Trucking Education

Details matter when it comes to CDL training. Sure, Uncle Fred can take you out on the back roads in his '72 Kenworth and show you how to shift some gears, but that's only part of the education a truck driver needs. Successful trucking careers begin with quality CDL training from a reputable truck driving school. The trucking schools in the Driver Solutions Network offer a proven method training program for truck drivers. The program includes a mix of classroom, driving range instruction, and on-the-street driving experience. The details matter when it comes to your safety and the safety of those you share the road with.

The classroom is an interactive presentation which introduces the systems and components of the truck, as well as the regulations and methods for logging and trip planning. The driving range puts you behind the wheel to practice low speed driving maneuvers such as turning, backing, and gear shifting. There's more to driving a big rig than shifting gears and eating in the truck stops. Quality CDL training helps produce safety conscious, professional truck drivers.

TruckingTruth's Notes:

After speaking with one of Driver Solution's recruiters for a while there are a few things I'd like to explain.

Overall Impression

First of all, my overall impression of the program is a good one. I feel that if you live within their hiring zones and you're looking for an inexpensive way to get your CDL, this is a good program to consider. Again, you must do your own research. I know a little bit about Driver Solution's program, but I don't know anything about you. You have to find the program that's right for you. I'll explain in detail:

No Hire Zones

Driver Solutions basically hires out the Eastern portion of the U.S. They have a hiring zone map that you should take a look at.

Out Of Pocket Expenses and Up-Front Costs

The only basic up-front expenses are a $50-$100 fee for getting your CDL permit - sometimes less - depending on which state you attend school in. Driver Solutions will pay for your bus transportation from your home to the terminal where the schooling is, and the room you'll be staying at while going to school. You will have to pay for your own meals.

Your Obligation After Completing the Schooling

After attending school, you will be required to remain with the company your are hired onto for one year. During that year you will pay $45 per week through payroll deduction to help pay for the schooling which equates to $2340. However, at the end of one year you will be reimbursed $1245, so the total cost for your schooling will be $1095. You will not begin paying the $45 per week until your time with your trainer is complete and you are in your own truck running solo.

If you quit working for the company before your 12 month obligation is complete, you will be required to pay for the portion of the schooling that remains. The total cost of the schooling is $6000, so whatever is left after deducting the amount you've paid in at that point is yours to pay.

I can't stress this enough - do not quit any of these programs before your obligation is complete unless a family emergency or something of the sort comes up. Even then you can often times take a leave of absense. You are new to the industry and you are being given an outstanding opportunity by these companies. Do not mess this up for yourself. You will have trouble finding a job if you don't finish the obligation. After all, why would a company hire someone who has already broken their obligation to the very first trucking company they ever worked for? Need I say more?

Minimum Qualifications

Though it is not possible to list every qualification, here are some of the basic qualifications for the Driver Solutions Network trucking companies:

• At least 22 years of age
• Ability to be away from home at least 1 week (7 days) at a time
• No convictions for a DUI (drug or alcohol-related) offense in the last 5 years
• No more than one DUI (drug or alcohol-related) offense in a lifetime
• No felony convictions ever
• Must hold a valid U.S. driver's license for one year
• Must have a U.S. residential address within the hiring area
• Ability to pass a DOT physical and DOT drug screen.

How The Schooling Is Structured

The schooling will last approximately 3-4 weeks. The first week is mostly spent in the classroom, and the next two weeks will divide your time between classroom, maneuvering the truck in the yard, and on the road training. At the end of the training you will take your CDL exam.

Once you have your CDL, you will begin your training with the company that sponsored your schooling. You will be out on the road with a trainer for about 2-4 weeks depending on your skill level, and then will be given your own truck and sent out on the road.

Some Final Notes

The fact that there are no credit checks, tuition down-payments, or co-signers needed for loans is great for people who have a less than stellar credit report.

Some companies prefer that you get your CDL permit before attending their school, Driver Solutions does not. They prefer you handle that after you arrive.

Driver Solutions works with several different truck driving schools and trucking companies, so there is a chance that you will even be given a choice of companies to work for when you complete the schooling. Most free (or almost free) CDL training programs lock you in with the company that is training you. Driver Solutions has several companies they work with so before you attend, ask them about what your hiring options may be after your schooling is complete.

Your choices may be a bit limited if you are 21 years old. They do work with at least one company that will hire you at 21 years old, but check with Driver Solutions before hand to find out.

Conclusion

Overall I feel this would be a good program to consider. Driver Solutions is unique because they are not an actual trucking company, nor are they a truck driving school - and this could have its advantages. They are technically a driver recruiting company that matches people who would like to become truck drivers with a company that will hire them and pay for their schooling. They will then send you to the proper school for your training.

Because they work with several trucking companies, including at the time of this writing(11/30/2008) PAM Trucking, Star Transport, Averitt Express, and USA Truck, you may have some options when it comes to choosing the company you would like to work for after your training is complete. Driver Solutions also knows these companies well and can help match you up with the best one based on your qualifcations and preferences.

Another advantage is that the companies that Driver Solutions is working with have a variety of hiring standards. Some are easier to get on with, some are more difficult. But if you've had trouble for some reason getting accepted by other company training programs, Driver Solutions may just be flexible enough to find you a home with one of their companies.

Now you know I'm going to tell you to do your own research and look into all of the other options that are available, but I definitely feel like Driver Solutions is worthy of consideration.

Now you can return to the index page and view more companies with free truck driver training