Big Carrier Employment Coming From Non-Carrier School

Hello all. My name is Matthew. I have been thinking seriously about being a trucker for a couple months now, and have been finding my way around this site the past few weeks. I still do not know what my medical results will be, but I am going to proceed as if it will be fine until I know for sure.

I contacted one of the driving schools (West Michigan CDL) I had looked at in my area this Monday and spoke a bit with an advisor. Everything I have read so far on them has seemed good. They seem like they are supposed to be a good operation, have a good relationship with quite a few companies, have a program that is recognized as producing well trained drivers, and have a learning experience that lets those who know the book stuff already focus on working with equipment.

I believe I would like to start out working for one of the bigger carriers. Having more flexibility in what work I do and solid support in place seems like an appealing way to start out. Having as much freedom as possible in what I choose to do is a big deal for me.

Up to this point I have wanted to go with a private school because I don't want to be locked into a contract year 1 and I don't want to owe anyone when I enter the workforce. I can pay the tuition needed and cover living expenses and all the extras like the ME bill and permit. Since I am fortunate enough to be able to do that, I thought it would put me in more comfortable place to start.

I have read some things recently though that were a bit alarming, drivers who complain that they cannot get hired because companies tell them that they went to a private school, and that they had to settle for a smaller company that doesn't run their own school. Does employment with big carriers come just as easy for rookie drivers fresh out of a private school as it would have if they signed up day with with that carrier and went through the carrier school? Before I cut a large check, should I be rethinking the private school choice?

My assumption is that those drivers were having other issues that were keeping them from getting work and were blaming the wrong thing for their issues. I haven't noticed any talk like that around here, but when looking at the cost and long term impacts a choice for schooling could have, I want to be cautious. Is there any truth to the claim that private school will make it harder to get hired by bigger carriers?

I am going to try and find numbers for some of the bigger carriers and try to talk to someone directly at the companies about how eager they are to hire rookies who didn't come through their own school, but I am hoping someone here can give some good info on it also. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any info/advice you can offer up.

Hello all. My name is Matthew. I have been thinking seriously about being a trucker for a couple months now, and have been finding my way around this site the past few weeks. I still do not know what my medical results will be, but I am going to proceed as if it will be fine until I know for sure.

I contacted one of the driving schools (West Michigan CDL) I had looked at in my area this Monday and spoke a bit with an advisor. Everything I have read so far on them has seemed good. They seem like they are supposed to be a good operation, have a good relationship with quite a few companies, have a program that is recognized as producing well trained drivers, and have a learning experience that lets those who know the book stuff already focus on working with equipment.

I believe I would like to start out working for one of the bigger carriers. Having more flexibility in what work I do and solid support in place seems like an appealing way to start out. Having as much freedom as possible in what I choose to do is a big deal for me.

Up to this point I have wanted to go with a private school because I don't want to be locked into a contract year 1 and I don't want to owe anyone when I enter the workforce. I can pay the tuition needed and cover living expenses and all the extras like the ME bill and permit. Since I am fortunate enough to be able to do that, I thought it would put me in more comfortable place to start.

I have read some things recently though that were a bit alarming, drivers who complain that they cannot get hired because companies tell them that they went to a private school, and that they had to settle for a smaller company that doesn't run their own school. Does employment with big carriers come just as easy for rookie drivers fresh out of a private school as it would have if they signed up day with with that carrier and went through the carrier school? Before I cut a large check, should I be rethinking the private school choice?

My assumption is that those drivers were having other issues that were keeping them from getting work and were blaming the wrong thing for their issues. I haven't noticed any talk like that around here, but when looking at the cost and long term impacts a choice for schooling could have, I want to be cautious. Is there any truth to the claim that private school will make it harder to get hired by bigger carriers?

I am going to try and find numbers for some of the bigger carriers and try to talk to someone directly at the companies about how eager they are to hire rookies who didn't come through their own school, but I am hoping someone here can give some good info on it also. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any info/advice you can offer up.

Matt -

I am currently attending Driver Training Program at a Vocational Community College (I am testing out this week), like you I've paid for it out of pocket for similar reasons you've identified. Though the school does not have employment placement they've had recruiters come in over the last 10 weeks. I had thought that I would possibly have to go with a large carrier for my first year, and after several local based carriers have come on, I have made the decision to go with one of them. My benefits kick-in after 30 days (vice 90 for some of the large carriers).

As for the claim concerning being hired by a bigger carrier, if they recruit from there then should be no problem. You can also call the recruiting department of the carriers you are interested in and let them know the school you intend on receiving your training from and also ask for pre-hire letters. They will ask you a few short questions (and or ask you to submit an application) then that why you have more choices for your new first future employer.

^scott

Companies generally require a certain amount of training (usually around 160 hours) for insurance reasons. Beyond that, private vs. company school shouldn't matter. I went to a private school and have worked for two major carriers, both of which run their own schools. It shouldn't be a problem.

Welcome Matt...these links might help you.

• Article: Understanding Pre-Hire Letters: The What, Why, And How Of This Important Step
• Trucker's Wiki: "Pre-Hire Letters"
• Forum Topics Tagged "CDL Pre-Hire Letters"

and this:

Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

Many times we recommend sending out pre-hire letters/applications before attending a private school. Helps to expedite things and understand there is interest before you invest your cash in the school. Good luck.

Make sure the local company you sign up with has lots of trucks and trailers. Just a measure of company size and resources, that's all.

A company with six trucks probably does not have their own shop, and will be paying for upkeep each time. And sometimes company finances may not be the best, so maintenance gets deferred.

A larger local company will have their own mechanic and will keep the equipment going better.

I am currently attending Driver Training Program at a Vocational Community College (I am testing out this week), like you I've paid for it out of pocket for similar reasons you've identified. Though the school does not have employment placement they've had recruiters come in over the last 10 weeks. I had thought that I would possibly have to go with a large carrier for my first year, and after several local based carriers have come on, I have made the decision to go with one of them. My benefits kick-in after 30 days (vice 90 for some of the large carriers).

As for the claim concerning being hired by a bigger carrier, if they recruit from there then should be no problem. You can also call the recruiting department of the carriers you are interested in and let them know the school you intend on receiving your training from and also ask for pre-hire letters. They will ask you a few short questions (and or ask you to submit an application) then that why you have more choices for your new first future employer.

^scott

Scott, I appreciate the response from someone else who is doing what I did but already started in school. My main reason for looking at bigger carriers is everything that they can offer with flexibility being a big one for me starting out. I don't want to be a ping-pong ball, but I would like to move around a bit between different types of driving in my first couple years, without having to quit on one company and find another each time I want to get the experience.

I may very well end up going with a smaller company if they make more sense. I just didn't want to make a move now, one that would hurt my options when I get through schooling and am ready to haul for someone. I know that there are a lot of mid to small size carriers in my area here and expect to talk to some when I am choosing who to start working for.

Companies generally require a certain amount of training (usually around 160 hours) for insurance reasons. Beyond that, private vs. company school shouldn't matter. I went to a private school and have worked for two major carriers, both of which run their own schools. It shouldn't be a problem.

The school I plan to go with has multiple options for courses, but the standard is a 4 Week Course. That should have me at the 160 you mentioned, if my math is correct.

Little side question for you C. S. A couple weeks ago I saw a truck that had an image that I think looked similar to your avatar. Do you happen to be rolling around in a truck with that image on it, and happen to have been in the in the I-196/US-31 area earlier this month?

Welcome Matt...these links might help you.

Article: Understanding Pre-Hire Letters: The What, Why, And How Of This Important Step Trucker's Wiki: "Pre-Hire Letters" Forum Topics Tagged "CDL Pre-Hire Letters" and this:

Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

Many times we recommend sending out pre-hire letters/applications before attending a private school. Helps to expedite things and understand there is interest before you invest your cash in the school. Good luck.

A person from the school that I talked to mentioned pre-hire letters. After I get checked medically, I am supposed to visit the school to talk with people and check things out. They also said they could have me do some paperwork and do some pre-hires.

Doing some on my own and reading up on it is definitely on my list now. Thank you for the links G-Town. I have been working through information on this site. I like to make efforts to get my answers from existing material rather than just ask without making effort to help myself. The amount of information though is quite the pile to tackle. Having the links to what I am thinking about now is definitely a help.

Matt's hopes:

I don't want to be a ping-pong ball, but I would like to move around a bit between different types of driving in my first couple years,

At Swift (large company LOL) within my first year I drove OTR , shuttle and now dedicated. The first is where everybody starts. I was "recruited" for each of the next two. Even did 1-1/2 weeks WM reefer!

So maybe you won't have to wait so long to build your experience.

Make sure the local company you sign up with has lots of trucks and trailers. Just a measure of company size and resources, that's all.

A company with six trucks probably does not have their own shop, and will be paying for upkeep each time. And sometimes company finances may not be the best, so maintenance gets deferred.

A larger local company will have their own mechanic and will keep the equipment going better.

Thanks for reply Errol V. One of my desires from a company is a good support system. A company that keeps their fleet in great working order, where you don't have to fight tooth and nail to get something fixed quickly, and where you can rely on your company to take care of you while you take care of your load. My priorities might be a bit different from some, but a good maintenance program is definitely high on my list as I am starting to look hard at the companies I could be working for.

Matt's hopes:

I don't want to be a ping-pong ball, but I would like to move around a bit between different types of driving in my first couple years,

Errol replied:

At Swift (large company LOL) within my first year I drove OTR , shuttle and now dedicated. The first is where everybody starts. I was "recruited" for each of the next two. Even did 1-1/2 weeks WM reefer!

So maybe you won't have to wait so long to build your experience.

I concur with Errol's point. After several months of OTR, Swift assigned me to Walmart Dedicated, that was 3+ years ago. Running WM meets my needs and frankly haven't seen anything else out there that trips my trigger. Soooo to call these huge companies "starters" is a bit of a misnomer. Tons of options with the larger companies. I do however suggest not to get into the habit of job hoping especially during your first year.

Also keep in mind, that a "private schools" reason for being - is to get you your CDL.

There is still going to be a period of "finishing training" that any company is going to make you go through.

Many of the larger companies do hire "recent grads" - and by RECENT they do mean RECENT. You will need to get onboard, within 30-60 days of graduation, otherwise your training is (largely) considered to be "stale". So DO get those pre-hires or at least applications going, at the latest - AS SOON AS YOU START SCHOOL.

You really want to research both trucking companies AND THE SCHOOL(S) you are looking at, to make sure their training is acceptable to the company. Most state/county Vo-Tech programs tend to go above and beyond the "basic 160 hour requirement". The one I attended was 9 weeks (320 hours). There are many "CDL Mills" still out there - where the training is HORRIBLE, and you will get "just enough" to pass your skills tests. And there are others that are nationally recognized.

FMCSA is getting ready to make rules regarding minimum training requirements nationally. And usually, when the government gets involved, they are likely to be pretty onerous by the time they become law.

County/State schools are going to be WAY LESS EXPENSIVE, than "private ones". Most "public school" programs are in the $2k range - while most privates are $3-4K and up.

It is STILL LESS EXPENSIVE (out of pocket) to just make the 1 year commitment, and go with a company like Swift/Prime/etc. The training is REAL WORLD, the job is pretty much guaranteed upon completion, and most non-starter-companies (that is - ones that don't offer driver training) are going to require a MINIMUM OF 1 YEAR OTR experience to consider an applicant (with the ones that are considered more desirable - 2 or more years).

If your SOLE REASON for wanting to go private - is to bypass the obligation to stay on to offset the cost of training - then you might be short-changing yourself of an opportunity for better training and a guaranteed hire by doing so.

Rick