How Soon Is Too Soon...

First post. I plan on starting my driving career around October. I need to get a cdl and would prefer to do a company training program. Is it too early to start talking to recruters. Ive researched most of the programs on here and have a good idea of where i want to go. Just dont want to waist anyones time if it is too early. Thanks

I’d say now’s the time to start looking for companies that pay for training. Different companies have different types of contracts and obligations if they pay for your training. I was lucky that with my company I only had to work 6 months to pay off my school but then again I’m in Canada and my boss is knows my sister and her friend is bffs with him lol so i got hooked up😎. I know it’s different in the US of course and with bigger companies but at least here there’s an enrolment period because so many people are trying to get into schools you have to get on a list to get in so October isn’t that far away! Get on it asap

First post. I plan on starting my driving career around October. I need to get a cdl and would prefer to do a company training program. Is it too early to start talking to recruters. Ive researched most of the programs on here and have a good idea of where i want to go. Just dont want to waist anyones time if it is too early. Thanks

Welcome to Trucking Truth, G/L !!!

I'd start right here, if you haven't yet:

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

Plenty of reading & studying, before you're ready to apply. Some companies tend to hold on to applications for around 30 days max; so instead of getting the cart before the horse, (or the trailer before the tractor, not good!) ;) Focus on the above, and also...

OUR DIARIES SECTION! If you have some companies you are already 'liking' in your mind, go back six, seven years! Search them there, heartily. So much value, within those posts.

Wish you well; see you soon, ask anything trucking anytime, good sir!

~ Anne ~

ps: The site owner and our own IDMtnGal are goat folks, so maybe 'they' can explain your handle (!?!?!?) Carry on!! I'm more of a Pittie/puppers gal myself. No goats, bunnies, nor chickens here. :(

Just to be honest with you...

If you're not thirty days or less away from being ready to start, most recruiters don't want to waste their time with you. Their job is to get drivers signed up. They are looking for low hanging fruit.

You can try talking to some, but they will want you to fill out an application. Those applications are generally held for thirty days. After that it's not considered viable.

Ive researched most of the programs on here and have a good idea of where i want to go.

The easiest and most beneficial thing you could do is start asking questions right here in this forum. You'll hear from successful experienced drivers who will probably prove to be more helpful than a person getting a commission for signing you up. Our only agenda is the truth. That's what you need right now.

You'll gain some real world insights and others like you will also be learning from the conversations you start.

I’ll echo what Old School said. My Experience with Prime was that the application is valid for only 30 days. The Recruiter only wants to spend money on a preliminary background check once before inviting you to an Orientation.

So I wouldn’t waste their time until you are within 30 days of being ready to go.

Just to be honest with you...

If you're not thirty days or less away from being ready to start, most recruiters don't want to waste their time with you. Their job is to get drivers signed up. They are looking for low hanging fruit.

You can try talking to some, but they will want you to fill out an application. Those applications are generally held for thirty days. After that it's not considered viable.

Ive researched most of the programs on here and have a good idea of where i want to go.

The easiest and most beneficial thing you could do is start asking questions right here in this forum. You'll hear from successful experienced drivers who will probably prove to be more helpful than a person getting a commission for signing you up. Our only agenda is the truth. That's what you need right now.

You'll gain some real world insights and others like you will also be learning from the conversations you start.

I’ll echo what Old School said. My Experience with Prime was that the application is valid for only 30 days. The Recruiter only wants to spend money on a preliminary background check once before inviting you to an Orientation.

So I wouldn’t waste their time until you are within 30 days of being ready to go.

I 'echoed' 1st ... LoL !!

Seriously, O/P ... there's so much reading, within this site. Besides diaries and my links above, scroll down from the main 3'bar pull down, and check out some awesome blogs; many by Old School !

I'm half remembering the guy, about 2 or 3 years ago (help me, anyone?) that did INTENSIVE research; called the companies he liked, etc etc.... and when the time came he was ready to 'fly' with his 1st company, they retreated to Greyhound travel. That was a deal breaker for him, as it is for some.

Best wishes;

~ Anne ~