Comments By Brent B.

Amtrak ticket purchased. Set out on Sunday at 10:25am. Orientation at the Swift terminal in Lathrop, CA.

Well, looks like it is going to be swift. The other companies wanted refresher courses because it has been 8 months since I was in CDL school with no driving experience. I cannot afford the $1500-$1750 required for a private refresher course. Swift will allow me to go to there 3-day orientation and take a road test on the first day. The catch, no practice allowed. As I said before, the last time I drove was in CDL school, 8 months ago. If I pass the road test, I continue with orientation and go with a trainer after 3 days. If I fail the road test, I will be sent to there 3 week school in Phoenix. That means I will pay for school 2x in less than a year. Let me rephrase. I am paying for my first company school, as I did not stay on with them after graduation. Swift academy would be paid for if I honor the contract. My preference would be to have more training(school), since it has been 8 months since I have driven. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the great advice, Brett!

My ultimate goal is to get western regional with home time every 2-3 weeks. I know I will probably have to do the lower 48 to start off with, and I am cool with that.I want freight that delivers the most miles. I am sure that is different for each company, too! My top 2 choices would be reefer and dry van. Yes, I have a family, but I don't need to be home every week. My whole family has talked about this, and we understand, and are OK with, the sacrifices that have to be made. My family's 100% support is very critical to me.

I will take a look at that series. Thanks!

I will probably go solo to start.

Schneider turned me down. I think that is because I turned them down for another trucking school last October. Pet policy is not important to me but, I would like to take the truck home.

Hi Everyone,

Excited to get started and to get some great advice from drivers on this forum!

I received my CDL from a trucking company school in October 2012. I did not stay on with the company after school because of family reasons. I have currently been accepted by Swift, Prime and FFE. I am just not sure which one to go with.

1) Swift - Pro's - 3 day orientation, great terminal locations, big company. - Con's - If I fail road test, I have to go to 3 week school in Phoenix. Very low pay. I have heard that it slows way down in the fall.

2) Prime - Pro's - Excellent training program and pay. Lots of miles. You are a person, and not a truck #. - Con's - Honestly, couldn't find any!

3) FFE - Pro's - Excellent training program and decent pay. Treated like a person. - Con's - I have heard the company may be bought out as there stocks are trading at just over $1 per share.

So here is the deal. My heart tells me swift. My head tells me prime and I have a very negative feeling about ffe. Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, if my prescription medications were approved at my CDL training school, will they be approved at other schools? I am on atenolol(beta blocker) because I had atrial fibrillation in 2009 and it is now just pvc's(extra beats)(minimal). I am also on fluoxetine for anxiety since 2003. My doctor sent a letter to my CDL training school that I was fit to drive with no adverse effects from the medication. Will that be acceptable to other companies?

Nice to join the forum. I look forward to interacting with all of you!

Have a Great day!