Location:
WOONSOCKET, RI
Driving Status:
Preparing For School
Social Link:
been there done that
Posted: 4 years, 6 months ago
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So here is my story; I joined trucking truth 6 years ago. I would religiously read everything and anything on this site to have a better understanding of the trucking industry, and to make sure this is what I wanted to do once they cleared me to go back to work.
Back story: In 2013 at the age of 30 I came down with an undisclosed illness that required me to have 4 hip surgeries ending with joint replacements. It was hell and I honestly thought I would never walk again because of the nature of the illness. I asked a few folks on here what they suggested for CDL training like always someone on here is always willing to help and I took the info and ran with it. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. So I kinda gave up.
In July 2017 they cleared me to go back to work, I wanted to pursue my trucking dream again but again I had setbacks with my health and financial situation was in a bad place. So I did odds and ends jobs to save up money to purchase a vehicle.
Fast-forward to November 2018, I bought a car and started to do Uber. Since then until the present, I continue to do Uber because driving is the only thing that does not impair me from earning a living.
If you look at me, you would never know that I've had 4 surgeries or been through what I've been through. I walk normal no limps no nothing. I've talked to my primary care physician about my pursuit in this career and also my surgeon. And the both have given me the green light to go for it.
Three weeks ago I came back on here to fully give it my all to see where I could land and begin my journey like many truthers have done. Brett Kindly reached out and put me on to some companies that were matches in my area. Some I applied to some and some I didn't because I didn't fit my criteria of what I was looking for.
I'll talk about the ones I've applied to, Will-Trans (my top choice) denied me because of gaps in employment. I tried reaching out to the recruiter to see what I could do to provide the company with evidence and explain my situation. Never received a return phone call or email, Ouch!
I applied to TMC they didn't even bother. Not even a thank you no thank you email. I don't give up easy, In my state there is only 3 CDL schools. Ready for this? One charges over $10,000 for tuition with a minimum of 6-month training. They have a terrible reputation as well.
The other one the guy tells me if I pay the tuition upfront I would get a discount, I went to go pay the tuition with a bank check and turns around and belittles me in front of other people in the room that the payment had to be in cash only and then breaks my balls for not having a local bank. Honestly that's shady and at that point, I kinda lost trust in what kinda business they're running over there. I am sorry I am paying customer I don't deserve to be treated like a second class citizen.
And the last school is union represented the director is never there. I've been there 3 times personally to try to sign up and talk to him and he is never around. They keep telling me to call him and pester him. What? seriously, I've called and left voicemails and no phone call back nothing. I went to a neighboring school in Massachusetts but they could only offer private lessons. I don't think that's adequate training for someone with no experience.
I called USA truck they no longer offer company-sponsored training. I called Millis transport they hire in Connecticut and Massachusetts but not Rhode Island. Unreal, I filled out an app with driver solutions to see if I can get on with PAM. No phone call no email nothing.
I feel very discouraged and disappointed. If anyone on here can throw me some more ideas or throw this kid a bone. I would really appreciate it. Because I am allergic to some pain meds, I have used cannabis-infused capsules for pain management. I don't smoke or anything of that nature. I just tried different ways to manage pain. which I have stopped and switch over to over counter meds. So I wouldn't qualify for any hair follicle testing until the end of November. I can only do companies that test for urine. I'll have no issues. I hope someone out there can give me a chance. That's all I am looking for. Thanks for taking the time and reading my story.
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
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I see it everywhere , companies trying to lure drivers in with the a sign on bonus .... can someone explain ? it seems to good to be true
Posted: 10 years, 8 months ago
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Sponsored cdl training vs local cdl training facilities in RI/MA
I just took a look at the price of the NETTS program and Holy Cow! $10K not including room and board. Sage was less than half that.
I am facing a tough decision Tracy, thanks for the info on Sage I'll definitely look into it.
Posted: 10 years, 9 months ago
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Sponsored cdl training vs local cdl training facilities in RI/MA
Welcome aboard!
When you say you're looking for suggestions, what type of school are you interested in - Private Truck Driving Schools or Company-Sponsored Training Programs? Although both can get your career off to a great start, there are some significant differences. So my first suggestion before I can recommend some places to go is to find out which type of schooling you prefer.
We have an excellent series of Articles About How To Choose A Truck Driving School which will include the differences between the two types of training, ways of assessing schools, and tips on where to get the information you need.
If you choose company-sponsored CDL training then you'll want to decide what you're looking for in a company also - home time, pay & benefits, type of freight, etc.
Posted: 10 years, 9 months ago
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Sponsored cdl training vs local cdl training facilities in RI/MA
I am ready to commit to truck driving as a career, any recommendations in the Ri/Ma area for schooling or cdl sponsored companies. Please don't suggest NETTS, I've done my research not interested in their program.
Posted: 4 years, 6 months ago
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Hopeless !!!!!!
Thanks Anne A, I'll keep knocking on doors. See where It takes me. Unfortunately the companies you mentioned above. I will have to wait a bit, because of the drug testing policy.
Grumpy - I stopped taking the capsules in July but since I am husky guy it takes a little bit longer to metabolize so that's why I want to wait longer just to be on the safe side. thanks for the input.
Old School. Sir, I think you misunderstood me in some of my context. But you're absolutely right!!! On everything you have mentioned above. And I thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. I have no quarrels with any trucking company. I simply stated what Ive run into so far in this process. Since I am new to all this, thats why I came one here to air out my concerns. To me honestly it doesn't matter the name on the side truck because I am a rookie, I just need to worry about surviving my first year. What I meant about trucking companies not fitting my criteria is that I wish not to do team driving. Which some of the company cdl sponsored companies only offers. Believe me I will prevail, and thanks for the kick in the ass. no wonder they call it trucking truth