Comments By Bolt

Occasionally we end up with Forum rats. Just put out some bait and watch them gather.

THere will be several that will post several links to help with your research,but until then. All schools have one goal......to train you to get your cdl A license. Independent truck driving schools or community colleges either one will help you with this. You will have to pay 3000-5000 dollars for this knowledge.

Company sponsored schools are generally about 3 weeks long and will give you the same knowledge.....to pass the cdl skills test. Neither will be paid. WIth company sponsored schools after your training you will go through orientation, offered a job then start road training. Road training can last from 3 or 4 weeks to a month or so. You will be paid during this time. After road training you will then get to go solo and make what ever that company is paying for entry level drivers.

Remember company sponsored schools have a vested interest in you not only obtaining your cdl but being successful. Yes these companies will want you to sign a contract and stay with them between 9 and 12 months. They will deduct a small monthly payment to pay for the school. After the required time with the company is completed your "school loan" is paid off.

I hope this helps some.

Wow this topic went south fast. From someone that is getting into the industry I thank you Brett for all the content and all the positive moderators and experienced drivers who post frequently.

One thing I learned in college was about opposing viewpoints. To make this world keep spinning we need republicans and democrats, liberals and conservatives, good and bad. These are important to foster debate and change.

Had it not been for The info on here I would be left with the same prejudices against the industry and certain companies, one of which I will be starting school with in may.

By reading the various posts on this site alone many that contradict many of things I've heard before I am able to compare the two, what I thought I knew and what I have gotten here, and make better decisions.

Thanks again.

Her as how I'm looking at an industry change. Im,in construction and make around 42,000 a year. The first couple months are going to be real tight on me. If I could work 50+ hours a week in construction I would make more money than,i can trucking. I average about 40-45 hours a week right now. I will work more hours in a truck but will make more money than,i am right now. An added bonus is I won't have to continuesly by tools, buy fuel to get my self to and from,work, and less wear and tear on my personal truck. When you addbthise things up it is almost a 300-400 month raise. The big companies offer better benefits than I currently receive plus I get paid to see the country.

In my second year of driving I should far and exceed what I make now. I'm also outside in the heat, cold, rain, snow, and whatever else mother nature wants to throw at me. To me it is a win win all the way around.

I think you've oversimplified things. You tie success to performance, but I'm sure there are plenty of skilled truckers that, at one point, worked hard, that are now complaining at the terminals. You imply that the complainers can't possibly be productive workers, which also isn't true. I'm a huge complainer everywhere I've worked, but I've always become the most productive worker. That doesn't stop me from quitting when I can't tolerate it anymore, but being a "yes" man just enables exploitation...

and big business WILL exploit you. So yeah, you'll definitely be more likely to be successful as a sycophant, but that makes you a pathetic dog.

What's the point in complaining other than making you sound like a spoiled 2 year old. There are constant complainers where iWork now and while they may be good solid hands I try ti,put them,in **** jobs just because they complain. I'm not a yes man, but I also don't complain either.

My question though is, when,i get to school if I see a student getting sucked into the terminal rat mode of thinking can he or she be pulled back from the dark side before its too late?

Just got work from my recruiter that I was approved for Swift's veteran scholarship plan. Woohoo for saving a few pennies.

You still need to get your own grub with Swift. And "a few pennies"? Try Three hundred forty thousand pennies!

Bring a copy of your DD-214 with you to class, unless you sent your recruiter a copy.

I have emailed my DD 214. I have planned on eating pennies. Just waiting on my start date.

During your training are you able to get your housing stipend and book stipend from VA? If not, I would say it isn't worth it. But that is me.

Swift will pay for the room. The benefit is that I don't have to pay the school back. I will have to stay with them for a year. If I quit or even take a non driving job with Swift then the full amount is due immediately.

Just got work from my recruiter that I was approved for Swift's veteran scholarship plan. Woohoo for saving a few pennies.

To clarify a point or two. I understand the learning curve when entering the trucking industry. I don't want to do anything that will jeopardize me becoming on of Swift's top drivers and I sure as he'll don't want to be on the highlight real. Lord knows Swift has enough of those entries already. If I can call and visit with my brother truckers that's great. I have a blue tooth radio in my pickup and it is awesome. I will put one in all my vehicles.

So the question I had if hands free calling is answered.

Thanks guys.

Well that's good to know. Maybe I can chatter away.