Profile For Aaron W.

Hey I truly appreciate the feedback, I'll definitely reconsider what you have said and talk with a recruiter. Thanks!

Okay, thanks for the clarification. Now, my advice remains the same - here's my recommendation. Talk with a recruiter at Swift and go through their Company-Sponsored Training Program. I'm not sure why you are afraid you might not be able to pass. It probably stems from something you've read online, and I wouldn't trust any of that garbage from the folks who claim they got bamboozled by the trucking companies.

If you commit to Swift, they are going to get behind you 100%. They will make sure they get you started off right. They have been doing this a long time and they know how to recognize the folks who want to succeed at this. Go ahead and make a commitment to stick with them for one year. That is in your best interest.

If you want to be able to make some really good money doing this job as a local driver you really need to have a minimum of one year of over the road experience. I would suggest two or three years myself, but at a minimum you need one year. I'm not even referring to what the local jobs require. I'm talking about the things that are going to give you a really great foundation for success.

I went to a private school, but afterwards I had problems getting my first job. When you go through a company's training program, that company will get behind you and do their best to help you succeed. They now have an investment in you and they need it to pay off. What better combination can you find? You are committed to them, and they to you. All things considered Aaron, that is exactly how I would go about this, were I in your shoes.

Sorry for the confusion, more or less I wanna gain experience before I go local. This private school I talked with is cdstruckschool. Here's their reply to my question about their local partners - "Trucking companies always put on the ads that they need drivers to have couple years of experience but actually, we have worked with so many local companies that will hire our graduates right out of school. Age required for local work usually starts at 18 but this also depends on each companies insurance policy." You're right, I am in the air with all of this but I am certain I wanna give this industry my all.

I plan to be with Swift for at least 6 months to get the experience for possible local driving not to mention the school i'm looking at has ties with local companies.

Okay, I understand that, but the reason I suggested it was because you had just made this statement...

I am currently 20 years old and wanna drive OTR.

So I guess I'm confused on what the goal is at this point. You don't seem to mind owing the private school, since you seem to be willing to pay them. But the commitment to Swift has you nervous. I just think you need to make a list of priorities and get this all worked out in your mind first. With this career you will need to be focused and committed. Those are key ingredients to success.

I feel local schooling isn't as rushed as company training is and I don't want to surrender my license in another state just in case I don't pass. I plan to be with Swift for at least 6 months to get the experience for possible local driving not to mention the school i'm looking at has ties with local companies. Swift hires people who are age 21 and up which is a plus for me. I may just contact Swift and see what they say about a refresher course, I just don't wanna be locked in for a year with them because I OWE them.

The answer to your question is that it varies a little for each company. In most cases they want you to start your job within 90 days from the time you complete your schooling.

Another consideration is that many OTR companies have a minimum age requirement that exceeds the state's minimum. Some of them want you to be 23, even though you may be legal at 21.

If you already know you want to get started at Swft, why not take advantage of their Company-Sponsored Training Program? You'd get some great training and save yourself a lot of cash.

Hello, I plan on going to a private cdl training school soon and would like to know if there is a set amount of time I have without driving a truck before I am required to take a refresher course? I am currently 20 years old and wanna drive OTR. I know to drive interstate the set age is 21 years of age, would it be smart to wait closer till I turn 21 to start my training? I would like get hired by Swift to get started in the industry but I don't wanna have to take a refresher course 9 months from now.

Hello, So for the last couple of years now i've been interested in getting my CDL and having hiccups on when I should start the training. My problem is most companies want you to be either 21 or 23 years of age with minimum 3 months of experience to get hired and i'm neither. I would like to drive local trucks and obtain my class B at this local school. They say they guarantee jobs through their partnered companies but I can't afford a refresher course and not have employment right away. I don't mind going long haul as swift etc will hire no experience people and i'll just get my experience that way. Any response is appreciated.

How old are you, Aaron? You can drive local and be less than 21, though I think it would still be hard to find a job. Being 21 is better for the company, and besides, you can travel around the country then.

Any company that offers training should hire you right after your school, and after you get your CDL. The payback is you commit to work for them for a year or so, depending on your contract. You do get a CDL-A which covers more than the -B ticket gets you (And even local -A drivers make more!)

Trucking Truth focuses on those looking for a CDL-A license and an matching job. Some -A jobs can be with local companies, but you had better be sure you can operate the equipment, and can show them your stuff.

The best route is the company sponsored training, with OTR driving after. Once you have your year in, and the experience, you should be able to get that local job at the Budweiser distributor.

I'm 20 years old, 21 next june. I was planning on waiting till then to obtain my class A and get experience with swift. I came across a local local that said they can help me with my every need (local driving) jobs but i'm confused as most local jobs require experience that I do not have. Thanks for responding errol, seen a lot of topics you have helped resolve and appreciate the advise.

Hello, So for the last couple of years now i've been interested in getting my CDL and having hiccups on when I should start the training. My problem is most companies want you to be either 21 or 23 years of age with minimum 3 months of experience to get hired and i'm neither. I would like to drive local trucks and obtain my class B at this local school. They say they guarantee jobs through their partnered companies but I can't afford a refresher course and not have employment right away. I don't mind going long haul as swift etc will hire no experience people and i'll just get my experience that way. Any response is appreciated.