Comments By Ryan F.

Hey guys,

I'm a neuroscience student up in the Rust Belt. I've spent the better part of the last three years traveling, taking classes, and working dispatch. Not too long ago, I was struck by the realization that I don't want to spend my life working in a laboratory. While I do plan on switching majors and wrapping my degree up, I still need to make money to fund my education.

I'm 23 years old now. I've talked over my options with a couple of my old bosses, both of whom used to drive. They suggested that I could do a training program with a large carrier like Swift, get my CDL, ride out my contract, and then use what I earn to pay tuition and loans. Honestly, I don't think it sounds like a bad idea - I won't be able to enroll in courses again until at least September, and have bills that need to be paid in the interim. I've always enjoyed traveling and wouldn't mind being able to see some more of the country. It'd beat flipping burgers, wouldn't it?

However, I do have some reservations. Nothing I can come across online seems to paint a clear picture of what trucking is like for newcomers. People either say that it's a solid path forward, or that you'll get stuck forking out all sorts of costs - tolls, meals, whatever - just as a beginning company driver. Moreover, a lot of the "get-your-CDL-and-drive-for-nine-months" deals seem a little fishy. What I read online about CR England's program is that they push newbies to lease and punish those who don't. On the other hand, the reviews I read on this website and others are more favorable towards Swift Transportation, for instance.

My intention is to eventually finish my degree and get an MBA. I've worked my ass off since I was 18 to avoid debt and travel overseas; now is the first time since then I've been job-less.

Does driving for about a year seem like a realistic path to paying for tuition? Will the beginning wages be too low for me to get much out of?

I know a bit about the lifestyle because I did dispatch and hired a couple drivers for my last company, but I'm way more familiar with the office side of things than not. My biggest fear is signing up for a CDL training course with a large carrier and getting screwed by the contract or given no miles after not leasing.

Sorry if any of this sounds stupid. I've been working around truckers for years now, but don't know if getting a CDL is going to help me out or screw me over.