Comments By Thomas (Knot Head)

"... my local school. $2,500..."

Wow, $2,500 is cheap. I don't understand the huge difference but my school charges $5,500. Hope to take advantage of a company's tuition reimbursement program at hiring time!

The local private school that I really want to attend is actually giving me a discount because I am a firefighter/EMT. So my tuition would be $2,500. I think it normally is between $3,000 and $3,500. That is for 4 weeks. My local community college offers a two month program between $800 and $1,200. I can't remember the exact number on that one.

I have been doing a lot of research lately. Seems like the ideal route to get into trucking would be to go to a private school and possibly get several offers from different companies. I don't have the means to come up with the money up front for my local school. $2,500. So I have been looking at companies with their own schools. I have narrowed it down to Swift and Millis Transfer. I am curious what people that have gone through their schooling have to say and for anyone what works for either company for their opinions too. Thanks in advance.

I currently drive for TMC so if you wanna ask me anything specific feel free to ask

I sent you a private message. But what kind of truck did you get assigned to?

It all depends what's in the appearance bay the day test out I requested a 379 13 speed and got that, they are phasing them out and going to the 579 within the next year or so there will be only 579. 579 being the newer model peterbilt with a 9 speed transmission and more aerodynamic look to it verses the old school square Pete 379. All of their trucks are top of the line and taking extremely good care of and washed quite frequently lol

Well I kinda hate that but like it at the same time. I love the look of the 379 but I would like the room in the 579's. Did you get my message?

I currently drive for TMC so if you wanna ask me anything specific feel free to ask

I sent you a private message. But what kind of truck did you get assigned to?

Maverick has a sign in TN posted in their yard: $60k/year+ starting wage for drivers.

I have looked and compared the two by several aspects. I even emailed them both but still waiting on one to reply back. I really like both. I really like both company's equipment. Just wondered if I could get some professional advice from other TMC or Maverick employees. What the cons are for each.

What is everyone's opinion between the two. I like them both but am having a hard time deciding between the two. Any thoughts, pros, cons about either? Would prefer actual facts, not just rumors.

I know I have been asking a lot of questions but I am just trying to get everything lined up for when I do make the career change to trucking.

Well if you list your concerns we may be able to help.

As for flatbedding, you either like it or you don't. For more it is more than just a job, it is a passion.

Fair enough. I am afraid that I would be getting in over my head with flatbed. The extra time it takes to tarp everything, waiting on places to load and unload you. I'm worried about all the extra time waiting around. (That's just a guess since I really don't know.) But I do like the ideas of actually getting out and being more active than you would normally be driving van. And obviously another perk is the extra cents per mile over van.

One of the biggest things I am reserved about with van is the larger blinds spots because of the trailer unlike flatbed. Also the physical aspect of van driving. Not really getting out as much and moving around. I know it would be up to me to make a bigger effort to be healthier. I don't want to get wrapped up in just running and running and running and running to make money that I choose to track to the unhealthier side like fast food and lack of exercise.

I guess I am just wondering what you all think is better and what would be better and practicle for a rookie? I don't want to take the "easy" route, if there is one, but I don't want to get in over my head.

I got a question. I am debating between a few choices. As a brand new CDL driver, would it be a better idea to go out for a dry van/refer or flat bed?

I like the appeal of both but also have some concerns and reservations about both.

Thank you Old School. I did look up Prime but from what I gathered, and I could be wrong, it appears that they want me to get a Missouri CDL. I read it a few times on their website and that is what I swear I read but don't understand it.

I have been reading up on Millis Transfer and really thinking about going with them. But one question I have is if I go there and after a free years decide I want to try a different company, would the training I received at this company work for the next one? Or at that point would it be just the experience that matters?

I don't mean to waste your time or anything but I have been wondering and considering them for the CDL school as well. If you end up going there please let me know what you think and your experience was with them.