Comments By Jeff L.

I probably have the answer to this question but sometimes its good to get other points of view. Just passed my CDL (thanks mostly to this sites High Road Online CDL Training Program) and am now taking the time to review companies etc. My feeling is that dry van or flatbed would be more beneficial as far a getting the miles. I say this because of the time it takes to get a refer loaded and unloaded. I have heard that flatbeds are the least likely to have much of a wait in either case though there seems to be some question as to whether there are the availability of loads. Any thoughts?

Great advice. I am currently in Utah so I will check the Vernal/Roosevelt area then take a look at Texas. Quite honestly I was hoping to find something that will get/keep me home for longer stretches of time until my daughter heads back to college in August, then I am free to go anywhere. Oil field operations seem to offer 2 week on 1 week off options. Anyway thanks for the reply. BTW your Hazmat training is toughest (lots of info to retain) of all so will take some time to get through but since I won't have the CDL for a couple of weeks (and the application process) I have the luxury of taking it slow. I do have the Tanker and Doubles/Triples endorsements.

I am about 2 weeks away from obtaining my CDL and wondered if anyone knows what the oil field potentials are fresh out of school.

Thanks

The biggest issue with CR England is that they really push hard to try to get you to lease. And I mean, they really have their strategy down. They'll make it appear to be a road paved with gold. They'll have other drivers come up to you with stories of the piles of money they make. And when you finish the first phase of training they'll give you the option of going out immediately as a lease driver in a beautiful truck all ready to go or have you sit around for at least a few days waiting for phase 2 of training or your own company truck.

The best response I had heard to this situation came from a driver here on our board that went through their training and he said (to paraphrase): Just keep smiling and nodding while they try to sell it to you and then say no thanks, walk away, and forget everything you heard. Remain steadfast and become a company driver.

The schooling is indeed very fast paced. But company-sponsored programs like that are almost always fast-paced.

To be honest, I think there are better options. Central Refrigerated is another refrigerated outfit that I believe is out of Salt Lake and we've had a ton of people go through their program and really liked it. They seem to like working for that company a lot - tons of great reviews.

Thanks for the replies. I actually tried to go to Central but because I have some felonies from 1979 they will not take me, no exceptions, even though I have cleaned up my act considerably since then. I have been in real estate for 20 years and owned a truck and trailer from 2008 and stopped running it in 2012 due to the cost and older equip upkeep along with a driver issue. I have the permit already and trying to find a local school to get the behind the wheel training. CRE is not my first choice and I dont know that I have other options at this time unless I go out of state.

Jeff who do I ask to speak to? Do you have an extension number for a specific person, cause they sure told me they didn't have a school. That you had to get your license first, then they would train you and it was actually with Squire. the number I called was 717 249 0814, I never got the opportunity to speak with Nina, Laddie, or Denney. that pay during training sounds great

I called the 800 489-2000 I live in Utah and that is one of the states that have a terminal amoungst many other so I think that is key. Try that # I got an answwr first try.

I was wondering if anyone has experiece with CR England driving school in Salt Lake. I have read some reviews which havent been all to pleasant but wonder if many of those are just disgruntaled students. So I thought I would hear from some of you experienced drivers or maybe some newbys that have been to the school. I will spare you some responses as I have no intention on leasing. Otherwise your input would be of great value.

P.S. I do have the permit (which I might ad I obtained after going through the training provided on this site)

Cheers

Thanks Guy, I finally did talk with someone and he said they do not have a school, they do have a training program but you have to have your CDL License first. So I talked with my recuiter at Central this morning and I am just going to go with them. Should be heading to Georgia, then Salt Lake City in about a month! Can I say nervous and excited all at the same time!

Actually I did speak to Knight today and they do offer CDL Training. Its 3 wks and then they send you to your home state and you test out w/a third party tester and get your CDL then its 4 weeks of driving with a trainer. You get paid 400 per week beginning with your initial 3 wks. The only thing I can think of is it is possible they are not hiring out of the area you live in but I would check in to it. Good Luck