Comments By Andre G.

I just discovered that KLLM have their own Academy/CDL Program as well. Will check that out. Many companies who did not offer training are now starting their own CDL Programs. I hope Averitt and Heartland will do the same in the future.

Ok so KLLM does everything together? I also wonder which is the best company to go with if you're coming right out as far as OTR, or dedicated runs etc. I don't wanna travel to another state for a trucking school. Also how do you figure out of the company you're starting with will offer drop and hook jobs or where you have to actually do manual labor?

The FFE Academy is located in Fort Worth, but the Orientation after the school will be in Lancaster, Tx.

Thanks for responding because I know everyone is busy. Once I learn the ropes I'll do the same thing and help others along the way! I do want to know what is the diff b/t orientation after school?

Update 12 August, 2014:

1. I have decided to attend the FFE Academy in Ft Worth, Tx. I just sent my application to them. 2. How long should I be waiting until I call them to ask them about the status of my application? 3. I also noticed that the application form did not have any FFE logo on it, but KLLM. Whenever, I click on the apply button on the FFE website, I get the application form of KLLM. Has KLLM taken over FFE? If yes, was it a friendly or a hostile take over? Does the FFE Academy still exist? 4. If FFE Academy does not work out, the next candidate would be Stevens Academy in Dallas or Swift Academy in San Antonio. 5. The second option would be to attend the El Paso Community College Truck Driving School who allied with Mesilla Valley Training Institute and then start my on-the-job training with Averitt Express. They hire recent graduates and Mesilla Valley Training Institute is one of the schools they approve. They require from the recent graduates to attend course with 240 hours of instruction. If I pass the CDL Tests I am eligible to start one of their Student Driver Programs. If I get financial aid for the El Paso Community College, I will do this program, but if FFE Academy responds quickly and invite me then I will go there. 6. Other options if nothing else works are Prime Inc, Con-Way Freight, or Knight/Squire Transportation

Hey there please keep me informed b/c i'm trying to make the best decision for me also. I live in DFW and considering that school as well. Are the other schools you mentioned offer paid training and do they require a year contract?

I'm looking to start trucking school but wondering what would be the best school to use? Please help me out. I'm leaving the financial world and want to make the best decision. Does anyone know of any schools in my area or can point me in the right direction? Please advise at your earliest convience? Brett?

If you could also advise of some of the best companies to start out with?

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum!

It's advisable to go to a school to obtain your CDL. While you can just take the tests and obtain your license, from what I have read very few companies will be interested in hiring you if you haven't gone to a school. None of the major carriers will that I know of. You might end up taking the tests and paying to rent a truck to take the exam, only to have to pay for a school anyway.

If you are considering becoming an owner/operator, especially as someone new to the industry, I highly recommend this great post Brett made on the subject:

So You're Thinking About Becoming An Owner-Operator?

I'd also recommend checking out this page:

Truck Driver's Career Guide

All of the resources here are amazing, and this is hands-down the friendliest site about trucking. I'd casually researched trucking for over a year before finding trucking truth, and I'm glad I did! The other forums nearly had me scared off the industry altogether. So again, welcome!

Hello,

My name is Andre and I'm totally new to the trucking business. My goal is to own a truck(s) but I'm needing advice. I think I need to get my CDL's 1st so I can know the ends/outs. Please advise if its smart to go to school or just get cdl's? Should I sign up with a company? Whatever advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated. I live in Dallas, Tx.

Thanks, Andre