Turned Down For Company Paid CDL Program

I applied at one of the companies featured on TruckingTruth for Paid CDL Training. They didn't give a reason, they just said they were considering other candidates right now and that I could reapply at a later date.

I was given every indication that I would be accepted. They even set a date for me to begin classes. I hadn't heard from them for about a week so I called them and they told me they weren't going to be sponsoring me.

Needless to say I was sorely disappointed. I had already given my notice at my current employer so I had to rescind.

I am very discouraged at this point. I can't afford paying for school outright, so I was pinning my hopes on this avenue.

So, I put my hat in the ring for another company featured here and hopefully I will be accepted. Any advice, encouragement, slaps on the back would be greatly appreciated and most welcomed. Thanks for letting me vent.

WilTrans?

Them and Jim Palmer arguably two of the most "selective" Paid CDL Training Programs featured on the Trucking Truth site.

My suggestion is not to limit yourself with one application at a time, review all of your options. Use this link to assist: Apply For Company-Sponsored Training

As G-Town advised, there are tons of great, reputable companies to choose from. Do some more research. If you have questions, just ask away. Don't get discouraged.

And remember, an invitation to orientation is not a job guarantee. the entire schooling process is an interview to see how professional you are, honest, and what kind of judgement you have. it is common to get sent home from one only to return to the same company when issues are fixed (meds for example).

dont give up.

You should also try CFI. Here is a link to my CFI training diary. And like Rainy D said, you are not hired until they say you are and they five you your employee ID. Good luck.

Thanks everyone for the great encouragement, and the correction. After overcoming my disappointment, I realized that they are a company and they will hire the candidates that they feel will be the best fit for their needs. I appreciate each response and I hold no grudges with the company. They’re just doing the best for the company.

Hey Curt, I'm in the same boat. My first choice for the company paid training was Prime. I was automatically disqualified for a 20 over the limit citation. Totally bummed? H*** YEAH!! As soon as that blew my plans to bits, I applied with Knight & Swift. Recruiters from both were very encouraging but the Knight recruiter stopped returning my calls. I've left her 2 voicemails with no call back from her. Swift's recruiter on the other hand said that she doesn't see anything to disqualify me but is waiting for the security department to get back to her. Ultimately it's their decision. Fingers crossed! If that fails, I keep going down the list of available opportunities listed on this site.

I've given myself 2.5 months to get all my ducks in row & take my time going down the list of companies that offer paid training. I've started doing cdl practice tests with an app I found in the apple store. As soon as I finish a personal project on my computer, I will hit the High Road Training on here. I've read countless diaries in that section about other people's experiences with this process. If you feel strongly about making this work, you have all the resources along with many bluntly honest, experienced folks ready to give you their opinions, ideas, encouragement, etc... all of that is here for us to be successful with such a complex & life changing decision. All the best to you sir!

I was denied by my first choice company as well, TMC. CFI, and Swift both gave me an opportunity. After lengthy discussion with my better half, I chose Swift. I would have loved to go and drive for TMC, but I think that I am where I am supposed to be. Swift has been great to me, so far, and I have far more opportunities, than I would have, with TMC.

If Wil-Trans / Jim Palmer was your choice, than try Prime. Wil-Trans / Jim Palmer pulls Prime's freight. Their training process is set up similar to Prime. Prime is a tad less selective than Wil-Trans / Jim Palmer. The only thing you give up is a guaranteed shiny black Cascadia or 579. Their pay is pretty much the same. Their training is pretty much the same.

TBH, don't limit yourself to one choice. Blast out applications to any and all programs that pique your interest. Just like you are not hired until you are handed your ID badge, you haven't chosen a company until you show up for training / orientation. Leave as many options open as you can.

Besides, nothing says you can't go with Prime, than after a year go work for Wil-Trans / Jim Palmer. Even though Wil-Trans / Jim Palmer has a training program they prefer to hire experienced drivers.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.

Wil-Trans:

Darrel Wilson bought his first tractor in 1980 at age 20, but, being too young to meet OTR age requirements, he leased the truck out and hired a driver.

Through growth and acquisition, Wil-Trans now employs over 200 drivers, and has a long-standing partnership with Prime, Inc. to haul their refrigerated freight. The family of businesses also includes Jim Palmer Trucking and O & S Trucking.

Hi Reyn I am hoping with you my friend that you hook up with your preferred training. I’ve been doing exactly the same as you. Studying the CDL Manual and taking practice tests etc. Could you keep me posted on how you do? I will do the same. Daniel sham and Patrick C. I appreciate the encouragement as advice. I will keep pursuing this goal because it’s something I am determined to accomplish. 😊