Private Training For A CDL Instead Of A School Or Company Sponsored School
Topic 10830 | Page 1
As a semi retired guy, I have been thinking of looking at a OTR career. The children are all grown and gone. I am single and wasting time fishing and doing woodwork. Recently a close friend said he would take the time to train me for the CDL Exam - as well as take me out on a regular basis to learn how to handle the truck.
He has sold his trucking firm and has kept (3) newer Volvos for part time work. His thought was a small 2-3 truck Owner Operator Part time company with guys he knows well.
Any thoughts on a One on One training program from a owner-operator?
Larry in SC
Without knowing your O/O friend and their experience it's difficult to offer truly meaningful advice. Like evaluating any school, you will need tangible information to make the right decision and treat this like a business decision. If it were me I would review the Trucking Truth's CDL Training Materials by clicking the following link:
Read and review the materials and then formulate your questions to determine how your friend will approach your training. This material could also serve a dual purpose and provide a formal assist to your friend with your training. This information can be very valuable to you both during the training process.
Considering that this is a friend, total objectivity is really important. I would also ask if your friend has ever taught a totally green, in-experienced driver from knowing nothing, to having the skills and knowledge required to pass South Carolina's CDL A test? To continue, how many and how long ago?
I also think it's important to understand how much time your friend is able to devote to this. This is not like reading a book where you can read a chapter and put it down for a week. Most of the trucking company sponsored schools commit to 3-4 weeks of intensive training; classroom, range and road to prepare the student for the CDL test.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Larry, what it comes down to is that you can get a CDL-A with your friend. But then don't expect to get a job with a larger trucking company.
The larger companies have insurance that requires a certificate of training from a school, preferably one certified by the PTDI - Professional Truck Driving Institute.
You can still get your license, then spend a few years (not months, years) with a small company getting road experience.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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As a semi retired guy, I have been thinking of looking at a OTR career. The children are all grown and gone. I am single and wasting time fishing and doing woodwork. Recently a close friend said he would take the time to train me for the CDL Exam - as well as take me out on a regular basis to learn how to handle the truck.
He has sold his trucking firm and has kept (3) newer Volvos for part time work. His thought was a small 2-3 truck Owner Operator Part time company with guys he knows well.
Any thoughts on a One on One training program from a owner-operator?
Larry in SC
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.