Truck Driving Schools and Trucking Companies: Post Your Comments about Them Here
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
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.
82 Responses to “Truck Driving Schools and Trucking Companies: Post Your Comments about Them Here”
Leave a Reply
Comments are moderated. Your comment will show shortly.
Hi Allen
I went to School at Swift in Portland, Oregon. As a life long student it was one of the best schools I have ever attended.
Then I hit the road with a mentor for 3 months and that was a hoot also.
Finally I have been driving for Swift solo and having a time of my life.
However in an aside - it is a rough business and there is a lot of pro bono labor involved.
Truck driving would be fun minus DOT. The people at Swift have always been very supportive but they are in the business to keep your truck moving and schedule you a lot. The pay however sucks.
I Just want you to know .After a fallen career in the building industry I made a choice to be a truck driver. I have been married 15 years and have 3 kids a home 13 ,12, and 10. This decision was hard. I attended Transportation center for Excellence in Eagan Mn. 160 hours of class room / driving time and a fee of 6995. After that a choice had to be made as to a trucking company. My choice was Werner Enterprise after 258 hours on the road with a 3rd trainer I receive a Qual com message that all student must remain on trucks due to the Economy truck availability and upper Management trucks are not being taken off the line for new drivers. I like a fool pleaded with Werner for a truck only to be turned down. You could about Imagine the fury. So I opted for home time never to return. Now Werner has supplied all Trucking companies I have applied for with a bad DAC report. I cant say that I will ever go to work for a company like that Werner , swift, CR England , Transport America, Jb Hunt, Melton are just a few of these worthless companies
I like to mention a couple of sorry companies to work for OIX in Kansas City, Missouri and Dynamic Delivery out of Bridgton Missouri. If you drive for Dynamic keep up with your hours because they will definetly cheat you if they can get away with it. You drivers don’t want to hear about it, we need to organize again like trucking use to be years ago. The industry is hurting and it’s getting worse everyday. Companies fire and hire. This industry is the worst for employee turn over. We need to unionize and if the companies don’t like it close the doors and get into another business, most won’t close up they’ll negotiate. The best jobs I ever had were union. Teamsters, United Steel Workers, United Iron Workers. United Auto Workers. Don’t trip over pennies getting to dollars. We have to change our attitudes to as workers. We must still work like we don’t have a union. If the company don’t make money then we don’t make money
Hello Allen,
First, let me tell you how much I enjoyed your e-book. It was very straight forward and honest. I have to say that I was a bit surprised at some of the industry information such as turnover rates, etc., but that didn’t sway me from my decision to pursue my CDL.
I am in my second week at Mid Florida Tech’s Commercial Driver Training Program. I looked into private schools and read as much as I could find on the industry and schools before making this choice. The private school was 3 weeks and, quite frankly, scared the feathers out of me! I didn’t feel comfortable being told I would know all I needed to know and be competent to handle the biggest thing on the road in only 3 weeks, so it was a no brainer. I knew that school was $6,000, tho the recruiter was careful not to mention the number specifically. I also knew the “reimbursement” terms from the companies that hire out of that school and felt that was a scam as well.
Mid Florida holds open orientation on every Tuesday, so off I went. They are straight up, honest, and hold nothing back as to what you can expect in their 8 week class, Monday thru Thursday, 7AM to 5 or 5:30PM. The cost was a FRACTION of the private school as well.
Having just finished my second week, I can tell you I didn’t know how much I didn’t know till I got into this! And to think, at the private school I’d be finishing up next week! HOLY COW! NOT!!! It’s a long day and there is a TON of information and experiences to get thru. Miss a day, miss a huge amount of info that there’s no time to go back and do over! I’ll get to class every day if I have to crawl there to not miss anything.
Anyone looking into truck school should REALLY be patient and invest the time necessary to learn it right. I consider myself intelligent and mechanically very adept, and it challenges me to keep up, so I can imagine how hard it would be to someone who has not had the opportunity to deal with trucks of any size or to grasp the concepts of the components involved in safety inspections.
All that said, I’m excited and enthused to be learning all of this no matter where I end up applying it. Mid Florida also includes training in Employability Skills so you’ll be better able to market yourself for a better job. Resume and cover letter writing, job market strategy, etc., are huge helps when the training is over and you need to find a job. I can’t say enough good things about the program! The instructors are fair, firm, demanding, supportive and realistic about the real world of trucking and I appreciate the lack of candy coating.
Thank for hearing me out and thank you for your wonderful resources here and in your e-mails.
Linda Cram
Linda Cram - basically you screwed the pooch going the long way, because where you will really learn is on the road.
Whether you took a 1 month course, a 3 month course or a 6 month course, where you will learn will be in a real truck with a real trainer.
I have had a cdl for more than ten years and not yet have I needed to turn in a ‘cover letter and resume.
The recruiter pretty much knows what he/she is looking to hire, the road test tells it all.
Recently I contacted A large Transportation company and inquired about a driving position. I was informed, after providing all the information they requested that they would need me too be with a trainer for 60,000 miles. Excuse me, I have drove trucks for all my adult life. I have held positions which required me to train, monitor drivers, safety commitee’s, etc… I will let everyone know that I presently have not drove full time for the last eighteen months. I have a perfect driving record, with one incidence on my dac report. Which was not my fault, just happened to be a chargeable situation, which I did not agree with. Guy’s or gal’s, do not get rear ended, they will tell you that it is avoidable.
Just so everyone knows the company that says I’m not qualified. That company is Prime Inc. After submitting all the requested documents they could not get back to me with a decision so I contacted them several times thru email and after 2 weeks I finally asked the recruiter to inform as to their intentions once they get me approved. That was when she informed of the training scenario. I can just see myself with some young kid with 2 yrs experience trying to direct me in a business I have been involved with for over twenty years. I sent them a reply, thanks but no thanks. I curently am employed in a business that I studied business for and actually enjoy the work, just miss the open road and was hoping to increase my earning potential. Oop’s; that was a mistake. I tell you I don’t know what these drivers are doing now a day’s but it isn’t making money. In my present position when I was interviewed and they subsequently choose me, I was sent a letter stating what the position required of me and their offer of employment. These trucking companies use lip service to try an make the employee feel he really is a professional. If they are professionals then why do they treat them like a temporary kelly services employee. No letter of offer, no discussion of exactly what is entailed and the reason they don’t explain it all is that they don’t want a potential driver to really know how much work he is expected to do for free. I am totally convinced that anyone involved in trucking management is in part committing some level of fraud in their daily activities. All the trucker magazines promising this and that and they will never live up to what they describe in their recruiting add. If anyone else has experienced this type of treatment from prime inc or any other transportation company, please take the time to express you thoughts, and with some luck and determination us older drivers might find an attorney that would love to do a class action on many of the companies violating drivers rights to fair and complete information in all aspects of the transportation industry. They use to call me Foghorn-leghorn, because I use to say; listen to me when I’m talkin to ya boy. Good luck ! and stay proud, you guys deserve so much more!
I followed a recruters advice on a truck driving school and a large company that would pay for the training if i agreed to drive for them for eight months. this was the worse mistake i have ever made in my life, i wound up in a truck with a safety trainer that was like the inkeeper from the bates motel, finnaly found a safe place to get off of the truck and got a new trainer , who wrecked the truck, now the company wants me to pay them for that experience…i was warned about this company but thought with all of the other law suites they would haved learned something WRONG!
Thinking about working for this company. I would like to know what other people think?
Thanks John,
What’s the name of the company you’re inquiring about?
Falcon
I had a good entry experience into the trucking industry. The school I went to was licensed and certified through the D.O.T. They worked around my 9-5 job. When I got my first job they also worked around my 9-5 job with unpaid training. It was on my days off so I didn’t mind. My trainer had 30 years experience in 2 countries.
Laidlaw bought the company and closed our yard. Then I went to another company which was owned by Laidlaw and they shut that one down too. Thats it, no more Laidlaw for me.
I started looking for local independent companies under 30 drivers. That has worked out well for me. I now work for an O/O company with 4 drivers and this job gives me more time off and excellent pay.
It may take a while to find the company to suite you and you may have to eat some dirt before you do. Don’t give up hope, you’ll find it.
Just want to thank everyone for all these comments.
We appreciate your thoughts, advise, and opinions.
Allen
Thanks Sam. I appreciate your point of view and even our instructors have told us the real “training” is on the road. I will also say that I feel more confident and sure of my ability now that the classroom, range and track work is behind me. As for the “pooch” … maybe the pooch actually enjoyed it!
Also, maybe I won’t kill someone else or myself having gained the extra skills and technical knowledge BEFORE I took 80,000 pounds out on the highway.
I have to ask if anyone is doing a study about recent trucking accidents and how many of them were untrained or “3 week” graduates from what the recruiters called “CDL mills” and how many were comprehensively trained drivers.
As I can only speak for myself … I’m very happy with my time invested and the lessons I’ve learned. When I leave the school, we’ll have 1,200 miles of road work as well which is NOTHING compared to an employed driver’s mileage, but I’d rather do it on their dime, in their trucks and with the option to ask a professional if I have any questions before I go out to do this for real.
I’ve heard horror stories of poorly trained people being put into a truck with only the bare minimum skill set to get out on the road with my husband or my son or my daughter and grand kids. I’d rather be better prepared to NOT injure your family or someone else’s.
As for cover letters and resumes, if you don’t have the experience you have to have some way to show potential employers that you didn’t just get off the mother ship and that you have some kind of skills no matter how unrelated. It’s a different world for every industry, including trucking, so any help is appreciated.
Just my point of view. Thank you for yours!
Hey, All:
Regardless, a resume’ can never hurt because it is just another form of “professionalism.” I had potential employees (drivers) turn in resume’s when I had my own companies and I would read them to get an idea of their experiences and goals. Regardless if the trucking companies don’t even look at the resume, it still shows professionalism on your part and can’t hurt in the long run. With that said, like Sam, I have to admit that all my years in trucking I too, never turned in a resume to a trucking company….but again, it can’t hurt.
I’ve enjoyed some of the comments you other drivers and Admin; have made on your trucking schools and training. I would like to strongly suggest not to skimp on your training!Find a school that has plenty of classroom w/discussion (2 weeks at least)also yard familiarity of the trucks/trailers etc. and lots of driving with as much (one on one) and small groups as possible. This is your career and focus on what you need to know. The others their will do the same. You do get what you pay for, but research and read schools pamphlets and info. materials before signing up. You could save your life or someone elses down the road! Good Luck.
This school is a joke. Located in Romulas Michigan. They have around 30 students per class. It is a 3 weeks course. First week is nothing but book learning 2nd and the 3rd weeks are learning how to drive the truck.The 2nd and 3rd weeks are the big jokes about this place. 30 students all stand in a line to take turns. One or 2 training per 30 students now. On an aveage day for 10 hours, you might get in the truck around 4 to 5 times. You don’t learn nothing here. By the time you are in your 3rd week another 30 students are in there 2nd week. so now you have 60 students trying to learn from one to 2 trainers. PLEASE DON”T GO THERE I drop out of that place REAL FAST. It is all about them trying to make money. $6,000 times 30 students, you do the math??? $120.000 dollars a week this place is making. They don’t care about you or me!!!!!
Thanks John, what’s the name of the school?
Allen
Iwas wondering if anyone has heard anything about mtc transportation out of sioux city south dakota.I am looking for any info.about there training program and if they are a good company to get invoved with? thanks AND i LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONCES.
can anyone tell me about hamrick truck driving school in medina,ohio.good or bad.
Actually, 14 years ago I went thru the Swift Truck Driving School in Wilsonville, Oregon. At the time, Swift
Transportation had only 2500 trucks. This was before the company bought MS Carriers in Memphis, TN. The school was fabulous and I went on to be a successful Owner/Operator with my husband. Later I was hired in to the office and held 4 jobs; Driver Manager, Driver Coordinator, Owner/Operator Auto Haul Manager, and Lease Coordinator. I got an education. Since I first started in this business I learned many horror stories yet saw few.
Now, Swift has gone public then private again when Jerry Moyes, whose father actually founded Swift, bought personally over 2 billion in stock back from the public. I have several friends who still work there.
But the climate has changed. It is a known fact that if a person successfully sues Swift, for instance, the company will not pay the judgment and no amount of court action will get them to do so.
Swift operates under the rules “The People’s Republic of Swift” and nobody can do anything about it. At present, they are recruiting and successfully putting immigrants from Mexico in their trucks with no more than a Mexican Chauffer’s license. It’s crazy but there’s really nothing to be done.
One thing may give you solace. Swift has the worst safety rating in the nation. The Feds are all over them constantly and one of these days they’ll be gone - as they should be.
Thanks for the come back…Sally
I am looking into getting my CDL, thank to all of you I have been investigating all the choices, Check this out.
If you are unemployed or recieving food stamps, with no drug convictions, you will qualify for WIA
( workforce investment act ) in Arizona, there are four different schools in Tucson, register with job services on line at http://www.arizonavirtualonestop.com or when an Unemploment Insurance claim is filed.
There are other classes that you will need to attend.
This will enable me to choose a carrier and not be inbraced in the schools contracts.
Hope this helps others to get your CDL with out being traped.
Be cool
I went to Roadmasters in Tampa, Florida. STAY AWAY from there. You MUST be out in 15 days. If not you are likely to be put out without your license. They count the 10 hours a day of mostly standing around as actual teaching time. You will be lucky to be in the truck 15 minutes twice a day. HURRY UP-YOUR HOLDING Ti E OTHER 30 STUDENTS UP! They took my money & threw me out!
That week I started at FIRST CLASS CDL in TAMPA.. They actually properly teach, they are patient. They are not perfect, there are flaws - but they are superior. It is cheaper & you are not forced to test before you are ready..
I the unteachable failure now have my CDL A. I PASSSED THE BACKING & ROAD TESTS THE FIRST TIME! I may be working for CRST.
Thanks Robert….hope this helps many out there.
Congratulations and have a successful career!
Allen
Has anybody got news on Conway Truckload? Are they as good to work for as I hear and read. They tell me that they will pay for the school up front, except for $1,200 and living expense. About 1,800 total, and will reimburse the $1,200 when I start driving, and no contract to sign! 26 cents per mile for the first three weeks, then 30 cents per mile, and tops out at 36 cents after 150.000 miles on the road. Good deal, or not?
Conway Truckload is buying CFI for 750 Million.
There will always be some kind of a contract to sign, so just read the “fine print”. It all sounds fair enough, but again….read the fine print.
Allen
Your book, “The truth about trucking”, claims it has a state by state listing of the best truck driving schools. I live in San Jose California (San Francisco Bay Area)and am currently looking into/researching local truck schools. I would prefer to work local and not OTR upon completing CDL training. I have visited 2 schools so far and have received claims of 95% job placement upon graduation from 1 school that has been in business well over 14 years. They seem like a reputable school but it is just so hard to judge nowadays. My question is whether or not your book has ratings of truck schools in the area I live in. Finding a website that offers information and or reviews of some of the schools out there is so hard to come by. Searching for truck school reviews only brings 100+ pages of trucking industry websites blanketed with paid ads. Finding your website(s) makes me feel like I’ve finally found a glimmer of hope in sorting through the mess. I apologize if I am posting this question in the wrong category. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
<p><p><p>Hi, Brent….we do have a link that has the best state by state listing I have found on the topic of schools…..there are no ratings, since ratings are really based on “opinions”….but it is the best list I have been able to find when it comes to finding a state to state listing…. Also, once you find a school you’re interested in, you can simply type the name of the school( in a Google Search) plus the word “reviews”, and should find other people’s opinions on the school. I Have sent you a personal email with more info….hope it helps….</p><br /><br />
<p>Thanks, Allen</p></p></p>
This comment is for Sally, I know that sometimes it seems like corruption just alway’s goes on unchecked. However, Swift has been around for awhile and they are financially fit! They recently made a hispanic driver a millionaire with a gimmick game to recruit drivers! I couldn’t believe it. This guy will never have to work again thanks to Swift! Hit the Lottery for working and driving, they took afew pictures of him after he was made a millionaire and he had on gold jewelry and was sitting there relaxing just looking wealthy. That was something to see for sure. They should have divided the money up and tried to increase the drivers pay alittle. Now,this dud who probably had nothing is a millionaire while all the rest of us are still hard at it! Kinda arrogant and dumb.
My son went to MTC in Hazelwood Mo in May.
DO NOT G0 THERE!!!!
The place is a hole. The rooms that they expect you to stay in are unsafe and filthy. They charge $6,000 dollars and don’t tell you the truth about the condition of the school.
Another scam.
Dear Allen,
Do you know anything about the Driver Solutions truck driving schools? I feel that we were completely scammed and almost lost our home because of it.
My husband was hired by PAM Transport after a few weeks at C1 Trucking School in Strafford, Missouri. He was supposed to get an average of 2500
miles per week. He worked for PAM for six months during which time his average was well under what he was promised and after I maxed out all our
credit cards trying to survive because he wasn’t making any money he came home defeated. Now Driver Solutions is trying to make us pay their
exorbitant tuition; I’m sure you know the whole scenario. I found out that their “company sponsored tuition” is nonsense. They get paid what the
trucking company deducts from the drivers’ paychecks for a year and nothing more (about $1095.00). The companies never pay the $5,995.00 but if you don’t work for the company for a year, YOU have to pay the $5,995.00. Do you have any advice for us?
Hi Georgia,
Sorry this happened to you….this is why I have written the TRUTH ABOUT TRUCKING! Have never heard of Driver Solutions, but looking at their website, they appear to be some kind of truck driving school referall service? This is redicoulous! There had to be a contract you signed, hope you read it first before signing! I am no attorney, but read the contract through again or have an attorney check it out…..maybe there is something you can find that would justify a case for “misreprensentation.” If the contract is solid, you may just have to pay. Sorry, wish you Good Luck….Allen
Hi Lynn,
Sorry your son went through that….thanks for letting everyone know.
Allen
Mr Robert Short is pretty much on the right track about Roadmaster Drivers School in Tampa FL. It’s not 15 days. More like 3 weeks or 160 hours have to be completed. It’s all about money. They have no respect for their INSTRUCTORS either. You are treated like you are in jail. The pay sucks. You can work your whole life there and never receive a raise. Robert is right stay away. Do your homework before signing any contracts. I know I was an Instructor there.
Allen,
I live in N Florida. I answered an ad for CDI out of Milton. Beware. 1st day I thought all financial stuff was taken care of ….. NOT! On first break I see a guy I was talking to the night before sitting with all his stuff suppose to start riding with someone that day and found out he was not going out until he came up with a co signer for a $ 6,000.00 loan to cover the two weeks he had already been there. If he couldn’t come up with one he also would have to pay back his two weeks of hotel room. I said to myself something is not right. I talked to the recruiter and him and the instructor tryed everything under the sun to get me to stay. I paid for my hotel rom for the night before. Then I told them to run my paperwork and when they know where I stand call me at home I will decide then what I was going to do. It has been 3 weeks and no call from recruiter. Hummmm …. I wonder. Since I came back I studied manual from DMV and got my Clas B CDL permit on my own. Thanks for the advise.
Eric,
Thanks for posting and sharing this!
You were wise and most likey trusted your inner “gut” feelings. I’m glad our advice in the book could be of help. We hope you enjoy a successful trucking career.
All the best to you.
JUST GRADUATED FROM MUSKEGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN MICHIGAN WITH 180 ACCREDITED HOURS…5 WEEKS OF TRAINING. I GOT IT FOR FREE BECAUSE I HAVE NO INCOME…THEY TAKE 2 PEOPLE A SEMESTER AND LET THEM IN…IT WAS EASY HARDLY ANY FLACK….AND PAPERWORK WAS A BREEZE…..OTHERWISE YOU PAY 5K FOR THE COURSE…YOU GET A SKID PAD TRAINING AND CERTIFICATE, CPR CERTIFICATE, 3 SESSIONS WITH A MENTAL HEALTH DR., MOVIES/FILMS ON TRUCKING. THIS SCHOOL EVEN MAKES YOU TAKE AN S.A.T TEST. LOTS OF YARD AND ROAD TIME….3 GUYS PLUS INSTRUCTOR TO A TRUCK….3 RECRUITING COMPANIES COME IN TO TALK TO YOU. YOU FAX TRUCKING COMPANIES FROM THE COLLEGES FAX MACHINE AND THE TRUCKING COMPANIES RESPOND BACK WITHIN 5 DAYS….I’M CONSIDERING COVENANT TRANSPORTATION (TEAMS) YOU PICK AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER TO TAKE YOU OUT FROM THE ORIENTATION CLASS. DROP & HOOK LOADS….HAS ANYONE HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THIS COMPANY…I WANT TO KNOW BEFORE I MAKE A WRONG MOVE. I WAS ALSO CONSIDERING WERNER….BUT SOMETHING DOESN’T SOUND RIGHT ABOUT IT!
i just Graduated from SAGE truck driving school in Kingman,AZ with my new Class A CDL with all the endorsements.. over there you get one on one road time and range time.. they even let you drive on the range by yourself.. what a great place to learn how to drive a truck.. they also help you find a job.. they send a lot of people to covenant buy i’m leaning toward Werner.. you have to remember you only need 3 months of otr driving experiance and you can start looking for a better paying job.. i called several companies and they will take me when i have the 3 months.. i think all the trucking companies are the same.. at least for new truckers.. so my advice is to get your 3 months in and start making some calls or go to company web sites.. talk to drivers at truck stops.. the good jobs are out there.. i plan on getting a line haul run after i get my 3 months in with a different company but you never know i may like it at Werner.. good luck to you all..
PS thanks allen you helped me find Sage and your advice has already saved me lots of money and time..
Graduated and received my CDL June 13th from Roadmaster in Dunn, NC. Entered the program through Workforce Investment Act so it was paid for with no contract. 160 hours of class time over 4 weeks. The first week was all class room time. The rest was in the field studying pretrip inspection, backing or driving/observing other drivers. I was fortunate that my class only had 4 students. However, the class before us had 18 so during week 2 things were a bit hectic and instructors were working primarily with that class to get them prepared for testing. There were definetely times where we felt like we weren’t doing anything and would have rather been driving, but all in all we worked all of our hours in according to schedule. The equipment was not great. Many transmission/clutch issues (no surprise) and several without a/c on 95 degree days. During our last two weeks the Director was having all these issues fixed and said that they were getting new trucks in to replace the older ones. The instructors were awesome! Professional, patient, knowledgeable and great personalities. If it was not for the instructors, it would have been a not so great experience. They really made the school. Most importantly, I received my CDL on time and am comfortable moving forward to a finishing program with a trucking company. My fiance and I are looking into Covenant. Haven’t read great things on internet, but in talking to drivers at truck stops they seem pretty happy. Well the team drivers not so much for the solos. Anyway, all in all I would attend Roadmaster in Dunn again — only because of the instructors.
i just would like to say i am a inexperienced driver would needs the best advice about going to a trucking school here in chicagobut cant seem to find one thinking about going to schneider national but i am not sure, what do you think? you can email me back at marlandoncollins@yahoo.com
ROB and ALLEN
First I want to thank Allen for his e-book as it has helped me figure out some of the questions I should be asking and giving the different schools a second look. ROB thank you for your post because after looking at different schools I pretty much decided on SAGE then I read your post and feel that I have made a decent decision. I plan on starting at SAGE in July 2008
Hello Allen,
I got your ebook on truth about trucking, and it confirmed a lot of my fears. I learned a lot and appreciate the info. I am thinking about becoming an O/O after I get about a year under my belt. I have a question about Fuel surchage, how does that work, and when a company says they pay 100% surcharge what exactly does that mean.
Thanks,
Stan
No problem Doug and good luck…
which school are you going to attend?
Stanley why jump into O/O.. why not drive for someone for a while, with fuel so high i’m not thinking that would be a wise move.. unless i’m missing something..but i’ve spoken to several O/O who have parked their trucks and went to work as a company driver…
> Allen,
> Thanks for the e-mail(s). I’ve tried to read everything I can about the
> trucking industry –including your very helpful CD. Last Thursday - 20th
> June, 08 - I got my CDL - Class A license !! This is how I did it.
> First I read every web site of every truck driving school within 100 miles
> of where I live (Muskegon, MI) Then I called and spoke with the sales
> representatives of my top three choices (based on the information
> presented on
> their web sites) I asked their recruiters how long the school
> lasted, the cost
> of the instruction, the equipment they used for the training, the student to
> teacher ratio and, most importantly, what percentage of their students
> “graduated” with a CDL - A license.
> I narrowed my choice down to one school, West Michigan CDL in Grandville,
> MI. They were not the least expensive. In fact, they were one of the most
> expensive ones (almost $4300.00). The recruiter told me that I
> could pay for
> the course in one of two ways. I could get a personal loan or, since I was
> unemployed, I could go through Michigan Works / No Worker Left
> Behind program.
> I decided to let the state of Michigan pay for my training. The only
> “snag” with that was that I had to attend several half day classes
> and seminars
> and take a few tests before the State would release the funds. It
> took almost
> five weeks to fulfill all the requirements. Fortunately for me, between my
> unemployment checks and my “rainy day funds” I was able to wait the
> five weeks
> and then the additional three weeks required for the actual driving school
> training.
> West Michigan CDL had new classes starting every Monday. They trained on
> 10 speed Freightliners and had about 15 units on site. They had five
> instructors and tried to keep the student / teacher ratio to about 4
> or 5 to 1. (My
> class consisted of two other students and myself). Each day started at
> 07:00 AM with an hour or so of classroom instruction (log books,
> map reading,
> weight distribution, movies etc) Then two of us would go out to
> the parking lot
> / range and take turns making left and right hand turns, backing up in a
> straight line and performing a 90 degree “alley dock” maneuver. The other
> student would go with an instructor and spend an hour to and hour
> and 30 minutes
> driving around Grand Rapids (MI) They took us through some heavy
> traffic and
> busy intersections. We also spent 20 or 30 minutes on freeway driving. (as
> a side note, that first week or so I did a lot of “white knuckle” driving
> despite the instructors telling me to “relax”)
> Each of us got to drive every morning and again in the afternoon. They
> gave us an hour for lunch but expected us to spend part of that
> hour studying.
> We also had a few recruiters (Swift, Werner, Stevens, US Xpress, etc) visit
> us during some of our lunch breaks and tell us about why we should
> go to work
> for their company. The first two weeks we had “homework” to do every
> evening and would review it in class the next morning. The last
> week was spent
> reviewing what we had learned and giving “pre-trip” inspections on
> the tractor /
> trailers. Thursday of the third week was “test day.” A state qualified
> tester came right to the school and individually tested us. Friday
> was retest
> day in case we failed to pass on the first try. I’m proud to say that all
> three of us, in my class, passed on our first try. I did see two students
> (during my first week there) who had to retest (and they passed their second
> try). And during my second week there, I saw one guy fail twice.
> The school pays
> for two of the state exams but your third try costs you an additional
> $125.00 The guy who failed twice finally made it on his third attempt.
> All in all, I am VERY pleased with this school and their way of teaching.
> They also assisted us in writing pre-hire letters to a dozen or so trucking
> companies and told us that they would be happy to assist us in trying to
> land a job with any company of our choosing.
> I’ve probably talked to at least 20 or more truck companies since starting
> my schooling. The really good companies (local and or high paying and low
> turn over rates) all seem to want one thing….a clean driving
> record AND six
> months to a years experience. Schneider was going to be my first choice but
> unfortunately they are not hiring anyone from Michigan at this time. I head
> to Chicago this Sunday and start three days of orientation with US Xpress on
> Monday. The game plan is to drive for them for at least six months
> and do my
> best to treat them fairly and honestly and hope they treat me the same in
> return. Then I will take stock of my situation and see if I
> continue with them
> or try for a “local” job.
> Well…..that’s my story. Hope I haven’t bored you to tears !! LOL I
> appreciate your advice and look forward to your e-mails.
> thanks,
> Rob Morin,
> (newest CDL Class A driver in Michigan)
>
HEY ROB MORIN…
JULIA HERE FROM MUSKEGON , MI……WAS THAT SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED ACCREDITED?…….MUSK. COMM. COLLEGE SAID IT WASNT’ AND THAT STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED WEST MI CDL WERE HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING INTO TRUCKING COMPANIES….DOESN’T SOUND LIKE YOU HAVE HAD ANY PROBLEMS…..PROBABLY JUST A BIG HYPE FROM MUSK. COM. COLL. …I’D LIKE TO HEAR YOUR FEED-BACK..
THANKS MIKE & MARK’S MOM.
Julia - this message is for you regarding advice about Covenant because this is the reality: if you want to be a team driver you have chosen the right company. If you later change your mind, Covenant will make it difficult for you to be a solo.
Another blog runs a list of the worst 5 companies in the US. Werner, Swift, C.R. England, Covenant and CRST made the dubious list. Have you read Allen’s e-books yet?
Sam,
Thanks for the info
Which blog is it on?
Allen
To: Stanley Boling :
Hi Stan, sorry for the delay in responding, but I have been in Atlanta, GA for a few days on business…..
The fuel surcharge is an extra charge that motor carriers charge their customers in order to off-set the high cost of fuel. This charge is essential in the survival of the trucking companies and the owner operators. For example, in 2005, Swift Transportation increased their revenue by nearly 392 million dollars soley on fuel surcharges!
When a company says they will pay you, the owner operator 100% of the fuel surcharge, that means that instead of them (the company) pocketing these extra dollars, instead, they will pay it to you (the O/O). Many companies will keep this extra revenue and leave the owner operator with paying the high fuel cost, which is simply wrong!
Their is a bill in Congress right now being introduced that will make the companies pass this extra surcharge revenue onto the owner operators, so keep your fingers crossed that it will pass. Read more about this fuel surcharge bill….I think you will find it interesting.
Also, here is some more reading I believe you will appreciate:
http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/CA6389626.html
Hope this helps, and Good Luck,
Allen
Just want to post a word of warning to those to want to attend
> truckdriving
>> schools. I was recently told the company I wanted to go to work for
>> recommended
>> a school in another state. The next thing I know a recuritier from
>> that school
>> is calling me and fast talking with lots of pressure to get started.
>> They avoid
>> talking finances as much as possible. (recruiters get their bonus
>> when you start
>> for your assigned company)
>>
>> In short what I learned is ALWAYS do your schooling in your own state.
> NEVER
>> let them pressure you into jumping in as quick as possilbe. ALWAYS
>> get WRITTEN
>> information on your cost for school before you leave home.
>>
>> This particular school will make you believe the company is paying
>> all you have
>> to do is show up with your part of the registration fee.
>> NOT TRUE- The company will help you repay the loan that you will be
>> signing for
>> at the school. Some companies will help you repay the loan IF you
>> drive for them
>> for a required amount of time- all of your bonuses will be
>> automatically applied
>> to the loan until it is paid in full. If you apply for other jobs
>> your company
>> will know and you will then become liable for the full balance of
>> the loan.(18%
>> or higher interest)
>> Credit is not an issue you will get the loan if they accept you. Then IF
> and
>> WHEN you complete training and get your CDL you must report to the company
> on
>> the day required or your $6000 loan just became a $16000 loan due in full
>> immediately. Cash for that school is $4000-no loan needed. Once you
>> arrive at
>> the school even if you leave early you WILL owe them money due in
>> full at that
>> time.
>>
>> But even with them securing you a loan check costs and reference of other
>> schools- I found another school in the same town and state with a
> respectable
>> reputation that only charged $2,500 for everything! Remeber you are the
> one
>> responsible for all financing if you sign on the line with or with out
> full
>> knowlege of what is going on.
>>
>> NEXT remember that if you go to another state to go to school - YOUR
>> HOME STATE
>> may not accept that school as an accredited school. That means you
>> will have to
>> have a CDL with the state you are schooling in -regardless of wheter
>> or not you
>> have a current CDL- then you will have to take your new liscence and turn
> it
>> into your home state and get a new CDL from your state. Also not all
> states
>> require the same tests for the CDL (CDL is Federal)states can add
>> other things
>> they require for their state which could affect wheter or not you
>> get the CDL in
>> that state.
>> I chose a local state school which was a fraction of the cost and was
> highly
>> respected with a good reputation for proper safe training of
>> drivers. Good luck
>> and ALWAYS check your facts.
Just a word of advice to all KEEP YOUR DAC CLEAN.
i’ve driving for awhile (10+yrs) I made a couple bad choices in the last two yrs. (never lease i mean never) and that hurt me (thanks c.r.) and i was flat out honest
w/werner and that cost me,not telling anyone to lie but think before say anything. if anyone would like to know
what happen i’ll tell them but you’ll have to e-mail me @ kidcarson07@yahoo.com . remember keep your dac clean. allen thanks for what your doing for all drivers new and old.
pierce
Pierce,
Thank you for helping me get the word out.
I am presently in an all out campaign to raise the standards of the trucking industry.
Without everyone’s support and trust it would be much more difficult….almost impossible.
Keep posting everyone! It’s working.
Thank you for the information. Recently, while checking out one school in my state, the recruiter was pressurring me when I may begin training and highly recimmended one trucking company –they paid the driver’s the most $$$.
I was also “encouraged” to apply to six different trucking companies, offered tuition assistance, to get a physical exam, and read several chapters of the CDL handbook and obtain a truck driver’s permit PRIOR to the 1st day of class.
I explained to the school that I had submitted my paperwork for a buyout package offered by my employer. I also explained that I would not begin any training until AFTER I received the buyout money & tended to a few personal / family challenges. Gut feeling told me to get out of that school ASAP. The recruiter has called me several times inquiring when I may begin training. He also remarked that once begin my employment with WERNER’s, I could be a mentor driver trainer based on my gender after 6 months & that he would get a small bonus ($200?). I quickly lost interest in that school. I have checked out two other school’s, their class schedule, and tuition.
Just thought I would share my experience with you.
OH OH…WHAT HAVE I DONE???? I JUST GRADUATED FROM A TRUCKING SCHOOL AND HAVE JUST INLISTED WITH WERNER….6 WKS WITH A TRAINER…..WHATS THE BIZ???
Hello Everyone:
I am starting school July 9th 2008 at SAGE TECH. IN SALT LAKE CITY UTAH.
Thanks to Rob’s post I feel good about going to this school now if I can just make a good decision about who to start driving for when I get certified.
While I am here I am wondering what you all think about a couple of sites on the net.
Site #1: betterdriverjobs.com
Site #2: hammerlanejobs.com
Are these places full of bull or are they worth checking out.
Thanks for all your help.
Doug
Here again with another Question.
After getting your cdl certification how long is considered a reasonable amount of time to have to drive with a company trainer.
Thanks again.
Doug
Hi, Doug:
To drive with a trainer is usually anywhere from 3-4 weeks……it is really up to the trainer to say when you are “ready” to be let loose by yourself….I have seen it go for as long as 8 weeks…but 3-4 should do…..remember, the trainer is receiving “training” pay for you….some will stretch it out as long as they can….if you feel you are ready after 3-4 weeks and the trainer is showing no sign of “letting you go”…..just professionally and politely request it…..this does not happen often, but it can…..3-4 weeks should do it…..
Doug,
Personally…..I don’t believe those kind of sites can help in any way…..you will be bombarded by all kinds of trucking companies…..these sites make money from their advertisers who happen to be trucking companies……I can give you some good advice……write me at
allen@truthabouttrucking.com
Allen Smith
TO ALL :
Remember, the Truth About Trucking isn’t just about selling my eBook, etc…..it is there if anyone wants it….my goal is to help students, newcomers and even experienced drivers if I can……we now have the FREE calling service : SKYPE on our website….when you see me online, and you have SKYPE…..CALL ME !!! I will be here as much as I can to help as much as I can…..2nd goal —– to RAISE the Standards of the Trucking Industry!!
Thanks,
Allen Smith
http://www.truthabouttrucking.com
Texas allows me to carry a concealed handgun. Louisiana recognizes my license to carry.
If the federal law prohibits me from carrying a loaded handgun, then my CHL must be invalid unless I never intend to travel interstate.
At what point CAN’T I carry my concealed and loaded handgun if I’m traveling interstate? Is it legal until I cross the state line, at which time I must unload it and lock it away?
Julia,
Sorry about the delay in getting back to you. I was in Chicago attending a three day orientation for US Xpress. As far as I know, the West Michigan CDL school IS accredited and when I left there I already had EIGHT pre-hire letters in the folder they kept (and upon graduation) gave to us. The recruiter from US Xpress told us that he only goes to one other CDL school in Michigan (somewhere near Detroit) to do his recruiting.
West Michigan CDL has at least five full time employees devoted to running the business and four more people who do nothing but instruct / drive with students. At a minimum I drove for over an hour in the morning and another hour or more in the afternoon.
The ONLY thing that was “a problem” was the 40 mile commute (each way) to the school everyday. It would have been nicer to drive the 10 miles to MCC. I still feel that West Michigan had the better of the two schools. Would be happy to chat with you about it though. robmorin@aol.com
I was wondering if anyone had any information on Area Truck Driving School in the San Jose area, California. Good? Bad? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi David:
My understanding of the Federal Law is the weapon cannot be transported loaded in a CMV……weapon and ammo must be stored out of the reach of the driver…..
“if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle:”
This continues to be discussed again and again….but this is how I understand it to read…..
Thanks, Allen
Hi everyone!!!
I was thinking on joining Schneider National truck driver academy, but i have seen so many websites saying they are ripping off people on these schools or companies which offer the best pay rates and miles.
Since I dont know anything about the industry, i would be thankful if you guys can give me some advice on what companies and schools are trust worthy.
Thanks in advance.
Hey there, Alan
I just started a school in Stockton, California called Werstern Pacfic truck driving school. Has anyone heard any negitive comments on them ?
Reading all these comments on companies like Swift, Werner, etc. is making me wander if i should be even getting into the trucking Ind.
I was told before entering into a school that you could make $1,000.00 a week if you were willing to put the miles in ? any thoughts /
Allen,
You asked me to respond on whether Schneider would waive the hotel/meals fee of $500 from their $4500 tuition because I live 10 minutes down the road.
They in fact would not. They will charge me the
$500 for sleeping in my own bed with my wife!
Other than that, it all looks good …….on the front end anyway.
Hey, Jim
That must have been Donna….sometimes when I’m not available, she will respond…..No, companies will usually not do that….but with Schneider, they have a very good reputation for helping drivers…they must figure you’ll do OK once you’re rolling!!
Good Luck!
Hi Scott:
With the right company, $1000 per week gross is very possible….let us know how things work out for you….Allen
Hi Rafael,
Most of the trucking company “schools” are big-time scams….Schneider, however, has a good reputation for helping out “newbies”……you should be OK…..let us know…………..
i would like to now what company is the best on going back driving?
hi allen ! i have app.in a bunch of place one is mills to name one! so plaese help find the right place thank you?
Does anyone know if New England Tractor Trailer Training School in Rhode Island any good?
Hi…I really love this website; seems to be THE most helpful of all!
I currently live in OK, but plan on moving to Huntsville, TX and am looking for a good school, or a company with training within the Huntsville/Livingston/Lufkin/Houston area. I will not need housing, as I will be moving in with family there.
Any suggestions or advise would be greatly appreciated.
Hey, Terri….
Thanks for the comment……you may be aware that I believe the BEST training for your CDL is through a Vo-Tech school….but here are a few choices for you….hope they help……
North Harris College
2700 W.W. Thorne Drive - Houston TX 77073
Houston Community College
6401 Long Point Suite 600 - Houston TX 77055
CDL Express
9800 Eastex Fwy - Houston TX 77093-5722
Also, check out this link ——
http://www.truckschoolsusa.com/States%20R-W.htm#Texas
Good Luck!
Hi Pauline……..Schneider National is a good choice for newcomers, students, new drivers, etc…….they would be a good place to start……Good Luck
Anyone have experience with Smith and Solomon Truck Driving School in NJ?
Thanks,
Mike
well am trying to get out of the plant work and drive trucks,i have been looking online for schools,so i came across a school in Dallas. the company name is Stevens Transport, I just wont to know if they are a good school to attend there. Thanks for your help Mike an Allen
I have a question, can some one help?
I have a friend that went to c1 professional training center in Indianapolis. He was supposed to join USA Trucking after he took his CDL driving test. He didn’t pass his test. He never received his license. They are now saying he owes $7,000 to them. Can this be wiped out with bankruptcy? Does he have to pay this back to training center?
Hi Jamie,
Sorry to hear about this. The sad thing is your friend more than likely signed a contract, and somewhere in that contract he agreed to the terms and conditions concerning the obligation of the loan. I am no attorney, but I’m sure he is responsible for paying back the loan. Unless, there was some kind of clause in the contract that guaranteed he/she would receive the CDL upon completion of the course. The best thing to do is have an attorney look over everything he signed and agreed to…..IF everything is correct, he/she is obligated to pay back the loan…….As far as bankruptcy…it probably could be wiped out, but this will damage their credit for 10 years…..again, I’m no attorney….he/she would have to ask a bankruptcy attorney………..GOOD LUCK !!!……Let us know how it all works out………
Also trying to leave the factory and get on the road. Have read a lot of comments, both pro and con, about Stevens in Dallas. What is the truth?
Thanks George. Can you be more specific for everyone? What is the full name? School or Trucking company?
The school is part of Stevens Trucking in Dallas.
I don’t know much about them Goerge. Maybe someone on here might. Also, have you checked the other forums? Truckers Report is a good one to start with.
Hello, I went to Road Master’s driving school in Tampa, Fl, to get a class A. I figured it would help with insurance for my dad. Shortly after I got my cdl my told me that he had to get a lung transplant and sold the truck. Because of my age it is hard for me to find work. If anybody knows of any trucking company in Fl that will hire at 19 please let me know.
Also for anybody thinking to attend Road Master’s in Tampa, Fl look around for other schools that less expensive, all they want is the money. The equipment is old the classes are over crowded until the last week of graduation. What made it pleasurable for me was the instructors, my classmates, and most of all being the youngest at 18.The only reason I went there was because my dad attended the school.