CDL School Delay

I was going to attend a community college for driving school, but now they have decided not to offer the program until after Labor Day. I am really wanting to get my career off to a start now. Any thoughts on whether or not to just go to a company paid taking program? I could probably start much sooner that way and would have a guarantee of a job upon completion.

I was going to attend a community college for driving school, but now they have decided not to offer the program until after Labor Day. I am really wanting to get my career off to a start now. Any thoughts on whether or not to just go to a company paid taking program? I could probably start much sooner that way and would have a guarantee of a job upon completion.

Company-Sponsored Training Programs

Considering the fact they usually hire you once you graduate, not a bad way to go.

That's what I would do Chad - jump in there and get the ball rolling.

Yeah, me too! That's how I got on with Swift.

Remember, just stick with the company for a year or so, and your schooling is free!

One more consideration here...I have a wife and two kids. She doesn't work as of now. If I wait until local school starts up, I can work while I attend (8 weeks). If I choose to go with a company, I will have to leave my job ( I only make $9.85/HR) but will need to plan accordingly so that I'm not in the rears on bills. So, what can I reasonably expect to make during training and orientation? What should I have in the bank if I go this route (my bills are roughly $800-900/mo.)?

Also, what is the graduation rate with a company school? I'm not worried about the work commitment the first year, but if I quit my job and then don't pass the orientation and training, I may be screwing myself.

Thanks for the input in advance.

Consider this. I work full time just about while I'm attending classes. Its about 30 min away but i drive a midsized suv. I spend about 30 to 40 bucks a week on gas. I also spent about 100 this month on lunch breaks according to my budget app ( called Mint, check it out). I make more than you but don't have kids yet and my budget got tighter. I don't know your whole situation but it's a thought.

The living expenses at Swift are you get a shared hotel and you buy your food. Orientation is 2 days classes and paperwork and one day (paid!) in-processing and mentor assignment.

You get paid by the hour while road training. You should get about $700/week while training. Once you're OTR , you might start making around $500, then it should go up as you learn the ropes and get (tiny) raises.

Don't expect to work anywhere else when you start school, and of course with any company school you're pretty much hired when you start class. You still have the physical, drug test and CDL skills tests then you'll have a job.

Also, what is the graduation rate with a company school? I'm not worried about the work commitment the first year, but if I quit my job and then don't pass the orientation and training, I may be screwing myself.

The graduation rate is pretty awful to tell you the truth but the opportunity to succeed is given equally to everyone. Most people simply screw it up for themselves. A lot of people get sent home for lying on their application or failing the physical or drug screen. Quite a number get sent home because they're not putting in the effort to learn or they won't listen to what they're told.

You would think an opportunity like this is something people would really go all out for but you're going to be shocked to see that's not true. If you go to a company school you'll identify quite a few right off the bat that you know won't be there in a few days. Their attitude sucks.

Remember, it's only trucking. It's not rocket science or brain surgery. Almost anyone can learn the basics well enough to get a CDL and land a job. In fact, tens of millions have done it over the years and there's no reason you shouldn't be able to also.

So, what can I reasonably expect to make during training and orientation? What should I have in the bank if I go this route (my bills are roughly $800-900/mo.)?

That varies from company to company and hopefully we can get a few people to chime in here with some rough numbers from their time in training. If you want to have enough in the bank to cover household expenses and pay for any minimal expenses you'll have during training you're probably talking a good $1,500 which would be a pretty tall order. I would expect at most places to go about three weeks without any sort of paycheck and then the first month or so you'll see fairly small checks for the most part. Often times in the $300 - $700 per week range. So the first two months are going to be pretty lean.

As far as the drug test goes, I'm golden. The physical I'm not sure of. Sleep apnea may be a possibility, I will find out in the next week and get a CPAP machine to correct it if needed. I did a sleep study a week ago. I'm 5'8" and almost 300lbs.

I'm a grease monkey now and have no problem keeping up with the pace here, and worked in a factory before this 6 days a week, 12 hour days. What can I expect out of the physical?

I guess I should also add that I am going to take a DOT physical in a few days, so will that be accepted at a company, or will they also do another one?