Suggestions On Next Step
Topic 33260 | Page 1
Hey Everyone!
Long story short, I only have experience driving articulated dump truck on private property.
I studied for the ELDT (theory and hazmat)
Scheduled and took my CDL A permit tests at the end of May 2023 and passed all tests (including tankers). I found out that I can't take the Hazmat until I already have my CDL.
Now, I have memorized all parts for the pre-trip.
What should my next step be? I can't find anything online. The only thing that I have found is sign up for a $5000 + class that I can't afford. I found a couple of places that are 1800, you show up pass the pre trip inspection with the trainer and then they let you start the driving portion.
If I do the $1800 class will anyone hire me?
I am doing the best that I can to get back on my feet (just like a lot of other people). I do not qualify for grants due to owing student loans and don't qualify for personal loans due to my student loans.
I can't afford my bills if I sign up for a $600 a week paid training program. Being a single parent is hard, but worth it. Not looking for handouts nor do I have "poor me" syndrome. I just need direction and/or suggestions.
Thank you in advance to anyone that responds!
Be safe out there,
You definitely don't want to pay out-of-pocket. The better route is company-sponsored training. You can submit one application to several companies through the link below.
Congrats on obtaining your permit. This will show companies you are contacting that you are sincere in wanting to begin a career as a class A driver.
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.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
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.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Welcome!
The recommended path for training is: Paid CDL Training Programs
Numerous drivers in the Trucking Truth forum chose that same path, including me.
You will also benefit from the information contained in these links:
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
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Hey Everyone!
Long story short, I only have experience driving articulated dump truck on private property.
I studied for the ELDT (theory and hazmat)
Scheduled and took my CDL A permit tests at the end of May 2023 and passed all tests (including tankers). I found out that I can't take the Hazmat until I already have my CDL.
Now, I have memorized all parts for the pre-trip.
What should my next step be? I can't find anything online. The only thing that I have found is sign up for a $5000 + class that I can't afford. I found a couple of places that are 1800, you show up pass the pre trip inspection with the trainer and then they let you start the driving portion.
If I do the $1800 class will anyone hire me?
I am doing the best that I can to get back on my feet (just like a lot of other people). I do not qualify for grants due to owing student loans and don't qualify for personal loans due to my student loans.
I can't afford my bills if I sign up for a $600 a week paid training program. Being a single parent is hard, but worth it. Not looking for handouts nor do I have "poor me" syndrome. I just need direction and/or suggestions.
Thank you in advance to anyone that responds!
Be safe out there,
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated