School Or Company Paid Training?

I think I may have a unique situation. Right now the way my life is set up is this: I am the sole provider for myself, my fiancé, and my daughter. I work a production type job where I get paid by the piece from 7am-5pm M-F, which would give me the option to go to trucking school such as Roadmaster which offers evening classes from 6pm-midnight. I do have the option to cut my work hours back some, come in later and leave earlier. I’m just worried that I’m not gonna get the sleep I need and either miss work or miss school. On the other hand, I’m not sure I could do company paid training either since most companies don’t pay while your getting your CDL which takes 3-4 weeks usually. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place and need some advice on the best way to proceed. I’m sure there have been people in this same or similar position and would love to hear how they handled it. Thanks in advance!

Welcome Kevin!

Honestly, that doesn't sound unique at all. Nearly everyone is in that exact same position when considering a trucking career. Worried about sticking your neck out. Needing a steady income. We get it, most of us have been there.

As you may know, we always suggest a Paid CDL Training Programs approach to getting your license.

Fearing the first 3-4 weeks being unpaid is normal. But try looking at it from a different angle.

First, you'll be putting up far more than a months pay for private school. Instead, use that money as a cushion while in training to get you through the initial unpaid portion.

Second, you say you can cut back your hours to accommodate the private school. That means you can afford a temporary reduction in pay, again to give yourself time for private school. I say you continue working those hours and save that money until you have enough to comfortably survive the unpaid portion of training.

I'm not saying your plan won't work. I just think there are better options that maybe you haven't considered. Either way, you've come to the right place for sound, honest advice. We'll all wish you the best of luck.

Read up on some of these links to get a better handle of your options.

Why I prefer paid CDL training

Paid CDL Training Programs

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Perhaps consider Roehl. Last i looked into it, about 8 months ago, Roehl paid $500 during school. they are a good company with varying hometime options. But remember the more hometime, the less you make annually.

Be aware, even with them, it might take 3 weeks to get your first check. one driver here was upset over this, but if they pay every two weeks and hold a week, they are no different than any employer who does the same.

CDL school is difficult. How would you feel working all day, backing all ninght and being too exhausted to learn? wasted time and money.at company sponsored you are immersed into trucking and can concentrate on learning.

Is that 500 before or after taxes? Sounds like it may be a good fit if I can save up enough money to cushion us while I’m gone until I get my first check.

Perhaps consider Roehl. Last i looked into it, about 8 months ago, Roehl paid $500 during school. they are a good company with varying hometime options. But remember the more hometime, the less you make annually.

Be aware, even with them, it might take 3 weeks to get your first check. one driver here was upset over this, but if they pay every two weeks and hold a week, they are no different than any employer who does the same.

CDL school is difficult. How would you feel working all day, backing all ninght and being too exhausted to learn? wasted time and money.at company sponsored you are immersed into trucking and can concentrate on learning.

Not unique at all.

Exact same situation I was in.

I was originally going to attend a CDL school at my local county college while working a full time day job. I am very glad I decided against that option. After laying out the money for CDL school you are at the end left with a CDL, but no job and no experience. You'll probably end up applying to one of the larger carriers that would have trained you for free anyway.

The fact that my wife and kids were depending on me to keep the mortgage paid and get money coming in to put food on the table was a great motivator for me to buckle down and compete my CDL training. Then once I had my CDL I already had a job and immediately began my paid on the job training. The $250 bonus Prime paid me for passing my CDL test on first attempt was also nice!