Recommendations On A Truck Driving School
Topic 20101 | Page 1
I asked for school recommendations in NJ a few months. What state do you live in?
This is my situation. I'm seriously considering becoming a truck driver. Had many different jobs in my lifetime, but driving a truck by far, was my favorite. Currently have my Class B license. Looking for advice on a school? I'm 57 years old. I'm looking for a free school with a one year contract after completion. I want to learn to drive all stick shift models of trucks as well. Appreciate in advance any help you can give me. Not trying to be lazy here. I understand you have this information on this website, but am looking for your honest opinion based on my situation.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Joe
Rather than start with selecting "a school," in my "honest opinion," you should research the trucking companies, in general, with an eye towards who you may want to eventually work for... and then investigate that/those company sponsored training programs.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
This is my situation. I'm seriously considering becoming a truck driver. Had many different jobs in my lifetime, but driving a truck by far, was my favorite. Currently have my Class B license. Looking for advice on a school? I'm 57 years old. I'm looking for a free school with a one year contract after completion. I want to learn to drive all stick shift models of trucks as well. Appreciate in advance any help you can give me. Not trying to be lazy here. I understand you have this information on this website, but am looking for your honest opinion based on my situation.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Joe
Rather than start with selecting "a school," in my "honest opinion," you should research the trucking companies, in general, with an eye towards who you may want to eventually work for... and then investigate that/those company sponsored training programs.
^^^^ This 100%. The reason is that everyone will naturally suggest their company to you as they are usually happy with them. You need to check out each company and what they offer. Speak to the recruiters and current drivers and ask the questions that really matter to you the most. Only you know what you are looking for and what will be a good fit in your current life.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Start here.
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road Training Program
- Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
- Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
- Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"
Keep in mind most of the big companies are switching to autoshift AKA automatic fleets. While the schools will train you on manual transmissions. I hope this helps you.
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.
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.
OldRookie, just being honest:
Rather than start with selecting "a school," in my "honest opinion," you should research the trucking companies, in general, with an eye towards who you may want to eventually work for... and then investigate that/those company sponsored training programs.
Couldn't agree more! My suggestions is to focus on the information (Trucking Truth's Starter kit) provided in Big Scott's reply, then move to this information: Paid CDL Training Programs
I started this career in my early 50s...you'll do fine.
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.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
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This is my situation. I'm seriously considering becoming a truck driver. Had many different jobs in my lifetime, but driving a truck by far, was my favorite. Currently have my Class B license. Looking for advice on a school? I'm 57 years old. I'm looking for a free school with a one year contract after completion. I want to learn to drive all stick shift models of trucks as well. Appreciate in advance any help you can give me. Not trying to be lazy here. I understand you have this information on this website, but am looking for your honest opinion based on my situation.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Joe