Comments By Eric G.

Hi,

So I got my learner's CDL taking some time to compare paid training vs regular trucking school. My friend is super upset, doing well at large company paid training, getting lots of positive feedback from instructors. Then she doesn't take a right turn wide enough and rides a curb for a second. No damage to anything. Then her classmate has to floor the brakes for a couple seconds, didn't hit anything. This was during real world street training. So she finds out because of this, her and her classmate are under review to stay or get sent home. One error in the hours they've already put in. The instructors are not happy but say there's nothing they can do it's a corporate decision. Also she found out that if you fail the big test, the company may or may not allow you to even re-test. If she goes home she's doing a traditional school. No way I'm even gonna consider paid training with a company after hearing that.

So here's a couple questions:

1. The school near me is well regarded has solid reviews. They charge an additional 1500.00 to learn manual because it sounds like they believe we are headed to all automatic anyways. Should she/and I insist on manual? or just do automatic?

2. I'm curious about safety. What do you do if you have to spend the night in your truck in a ghetto somewhere? or even being in those areas? I assume you can't conceal carry right? just curious how truckers keep safe?

Thank You

Looks like Roehl is a solid choice. Thank You!

Well since you're a moderator I assume it's ok to say. It's Roehl that wants 15 months. I'm looking at a school as well but they use a simulator. Is that bad?

Thanks

Hi All,

I'm really stuck. What would you do?? I passed written tests so I have a learner's permit.

A. Paid training with a company: 15 month contract, if I back out or can't pass the test I owe 7K. Contact person says: Dry Van 36.5 Cents, Refrigerated 41.5 Cents, Flatbed 42.5 cents. So after the 15 months, can I expect to make more even if I go somewhere else and have a good record?? the first 15 months is almost Post Office job pay, so does it really go up after the first year?????

B. School Should I just pay out of pocket and go with a school?? maybe get my first year that way? there has to be some places willing to train?? at least I would have some options rather than being bound to a contract.

Thank You

Manual it is!

Thank you!

Hello,

I have two school options, one also teaches manual. Should I learn manual or is the industry mostly automatic?

Thank You!

Hi,

First post here so please bear with me. I've been thinking more and more about dropping my current career (musician) and going into trucking. Just wondering some things. I've some reading here getting an idea for different options. I'm 48 years old, 2 kids (10 and 19) wife is now working at home full time so I have the opportunity to make the switch.

I'm curious, does trucking require a mechanically inclined type person?? because that's not me.

Can someone tell me specifically which guides to start with here? I'm pretty sure I will go with a company that will train me versus the trucking school.

Thank You