AND LAWENFORCMENT . YOU CAN EXPECT SPEAKERS FROM
THE COMMUNITY. DOT AND SAFETY DEPARTMENTS WHILE YOUR THERE. THE ACCOMODATIONS ARE GREAT. THERE IS A SHUTTLE
TO AND FROM THE MOTEL, AND DON’T THINK THE BIG FANCY
MOTEL YOU ARRIVE TO IS THE BEST. THE BEST AND MOST FUN IS THE MOTEL YOU’LL TRANSFER TO YOUR SECOND WEEK. THEY NICKNAMED IT THE ” ROUCH MOTEL” BUT BELIEVE ME THER ARE NO ROUCHES, IT IS JUST THE OLD STYLE DRIVE UP MOTEL WITH
MOM AND POP SERVICE.
IF YOU WANT SOME REAL GOOD ADVICE WHILE YOUR GOING THROUGH THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION IS TO
JUST KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT AND DO THE WORK.
WEEK ONE IS THE WEEDING OUT PERIOD. IF THE LIED ABOUT ANYTHING ON YOUR APP, OR JUST DIDN’T TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND THEY SCHOOL WILL FIND IT.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE A PRETTY CLEAN RECORD TO CONTINUE PAST THE FIRST WEEK WITH SWIFT. AFTER THE FIRST WEEK YOU ARE COMMITTED TO THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT.
ASURE THER ARE CHEAPER SCHOOLS AND IF YOU PAY THE SWIFT SCHOOL UP FRONT AT THE START THERE IS A LOWER FEE, BUT KEEP IN MIND THAT THE MOTEL IS HALF THE 4000 YOU COMMITT TO. IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN HOUSING THAN SURE YOUR GOING TO PAY LESS. IN MY CASE NON OF MY RELATIVES IN THE LEWISTON AREA KNEWW WHO I WAS. HA! really.
My great grandfather is barried in Lewiston and i found my great great grandmothers grave up the road in PALOUSE WA.
ANYWAY! THE FOLKS AT THE LEWISTON TRUCK DRIVING ACADEMY
ARE DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS. LIKE ALL THINGS. YOU GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.
THESE PEOPLE GIVE YOU EVERY OPPOTUNITY TO SUCCEEED.
RESPECTFULLY
LARRY REDFORD
FIRED FROM SWIFT LAST MONTH.
After reading your posting about SWIFT driver training in Idaho, I noticed that you mentioned you were fired by SWIFT (last month). What happened that they fired you? Also, Do you know the cost if you pay up front? Do they really offer jobs to the students if they meet all necessary criteria or do they end up sending home many? How many people were in your motel with you?
I went to school in the NYC Metro area. Linden New Jersey a school called Smith and Solomon. I went through a Vocational Rehabilitation program, I was working full time driving auto parts but was homeless do to the cost of living and the death of a family member. I have three DUI’s in my back ground and told the DVR counselor of this before I started and she said to talk to the people at the school about it, which I did. I was told that they had seen people with far worse records then I get jobs.
They said Just be honest about your record, it was a long time ago. 92, 84, and 83. no other violations. I had my doubts but trusted the school and Vocational Rehabitation . Buy the time I was done, I had a diploma and a transcript that said I learned Log skills, map reading drove Freightliners , Kenworth, Peterbilts, Volvo, Macks and Blue Bird.
I had no training in Log or map, school said the company that hired me would do that. I had no idea how to unhook a trailer. All I knew how to do was drive a 10 speed Freightliner and a 8 speed Volvo. That is all. I could pass the test at DMV.
I looked for a job for a year. After some disappointments I got mad and Curious. So for a test I omitted various numbers of DUI on my record. I said I had one or two on the app. I got calls, on the screening process I was asked questions again, I was honest and told the truth. This is where I got shot down. So then I knew, I knew why I was not getting hired. I called insurance companies to find out if I could insure myself. Oh..one lady said, your one of the honest ones!! Yeah, I am.
Back at Smith and Solomon and the New Jersey Vocational Rehabilitation offices I got the run around, the catch 22 , the pointing of fingers, I got no place except homeless , hungry and broke.
In anycase, I am seeking training in some other field, I have had three back surgeries and can not do certain things anymore and must learn to work with my brain instead of my brawn which was why I was driving a auto parts truck. Rules and Regs are tighting up out there these days, I don’t blame DOT for this, I do blame DVR and especially the truck driving school Smith and Solomon for there disingenuous accusations and empty promises, and the lies told a new student like me. I lost a lot in this but so did the tax payer! I know I am not alone in going this route concerning funding. Like so many other industries in the United States, the company is making money, the greedy people at the top are getting rich, and the workers are being asked to give more and more , and receive less and less each and every year. I loved driving, but I hate the industry.
I’ve read all the horror stories out there from all of you and have experienced them first hand even as i was learning from Allen’s books about the industry’s pros and cons. but without Allens and fellow drivers help we all would be taken by these schools and companies, that’s why we’re all here . To help each other out, God knows the industry sure isn’t. Tonight I would like to add one of the tips I caught along the way that helped me ( in reference to criminal records) was to clean that record up . Hey guys and ladies . If you have stayed clean at least the last 7 years you can get that record expunged or sealed. i’m currently working on mine and it will work. it might take 8 to 12 weeks but what is that compared to your life being employed and being able to state and fill out an application and legally have a clean background check. Everything comes with a cost though, and the cost of this is nothing compared to a piece of mind and a job! $300.00 that’s all,. Per State.You can pay $50.00 down and payments as your expungement processes. After the process is completed this company will also call all the commercial background check company(USIS included DAC) and tell them that your record has been expunged or sealed and by law they haft to shred that information on you. I’ve heard that some old felonies (if you’ve stayed clean)can also be washed away. That would be depended on the State it happened in. you can go to clearmyrecords.com (800)870-1617 Good luck to all of you and hope this will help. Your friend on the road, ROB
Ok……I’m currently at a school ran by an ol Polish woman called Progressive Trucking School Inc…. Ive been there 4 about 3 weeks now and I have learned a lot. I got my permit in 1 week, 100 on AB,100 on Combo, and 96 on GK…. Now, thats cool and all but all I did was sit on there computers and do these test over and over again until I basically remembered the test by heart. I think thts a good way to past the test but, a horrible way of teaching… Now I get 2 the range 4 the first time and there are some state examiners there 2 test the students tht were there before me and Just when I thought it was time to start driving! They put all of the schools trucks out of service…… Now we gotta wait 4 shit to get fixed! only good thing is I can practice my pre-trip more!
Well I guess I don’t have a horror story, I just passed my road test Saturday the 17 of October. I was going to school on the weekends and I have to say that it was great. I looked forward to the classes and my instructor. I was the only student in the class after the other two quit so it was all driving and yard for me. As for me living in Michigan, I would recommend class(a)training center in Romeo, MI. They treated me great and my instructor was very professional about his job too.
I live near South Bend, IN and I’m considering the truck driving industry. TDI in South Bend seems to be the most logical school for me to attend to get my Class A. Does anyone know anything about this school? I’m starting to question what the recruiter is saying and this only because there’s a lot of contradiction in what he’s saying. Any feedback would be helpful.
Run, don’t walk! Your gut feeling about your recruiter is probably justified.
My husband had a horrendous experience with TDI in Sellersburg about a year ago (entry above). After reseraching, I find that TDI/CDI has over $11 million worth of property, including condos in Florida…
I recommend you look into Vincennes University program. It’s PTDI certified, and probably costs less than TDI. And you’ll get real training, not a three-week quickie with broken-down heaps instead of roadworthy trucks. If it ain’t PTDI, don’t buy!
I need to get in touch with someone about TDI in South Bend. Anyone who has experience or info with them please email me at thedogma@gmail.com
trying to keep from making a big mistake
this company hired me fresh out of truck driving school from 04/07 i had no incident in my employee file until 02/09 after that i recieved a write or incident every month until they fired me on 10/09.i never had a ticket or accident ,some driver there have turned over load ,rear in collisions,etc…. i wonder do trucking companies get money for hiring student.
The CDL student driver “Roll Over Scam” – (My new phrase) – has been alive and well for many, many years. In light of there being thousands of trucking companies in the U.S., there are a “handful” of trucking companies that abuse student and new drivers all for the sake of the dollar. Simply put, these “training” companies are told by the Government that if they hire a certain number of new drivers from a particular “group” such as “women” or a minority section, they will receive a Government check for doing so. Stipulation is that each new driver has to stay with the company for a certain amount of time … if not, then the trucking company will not receive the check. Therefore, once the allotted time has passed, the company will find a way to get rid of that driver, so they can keep bringing in new ones in order to keep the Government checks rolling in. That’s it in a nutshell.
Starting out in OTR trucking is the hardest obstacle for the newcomer. It’s the ability to survive that first year of driving, which many of these trainer companies do their best to see to it that you fail. There are many excellent trucking companies that treat their drivers with respect and act highly honorable and professional. It’s the handful of companies out there who continue in abusing drivers that creates such injustices for the entire industry, and who will ruin a newcomers chances of a career, all for the sake of money.
I am wanting to learn to drive the big rigs, but to be honest, the blogs are making me really nervous about entering this profession. Additionally, I am already retirement age (67). I am wondering if anyone knows anything about the CDL program at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, WA. It is PTDI certified, and the program is 22 weeks long. Anyone who has attended Bates, please let me know your opinions. Thank you!!!
Just a lil plug for a trucking school that is well worth the money that I put out, TDDS Technical in Lake Milton OH, (Youngstown area) I attended that school for six weeks. The first two weeks are spent learning pre-trip, the brake systems, log books, DOT laws and I’m certain that I have forgotten some of the other things that we learned in the first two weeks! In order to get to the next 4 weeks, you HAD to pass the classroom portion with a MINIMUM of an 80%! The school did allow you to re-take the classroom portion if you didn’t pass.
The next for weeks were spent in the trucks on the road and on the backing course, all of which had to be logged and turned in to the “safety dept” of the school for daily log audits!! There was no standing around on the course when you were suppose to be practicing, the instructors were riding side boards, walking along side the truck and actually…..are you ready for this?? INSTRUCTING!!! If there is anyone in the OH area looking for a school, this one just might be worth looking in to! I believe they take students from PA, WV and possibly IN? I can’t remember for certain!
They also have an amazing truck and diesel tech program there as well. Something like a 12 week long program!!
Just some food for thought!!
I just graduated from Natl Truck Driving in Green Cove Spgs Fl. The training was fine and I got alot out of it.The school said before I started they would be assisting students to finding a job.I must have sent 50 applications via email and called 50 companies and spoke to recruiters and they all say you need 6-12 months experience and they do not HIRE students out of school. My question is where do you get the EXPERIENCE you need to drive a fricking tractor trailer. I am starting to get discouraged about looking for a truck driving job.
I think the school should get there advertising straighten out and not promise students they can get them a job after graduation cause that is simply not true.
The school’s training is suppose to be the minimum required experience needed in order for the trucking companies to bring you on as a trainee driver. The problem, is the reputation of the particular school that the student has chosen. If the school has a poor reputation of turning out non-qualified drivers, then the companies are not going to hire their trainees from these schools. They will hire from those schools that have a good reputation of turning out good, qualified student/trainees. This is why it is important for students to ask to see the schools record of job placement after graduation. The school has to show you this. If they refuse, then this is a red flag and you should run! Can not say that this is for sure the reason in your case, but I would contact the school again and ask them why their job placement assistance has not brought about a job for you!! I would also consider a lawsuit against the school for breach of contract or whatever . . . a qualified attorney would be able to answer your questions on this matter …. good luck – Allen
Stop aplying to companies you are not qualified for. Apply to companies that hire students. If you are not willing to go OTR, you have very little chance of getting employed.
Let’s face it, no school can get you a job. You need to put the maximum effort into your career move.
Yes, schools often tell you what you want to hear in order to get you enrolled. But no one can tell me after spending 2 or 3 weeks at a school, you did not know the challanges of getting employed in the trucking business.
Also, Florida is a tough state to hire from. Most OTR companies do not have enough trafic going into Florida. So, getting drivers home as often as needed is difficult. Companies will just say Florida is not a state we hire from.
If the local type work is all your interested in, I can’t say I blame you. But, if you resign yourself to a OTR company, by May you will have the experience needed to get the job.
Good Luck
I just hade CDL last may and trouble fiding work since and almost finish with Hzmat on my personal time and funny thing I have 2 point on dmv record and one issue that CR england will not get me in becuase I have one accident on dmv record but will drop off after 3 years next july 2010 so what give? I still need more OTR experience.
TDI ….truckdriver Instute..will screw you I want to sue them…if i can find some help…I was trained by TDI ..and all the companys that they said would hire me did not…the first company that did hire me….fired me when the general manager found out that i was trained at TDI..so i worked at 3 more companys trying to pass there driving test….screw over also by the student loan company at 18% they did not subtract many of my payments from the principal loan…so after a 19 payments only a 100 dollars was subtracted form the principal…so it will take 40 years to pay off the student loan….you to will get screwed at TDI/CDI
What state are you in? Find out who regulates schools and file a complaint with the Attorney General. Be patient, it may take a year or more. Don’t let em off the hook.
Still Want to discuss how you got screwed by TDI?…We need to talk…Trust me, I need any info you have..Anybody from any of their schools..Did they lie to you about tuition cost? Co-signer?
Anybody there can give me some Info about Werner Enterprices,I,am about to go to a Orientation to get hired.
Thank you all who can give me some advise.
I am a CDL Trainer in new mexico and our recruting status with warrener is % STUDENTS. We applyed for employment for several students and we got rejected or just no responce. I would think twice before i would work for this company .
Got this right! I submitted a job application prior to getting in to school!
I got a call from them and Werner told me as soon as I got in a school as did and finished to call them back and I would be hired.
Called them today half way through the school I been attending and the recruter then after $1600 living exspenses out of my pocket later that I went through for this purpose to work for them, tells me that they could not hire me due they have a no hire for anyone with a DUI in a life time.
I submitted one application to terminal before I enrolled in the school that listed the DUI and a second at through the school that listed the same DUI over 20 some years ago. I had not drank a drop sense! Attend church as often as I can, serving my counrty in the National Guard as Noncommitioned Officer, everything.
To me this is Deffemation of charictor. I should sue them for my losses. As if it was not for them stating that I would be hired once I I got in to a school and finished, then I would had stayed in construction as I started to do and passed up $1000’s worth of work for!
HI–my husband was just interviewed and accpetde for february class at TDI in South Bend, I am getting really creeped out. Sounds like, even if he has a good experience of training, there is no guarantee of work, like he is being told. Werner and others come tot eh class to sign people up…but tis oudns lie a load of cobblers. Please advise!
LISTEN UP, CDL STUDENTS, INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS and any driver having trouble finding a truck driving job, especially in this economy:
If you have a good MVR record, a good DAC report, work history, etc., contact Trucking Careers of America. They have helped drivers get back in the driver’s seat for nearly 10 years now. They are a career guidance company, among other assistance … they work for you, not the companies.
If you have negatives info on your background, DUI’s, tickets, accidents, etc., they probably can’t help you … they are not miracle workers …. but if your records and background are good and your just having trouble deciding what school to go to, what path to take, or difficulty in finding a trucking company that will hire you, then contact them. There is NO FEE to you … they can help you get a truck driving job:
http://truckingcareersofamerica.com/
The founder, James McCormack will be on my blog talk radio show, Wednesday, Feb. 3rd, 2010 at 7 PM EST …. call in, ask questions, etc., If you have no “blemishes” on your records, go to his site and fill out the application … they will be in contact with you within 48 hours to start working for you to get you back in the driver’s seat.
Don’t miss the show:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/truthabouttrucking/2010/02/04/truck-driving-jobs-employment
Allen Smith
hello everyone, this post has helped me ALOT. i knew that there were alot of scammers out in the world, but i didnt know it was like this! May God help those that have fell for these scams. im wanting to get into the trucking field right now and based on these post, i decided to go with a community college and i would like to know from anyone out there if they have ever heard of Lawson state community college CDL program??? if so, please drop me a line or two by reply. thanks
Any info on Swift Academy in San Antonio, Texas would be greatly appreciated. Planning on attending in March but have heard some bad things about Swift, however most of it seems to be directed at the school in Tennessee. Haven’t read anything about the San Antonio school.
Thanks.
I do not know about other RoadMaster Drivers Schools in other state, but the one I have been attending in Indianapolis, IN has some poor instructors, and some good one.
They do not stand up in front of the class and properly instruct, by writing key power points on the board out of the CDL book, only pass out hand outs but not go over them. Any one can pick up a CDL study book at the BMV, study it and go get a CDL permit.
The road time is not enough, and when you are asigned to drive on the road, and had no experiance behind a trackor wheel and do something wrong, then most of the instructors will yell at you, run you down instead of properly instruct, as though you had 5 to 10 years experiance behind the wheel and should know better.
When it comes to the yard training, most of the instructors will look way off away from the student instead of watching the students every move, and when you as the student look around for the instructor, he is staring way off elsewhere.
They have poor equiptment to train in, that is dangerouse. Either trailer brakes is inoperative, the steering wheel can not be properly adjusted, or mirrors can not be adjusted.
To loose of gears in the trucks used for road time, making it practically impossable to be able to properly learn.
When a student asks a simple question then he or she get a smart mouthed answer or down graded by some instructors.
It is allmost as though the school at this location is out only for student loan and goverment money, and can care less if or not a student learns the job or not!
I have not had one call back from any of the job placement leads provided to me!
I am starting to beleive that this school has been a waist of my time and a waist of goverment money that pays for me to attend due to the improper instructions and faulty equiptment! I hope it changes soon?
I went to they’re school for 3 weeks, they suck for ownwer operators, and you stay in the mountains with them…….
You will find out about the passenger policy with your carrier usually after probation.
(C-1 Driver Solutions) Indianapolis is the worst mistake you will ever make in your life! Stay far away from these false advertising, con-artist scammers or whatever you want to call these bottom feeding people. This CDL school is a nightmare a total fraud, predatory practices to the fullest. No disrespect to fast food places, but you will make more washing dishes than as a new driver, the economy is in bad shape and they know it. So they have turned into total maggots. I can’t stress to you enough to STAY AWAY!!!!! FAR AWAY!!!!! from these people!!!!
I just completed a 3-week Truck Driver Training Course offered by Surry Community College in Yadkinville, NC but it was run by SAGE. Great instructors, equipment could use some maintenance but good enough for students, one-on-one road training and group training when on the practice range.
There were 6 of us in the class and 2 10-speed tractor-trailers (Freightliner and Kenworth). My fellow students and I agree that we would have appreciated more road time and less range time. Many of the classroom training movies were former VHS tapes transferred to DVD so the quality was sometimes poor.
The school is not affiliated with any trucking companies, but they had recruiters from both national and local carriers come in and make their pitch. In the classroom, SAGE had a filing cabinet of Employment Applications from most of the major carriers. SAGE does require that each student complete a minimum of 3 apps as part of their grade. You do not have to accept employment, they just want you to understand the job filing and pre-hire process.
I can recommend this SAGE location, but when attending ANY school ask to see their equipment and find out how much one-on-one training you will receive on the road and the range.
Hi,
Just wanted to say that I attended Volunteer Training Center in Murphreesboro,Tn. to obtain my CDL license and before I finished training I had been hired by US Xpress out of Tunnel Hill,Ga….I Drove for them from 2004-2008 before I switched over to a company out of Gadsden,Al….been with them now 2yrs…I enjoy where I am now because after a year with them I got on a dedicated Honda run and get home every night and weekends. I have always driven solo and love what I do! Yes it has it’s up’s and down’s just like any other job but it’s up to the individual on how much bull they will take from a dispatcher. Any dispatcher will push a newbie at the beginning just to see how that driver will be and how much they will take. Once you each earn respect for one another everything runs smooth! I do have a little advice for the newbies out there who are just starting out….never ever get so comfortable behind that wheel in that truck to where you stop paying attention to your surroundings and think that you are so good at driving that nothing bad can or will happen to you!! I started out one morning from our terminal headed to montgomery to pu my load headed to texas..cruising down a 4-lane highway toward mississippi…doing below the speed limit because of a construction zone…came up over a small rise in the highway where there were stop signs on each side of the road but I had the right of way…a car driven by 2 brothers with the sister in the back seat ran the stop sign right out in front of me!!! I nailed my brakes, 96 feet later my truck stopped in the median with the small car attached to the front bumper of my truck!! The 19yr. old driver died instantly, his brother and sister were seriously injured but survived. Believe me I didn’t start out that morning ever dreaming that something like that would happen during my first trip to texas with this company!! It is a day that I will never forget as long as I live!! It was one of those situations where the only way I could have avoided that accident was to just not be there at that moment on that day!! Thank God my log book was up to par that day and I wasn’t on a cell phone or speeding!!! Believe me when I say drivers…YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN SOMETHING LIKE THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU!!! Never think you know everything there is to know about driving a truck…you will learn something new each and every day that your out there on our highways!! May God Bless each of you and keep you safe…Just remember that the truck driving world is unique and it does take getting used too at the beginning.
Well done Allen, as always!
Brad
First I want to say Bless you to Brenda. That is exactly what I fear most with my husband being a truck driver. Most people do not pay attention to others around them. That being said, I have a question for Mr. Allen. My husband has had his cdl for 10 years now and has mostly worked local. He does have lots of experience in many states because of an oil field driving job he had. We have both lived in the town we are in now most of our lives and are ready to get out of here. He has decided he wants to go over the road to help improve our financial situation. Just remember, we have 5 kids between us from previous marriages. 3 of them live with us. Now, my question. Do you know of any over the road companies that would help us to relocate to another state. We really aren’t dead set on which state we want to move to and would be willing to move to any of the southern states (we live in Mississippi now.) If there arent any, what is a good OTR company for a family guy. Something has to happen. We are drowning. Thank you in advance.
Hi Trina: I know of no trucking company that will assist in relocation. Since your husband has worked locally for most of the time, most companies will not recognize local work as OTR experience. They will require 6 months to a year of recent, OTR experience.
I would recommend contacting Trucking Careers of America. They have recently hooked up with an OTR company that will accept local driving as required experience. Here’s the post that explains:
http://tinyurl.com/35boty7
James McCormack at TCA can help lead you in the best path to take and there is no fee for their services. I highly recommend them.
http://www.truckingcareersofamerica.com
I’ll also send you the eBook: The Best Truck Driving Jobs in a separate email.
Good Luck,
Allen
HI all,
Just dropping a note, I am a CDL Instructor and a examiner in Alaska, I am getting ready to make the move to Florida, I was hopeing to find a good school to teach for, I have been a truck driver for 20 yrs, and want a change of senery, thought I would ask around the interenet, an get some feed back, I am only interested in a school that, has a stellar reputation, any advice would be appreciated.
Clear Sky’s,
Randy.