Profile For ROBERT M.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I am contacting companies now. Starting with Roehl. I'm at the point now that I do not believe getting the CDL on my own (renting the truck for the road test) is the best way to go. Companies ask about "an approved school" when I tell them I have limited road experience. So I will be going through a sponsored program. Now to find a program that pays enough and doesn't keep me in training status/team driver for months. I see the advantage of this for the company, but I would like to limit the exploitative aspects of this relationship. I'll go through the list and see what's what.

This site is a great resource, btw. Great info for a newbie.

Hey there, and welcome

If your considering prime, why not get your permit and run through them...

Damn phone and its auto correct...

Thanks for your response, David. That is indeed a consideration, but I'm looking to cover all of the pros and cons of obtaining my cdl with them or without them.

http://www.csratransportationcdl.com/

Hi Brett (and this forum). I am considering attending the school above for my CDL-A, but I'm hoping you have some info on them. Good rep or bad?

Also, I would like to drive "team" with a partner of mine. We both have military backgrounds, and just left the same conductor position for a large railroad company. He has experience driving, but it was 3 years ago. I drove 24 years ago, and now need to go through a program from scratch ( I lost the endorsements). I do have my permit, though. We're looking at Prime, Schneider and US Express. We figure we would be in a stronger position with recruiters if we both have licenses when we contact the companies. The problem for me is I would need to pay for a school out of pocket. I am willing to pay, but because it would be a huge financial sacrifice, I am seeking some guidance from you (and this board) in this endeavor.

I live in Augusta, and CSRA seems to be the only CDL school in town. The next one is 2 hours away.

Is our strategy a good one?

Pay for and complete a school before we contact the companies?

Maybe pay upfront for company sponsored training so as not to be beholden to that company and strengthen our position?

Maybe go to a school that offers lodging in Atlanta, GA. that is cheaper than the $4,500 CSRA Trans is requiring?

I'm considering all the above, and I hope you can offer some guidance to a newbie.

Thank you for your time and consideration.