Profile For Triggered veteran

Maybe I misspoke. I’m sorry.

Take the advice given in this forum with a grain of salt. A lot of good information in here, but some stuff that’s just plain wrong.

This what you said earlier.

Now you claim 99% of what we say is good!

You are confusing me.

I agree, it’s definitely a good way to get into this industry for some. I’m just in the camp, if you can pay for it yourself do it. For example the company I started with takes new drivers, but they don’t have a school. I know there are 100s maybe 1000s of great companies out there. But I’m incredibly thankful I had the option of a company like that. I look forward to being a part of this forum for years to come and giving my 2 cents.

Congratulations!

That all sounds great. How did you think we were wrong? Brett and I didn't go to Paid CDL Training Programs. We don't teach that as the only way to success. It is a very good way to go though.

99% of the info here is good. The only thing I don’t agree with is, company sponsored schools are pushed incredibly hard here. I’m proof that there is another way to produce the same outcome.

A lot of good information in here, but some stuff that’s just plain wrong.

Oh, this should be good. Go for it, friend. School us veterans with your two years of deep knowledge. What did we get wrong?

It says here “we don’t recommend community colleges and local training” I don’t agree with that. A good driver can come from anywhere it all comes down to if the individual commits themselves to learning.

Go through the links again that are posted above and see why we don't recommend community colleges or local training schools. In this tough economy where companies are laying off drivers because freight has slowed, you really need to go with a company that does training. Then you are pretty much assured of having a job when you get through it. Going through a community college is no guarantee that you will have a job, only that you will have your CDL.

Laura

No, haven’t been fired. Here’s the rundown. I took the advice on here and went OTR. Just not with a mega carrier. I did that for 16 months. I saw a lot of cool places. Los Angeles to New York City. Now I work for an LTL and I’m home every night. Some days I miss the road, but this paycheck is pretty dang nice for being home everyday. No jabs to be given. Just sharing you DONT have to go to a company sponsored school to be successful, the same companies will still hire you.

I also hope the Triggered Veteran will give us a run down of what happened. Whatever it was, induced him to go back and find this thread and give us a jab. My guess is that he got fired and is now blaming it on us. I would love to hear the story, because I have a feeling it will vindicate any advice we have given.

2 years into this amazing career. I’m averaging 2000 a week. Went to the community college paid 5k went to class for a month and got on the road. I road with a trainer for a week and got cut loose. I was pulling tanker/hopper bottom. I’ve switched to dry van. For anybody reading this, if you’re considering getting into trucking. Take the advice given in this forum with a grain of salt. A lot of good information in here, but some stuff that’s just plain wrong.

I understand that. I appreciate your input. But wouldn’t those companies with sponsored schools, also hire new drivers? Just without the contractual obligation?

Dakota, the two students in my class that had their CDLs but no experience had to sign the same contract the rest of us did.

As stated by others, every company is different, and also you should stick with your first company for at least a year anyways.

I’ll stick with my first company for a few years. With One of the 5 letters of prehire I have.

I'll never understand why some will seemingly be all in to starting this new career that requires 100% commitment, yet are unwilling to be in a very short-term contract with an employer that paid for their training, gave them a job, and all the associated experience that will be acquired during a 9-14 month contract.

Good luck with your stipulations.

It’s literally one stipulation. I won’t sign a contract. I’m not staying out 6-8 weeks if I’m told I’ll be home weekends just because I’m under a contract if I have to. Plenty of people go to local schools and have successful careers. I have the finances to make it happen. I’m not so broke that I have to ask big daddy mega carrier to pay my way. This is why people don’t want to get into this industry, the “my way or it’s wrong” attitude. Minus the study stuff, this forum is toxic.

I thought I'd go to my local community college myself but followed the advice here and did company-sponsored training. Time really flies out here. I've been solo for almost two months so that year is going to go by so fast it won't be an issue. I'm glad I went the route I did to start my career now. Just my thoughts as a new driver.

I understand that. I appreciate your input. But wouldn’t those companies with sponsored schools, also hire new drivers? Just without the contractual obligation?

Thanks everybody. I decided not to go with prime, or be an owner operator. A couple years late, but I’m going to the community college this spring. As my New Years revolution. The material on here is great. Thanks every one for your input. After thinking about it for years, I’m doing it.

Go through the links again that are posted above and see why we don't recommend community colleges or local training schools. In this tough economy where companies are laying off drivers because freight has slowed, you really need to go with a company that does training. Then you are pretty much assured of having a job when you get through it. Going through a community college is no guarantee that you will have a job, only that you will have your CDL.

Laura

I’m not seeing anything specifically saying community colleges/local schools are bad. Just a ton on sponsored schools.