Practical Advice Help

Topic 27487 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
Moe's Comment
member avatar

So I have been in contact with SWIFT recruiting and the recruiter stated that she would need to run my situation by her supervisor to see if I would be able to attend their school. Most of you who follow regularly are aware that I failed my CDL exam five times here in Oregon state. The thing is that the SWIFT school and board is about 6750.00 that is in addition to the 3700 in loans I am paying back to the private school. Yea.... what would some of you guys do? Should I put my trucking aspirations on hold until I pay off the debt from my private school and then go to SWIFT? I really have no other debt than this. No credit cards, no personal loans and car is paid off if I take the SWIFT route my debt load jumps up to around $11,000.00

I am not usually one to assume so much debt risk, however if I want any chance at trucking besides waiting a year. This is what I need to do. It scares me frankly utterly that much debt, its a down payment on a house or buying a car outright.

Anyone been in a position going to school with alot of debt??

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.
Moe's Comment
member avatar

Whoever reads this....hold on ...I need to actually sit down and review my budget more closely to get the clarity i need. I am so sorry I posted this in rather haste. Thank you.

Bobcat_Bob's Comment
member avatar

Personally I think if they will give you a shot I'd say go for it. If you delay it you may never end up doing it.
Moe's Comment
member avatar

I am on that line of thinking myself, need to make this happen. I will need to wait for the call back tommorrow and see what they say. I guess SWIFt has a non compete clause with the private school I went to. Do you happen to know if the school will report all of this on my DAC or anything?

Personally I think if they will give you a shot I'd say go for it. If you delay it you may never end up doing it.

DAC:

Drive-A-Check Report

A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).

It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.

Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
Moe's Comment
member avatar

The good thing is, I have run my numbers and budget. It is doable, tight but doable. Short term loss, long term gain.

Personally I think if they will give you a shot I'd say go for it. If you delay it you may never end up doing it.
Rob T.'s Comment
member avatar

I also agree to go for it. I kept dragging my feet saying it isnt the right time for over 5 years. I kick myself in the butt all the time for not getting to it earlier. The thought of failing I'm sure is really high and I understand your scepticism of possibly owing more money. You had said your backing improved, maybe it finally clicked for you.

This is a decision that you need to make, we cant make it for you.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated
Page 1 of 1
Return To General Category   Trucker's Forum Homepage

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Register Learn More

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training