Back To Trucking

Topic 31889 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
Lance C.'s Comment
member avatar

Hi all, I'm new to this page and I'm hoping for some advice. I went through a paid CDL training program back in 2006, drove for about 6 months and quit. I was young, dumb, and didn't have what it took to be a team driver (I couldn't sleep because the truck moved pretty much 24/7). Fast forward to my 40's, truck driving is more and more appealing and I'm looking for the best route to get back in a truck. I'll look for a regional route as a SOLO driver this go around however.

Here's the problem: I let my CDL go a couple of years ago so I'll almost be starting from scratch. My question is, can anyone think of the best route for me to get my CDL back? Or are there any companies I could work for that wouldn't make me repeat the ENTIRE school? I've checked and my state (Arkansas) won't require me to repeat school since I previously held my CDL. So essentially if I could find a company that will let me practice in their truck a while, take the road test, then train with a trainer, I think I'd be golden. I haven't got my CLP yet but I'll take that soon btw.

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.

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

CLP:

Commercial Learner's Permit

Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.

Steppenwolf 's Comment
member avatar

Hi and welcome. Where are you located.

CFI, Millis, Swift and Prime all have training.

Do you want reefer , dry van or flatbed.

Need some help to help you

Dry Van:

A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.

Reefer:

A refrigerated trailer.

Brandon S.'s Comment
member avatar

If you still had the cdl there are companies that have refresher courses, but since you no longer have it I suspect you will have to take it all over again. There may be a small company or owner operator that would do that, I’m not sure. I would start over with a training company like swift that would cover the cost of training and make a paycheck.

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.

Owner Operator:

An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.

G-Town's Comment
member avatar

Welcome Lance.

Unfortunately the federal rules changed recently; you must attend a 160 hour school before retesting for your CDL. There are no shortcuts.

You’re only advantage is that you’ll be reviewing information and skills you are familiar with. Your learning curve should be less time and less stress.

See these links:

Paid CDL Training Programs Apply For Paid CDL Training

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.
George B.'s Comment
member avatar

Pretty much have to start from scratch. You will most likely have an easy time w maneuvering, backing etc once you start training again. I would definitely look at company sponsored training. Some of the most popular training companies are detailed here on TT. Continental Express, Witte Bros, RE West, and online transport (I think) also have training programs depending on where you are located.

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.

Anne A. (and sometimes To's Comment
member avatar

Pretty much have to start from scratch. You will most likely have an easy time w maneuvering, backing etc once you start training again. I would definitely look at company sponsored training. Some of the most popular training companies are detailed here on TT. Continental Express, Witte Bros, RE West, and online transport (I think) also have training programs depending on where you are located.

Yessir!

And if the links G'town provided don't give you an olive branch, Mr. George is correct. I've got a few 'more' training companies I'm aware of, as well.. location, location, location!!

~ Anne ~

Hi all, I'm new to this page and I'm hoping for some advice. I went through a paid CDL training program back in 2006, drove for about 6 months and quit. I was young, dumb, and didn't have what it took to be a team driver (I couldn't sleep because the truck moved pretty much 24/7). Fast forward to my 40's, truck driving is more and more appealing and I'm looking for the best route to get back in a truck. I'll look for a regional route as a SOLO driver this go around however.

Here's the problem: I let my CDL go a couple of years ago so I'll almost be starting from scratch. My question is, can anyone think of the best route for me to get my CDL back? Or are there any companies I could work for that wouldn't make me repeat the ENTIRE school? I've checked and my state (Arkansas) won't require me to repeat school since I previously held my CDL. So essentially if I could find a company that will let me practice in their truck a while, take the road test, then train with a trainer, I think I'd be golden. I haven't got my CLP yet but I'll take that soon btw.

I MIGHT actually 'know' a few of those, as you speak of.. problem is .. you could be in Timbuktu.. as far as we know!

Yes, it's happened before.

We're trying to help you, Lance.

Schneider is known for (or was?) refresher courses, as well.

Best, man.

Can't help you, if you don't help us 'help you!'

~ Anne ~

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.

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

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.

CLP:

Commercial Learner's Permit

Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.

Big Scott's Comment
member avatar

Lance, CFI will train you for free. You may be able to get a regional route right away. We have dry van , refer, and some flatbed. I would recommend you speak with a recruiter. We have a terminal in West Memphis as well as others around the country.

Good luck.

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.

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

Dry Van:

A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.
Henry P.'s Comment
member avatar

I personally just talked to a recruiter today, and they definitely have one of the more attractive recruiting offers out there, benefits depend on school location but for me it was paid meals, bunk, travel reimbursement, etc. 1 year contract, very early dedicated route opportunities (believe I was told 90 days) trucks seem well outfitted. I’m feeling like it’s a good choice as far as my personal journey is concerned. Looking forward to the future :)

Lance, CFI will train you for free. You may be able to get a regional route right away. We have dry van , refer, and some flatbed. I would recommend you speak with a recruiter. We have a terminal in West Memphis as well as others around the country.

Good luck.

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.

Dedicated Route:

A driver or carrier who transports cargo between regular, prescribed routes. Normally it means a driver will be dedicated to working for one particular customer like Walmart or Home Depot and they will only haul freight for that customer. You'll often hear drivers say something like, "I'm on the Walmart dedicated account."

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

Dry Van:

A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.
Big Scott's Comment
member avatar

I personally just talked to a recruiter today, and they definitely have one of the more attractive recruiting offers out there, benefits depend on school location but for me it was paid meals, bunk, travel reimbursement, etc. 1 year contract, very early dedicated route opportunities (believe I was told 90 days) trucks seem well outfitted. I’m feeling like it’s a good choice as far as my personal journey is concerned. Looking forward to the future :)

double-quotes-start.png

Lance, CFI will train you for free. You may be able to get a regional route right away. We have dry van , refer, and some flatbed. I would recommend you speak with a recruiter. We have a terminal in West Memphis as well as others around the country.

Good luck.

double-quotes-end.png

If CFI trains you, you will have a one year commitment. It goes by quick. Our trucks have inverters, TV mounts, and satellite radios. The newest trucks have controls on the steering wheel and refrigerators.

Yes, during school they pay for your room, food and transportation.

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.

Dedicated Route:

A driver or carrier who transports cargo between regular, prescribed routes. Normally it means a driver will be dedicated to working for one particular customer like Walmart or Home Depot and they will only haul freight for that customer. You'll often hear drivers say something like, "I'm on the Walmart dedicated account."

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

Dry Van:

A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.
Page 1 of 1

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

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