Considering Trucking, Some Frank Questions
Topic 19840 | Page 1
I did a quick craigslist search. Swift had an ad as well. I personallly would try Swift over CRST.
Roger...Roehl list Savannah as a hiring area for their Get paid to get your CDL program. Give them a call. They would be. great option for Company Paid training. They have a terminal just outside of Atlanta. Good luck
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.
I work for Millis Transfer. We have a terminal and school in Cartersville GA.
There is info on this site about the program. Also, the Millis web site outlines the program and is more up to date. You can also simply call Millis recruiting.
I went through the program and have been solo for almost a year. I am on track to gross $50K my first year solo.
Millis is a stand up company and if you are willing and able to WORK, you will do fine.
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.
Roger, a truck driver does not need to have a terminal near their home. I enjoy considerable success as a trucker, but have never lived near my companies terminals. The main consideration is if you are in their "hiring area." If you'll follow this link you will find some of the Paid CDL Training Programs available. Almost all of them will provide you transportation to their training facility and put you up in a hotel. Heck, most of them even provide your meals while you are there. You have a lot of options, so don't limit yourself by proximity to a terminal.
We also have a section here on our website where you can put in your zip code and you will get a response of many of the trucking companies that hire from your area. Click here and scroll down the page until you see "Option Two" which will allow you to do a search for companies that are hiring from your area. Some of them will be companies that have training programs. Take a look and you will see what I mean about not limiting yourself.
Also check these links out for some helpful information on trucking in general...
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road Training Program
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.
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Hey guys, I'm new to the site. I've been doing some light research on trucking and am considering getting into it. I'm 24 years old, live with my girlfriend, and have been stuck making 10 to 11 dollars an hour the last few years. I have driven on many long distance trips to see family and friends all over the country and have always thought it would be cool to learn how to drive a big truck. The time away from home may take some adjusting, but it's something I'm strongly considering and have some frank questions about the starting new in the industry.
I don't have $2000+ straight up for CDL classes, so I've taken an interest in the paid CDL training programs that some companies are doing. I live in Savannah, GA. So far the only paid CDL training program that I've found locally is CRST. I've heard a lot of bad things about these guys, but I've got a strong work ethic and feel like I can be successful anywhere so long as I'm given the opportunity. Now, for my questions...
How much money can a student be expected to make working for CRST or a comparable company? Right now I'm making $10 an hour working for a health insurance company. My monthly income is $1200 after taxes. It's not enough to pay the bills. Is it reasonable to expect at least $2000 monthly income (after taxes) as a new trucker? I know the pay starting out isn't great, but I need to immediately be doing better than what I'm making now to justify the leap into a year-long contract and a total change in lifestyle.
Also, do any of you guys happen to know other trucking companies that are hiring in the Savannah area and pay for your classes? What other strategies might I consider? Getting a loan to pay for CDL classes and then getting hired on by a company that will do tuition reimbursement? I had some other questions but I can't seem to remember right this second. I'll post them as they come to me. Thank you guys for the time and effort into responding to my questions!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: