Indianapolis Schools, Companies, Etc. For A Noob
Topic 12130 | Page 1
Hi, here are a few links to get ya started. Truck Driver's Career Guide and Company-Sponsored Training , There are some ver good company sponsored programs, so dont discount these. Going through the High Road Training Program will help you succeed wherever you choose. Truck Driving Schools and How To Choose A School are good areas to lok through, too. And How To Choose A Company But the best place to start is with Brett's Book.
Schneider does have many jobs for people fresh out of CDL school, so if they interested you, call a recruiter and ask.
First thing you should consider is the type of driving you are interested in. Flatbed, Dry Van , Refrigerated, Tanker, or LTL. This will help to begin to narrow down your choices.
Welcome to TT
Stay safe
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.
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.Company-sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Thanks Danielsahn. I registered here about a week ago & have poured through a lot of articles here on TT including many of those you've posted. I'm not super picky as to the type of truck, although Dry Van & Flatbed seems to be the most common (especially for those that don't have Hazmat certs).
I have a lot to think about, and fortunately a couple of months to iron out the details as I would be taking the plunge in the beginning of March. I've held a job with my current company for a little over 4 years & 8 years with the company prior. I'm not one to jump in without looking, but stick with it once I do.
I've read some opinions that the High-Road program is a little dated (any feedback on that?) & have downloaded a pdf copy of my state BMV CDL manual (160 double pages!). I spend my free time self-studying & taking notes.
Thanks for reading & Many thanks for your reply.
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.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
Bmv:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Hey Charlie, I'm from Indy as well. TDI is an excellent school and if Vic is still there, he's a great guy. Roehl, TMC, McElroy and several others including Schneider and Knight hire from TDI. Celadon has their own school there on the east side and they're not a bad company, I have a few friends who drive for them and know others who have gone on to better opportunities after starting there. Feel free to send me a message if you'd like, I used to be with Knight out of the Indy terminal and still know people there.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
My brother is currently at celadon quality drivers in Indy. Took him 3 and half weeks to get his cdl , although he said there are people that have been their 8+ weeks because its at your own pace. He has to pass his alley dock and safety road test then should be in orientation next week. I will let you know how long it takes him to get a trainer to squash any roomers you've heard.
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.
Take a look at tmc if you don't mind flatbed. We have a terminal there.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Hey Charlie, I'm from Indy as well. TDI is an excellent school and if Vic is still there, he's a great guy. Roehl, TMC, McElroy and several others including Schneider and Knight hire from TDI. Celadon has their own school there on the east side and they're not a bad company, I have a few friends who drive for them and know others who have gone on to better opportunities after starting there. Feel free to send me a message if you'd like, I used to be with Knight out of the Indy terminal and still know people there.
Thanks Robert, Good info here. As far as shooting you a PM... I just may take you up on that!
My brother is currently at celadon quality drivers in Indy. Took him 3 and half weeks to get his cdl , although he said there are people that have been their 8+ weeks because its at your own pace. He has to pass his alley dock and safety road test then should be in orientation next week. I will let you know how long it takes him to get a trainer to squash any roomers you've heard.
Looking forward to your report on your brother's progress Nathan. The guy who delivers stock to my current place of employment (he works for R&L Carriers) suggested Celadon as well....but he's been in the business for over 36 years & Celadon is relatively new so he couldn't offer an first hand accounts. Keep me posted! :)
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.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Take a look at tmc if you don't mind flatbed. We have a terminal there.
Just checked out thier site & I gotta say, those Peterbuilts sure look snazzy! Looks like there are openings in my area too. Thanks for the pro-tip.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Just checked out thier site & I gotta say, those Peterbuilts sure look snazzy! Looks like there are openings in my area too. Thanks for the pro-tip.>
If you have any questions about them let me know, i've been there for a little over a year.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Just checked out thier site & I gotta say, those Peterbuilts sure look snazzy! Looks like there are openings in my area too. Thanks for the pro-tip.>
If you have any questions about them let me know, i've been there for a little over a year.
TMC has moved to the top of my list. In part, thanks to James, and some drivers from TR (surprisingly). I am glad I decided to check out their company sub forums. One company I completely dismissed, is back on my list, too.
Being in the Indy area definitely gives you a lot of choices of good companies. Good luck in your search.
Stay safe
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
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Hello, I'm looking to break into the Wide World of trucking & find myself with more questions then answeres so bear with me :)
I've long dreamed of being an OTR driver. I'm 32 & live in Indianapolis which seems to be very fortunate considering all of the options available locally as far as companies, schools & company sponsored schools in the area.
I currently have an okay job, making $12.00 p/h with PTO, vacation, sick leave, medical etc...but I'm only grossing about $26k per year (Boo!). I live in a bad neighborhood and scrape by on a paltry $750 (Biweekly) after taxes. I have a 2 year old daughter & I want to make a better life for her & my stay @ home wife.
Tax time is right around the corner & I've decided to defer the family vacation this year & invest in my future instead. I'm anticipating about $6k to $7k in refunds this tax season which should (theoretically) be enough to get through CDL school & hopefully keep my family afloat until I can get on the road making some dough. So enough about me...on to brass tacks! :)
I've checked out quite a few companies (Schnieder, Roehl, Swift, PAM, Celadon) to name a few. I've also checked out schools & even company sponsored schools which PAM & Celadon operate locally. Schneider seems like a great company, but leans towards drivers with a year or two under their belts. Cest la vie.
What I've read about PAM is many novice drivers don't seem to get a lot of loads once they go solo & end up traveling cross country making minimum wage to pay back for school. ("Seat Meat" is a term I've heard a few times). I've also heard that once you're with Celadon other companies won't even touch you! Also I've read complaints of students waiting in excess of 7 weeks for a trainer after school...That's time I unfortunately can't afford. They say on their website that team driving after school is optional but appears (from the recruits I've talked to) to be mandatory. I don't want to give up family life for $0.17 cpm. Its been rough trying to rope my wife into the idea of me being away for a week+ at a time but the possibility of doubling our annual income is enticing to even her...but I'm under a lot of responsibility to my family to deliver.
I'm not necessarily sold on company sponsored school & will have the ability to pay my own tuition when the tax return comes in...but will undoubtedly have to quit my current job in the mean time for school/road training etc. so the turn time from school to road is of paramount importance.
Are there any local drivers that can point me in the right direction as far as school & entry level companies in the Indianapolis area? I can save money by commutimg from home & school during training & I know I have the perserverance to make this work, but I have a tremendous amount riding on this decision & feel it could pay dividends if played the right way. If I make the wrong choice of entry level company...well, I could lose my career, house & family. Stress level=MAX.
Anyone with experience in the Indianapolis market that can offer some insight on their experiences?
Sorry for the looong post. Thanks for sticking it out :)
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.