Hopefully Starting The Process

Well as of 8 days ago I am unemployed , I have an appointment with Worksource Oregon in about an hour to find out if I can qualify for financial assistance for school . If I do not qualify it may take a little longer to get started but as I am no longer tied to a job I have the time to get it all worked out . Thanks to this site I'm positive I can go pass my permit test anytime !

Thank you to everyone here for sharing your knowledge and in many cases your wit !!

Hey Jimmy - I'm hoping the best for you that you'll get assistance for school. If that doesn't happen, are you in a position to go to a company-paid school? It's not always a good solution, depending on your circumstances. It wasn't an option for my family.

This only should be for folks that know how to manage their money properly, but another suggestion if the financial assistance falls through is to put your CDL tuition cost on a 0% APR interest credit card - it's better than most loans you'll get from a bank. Of course the trick to this is to get one that gives you enough time to pay it off before the interest starts! I got one from Citi Bank that features 18 months interest free - I definitely don't know of any traditional loan with those rates!

Thanks foe the great idea Bill I have another appointment next Wednesday but the initial response was positive for getting some assistance they will only pay up to $3000 if I qualify , but getting most of it paid would be a huge help !

Hey Jimmy - I'm hoping the best for you that you'll get assistance for school. If that doesn't happen, are you in a position to go to a company-paid school? It's not always a good solution, depending on your circumstances. It wasn't an option for my family.

This only should be for folks that know how to manage their money properly, but another suggestion if the financial assistance falls through is to put your CDL tuition cost on a 0% APR interest credit card - it's better than most loans you'll get from a bank. Of course the trick to this is to get one that gives you enough time to pay it off before the interest starts! I got one from Citi Bank that features 18 months interest free - I definitely don't know of any traditional loan with those rates!

Trying to avoid company schools so I can have more options after I complete school

Just wondering if there any Gordon drivers on here ?

Just wondering if there any Gordon drivers on here ?

I have two very close friends who worked for them for a combined 1.5 years. So I know a lot about them based on what they've passed down onto me. What's your question?

I have a cousin that recommended them said they are real good to work for and that when your out with the trainer that you are dispatched solo so the trainer in in the seat next to you while you drive ! They seem to have a good starting pay and they run a lot through Salem where I live ! I think any company is what you make of it I was just looking for some insight ! I'm trying to find out what schools they accept around my area so I can make an educated decision when the time comes ! Thanks Daniel !

Got conformation from Gordon that they dispatch recent grads and trainers as solo so you only run on your clock when your out of hours you park ! Sounds like the best way to learn ??

Jimmy, Gordon is a great company...and I do like how they train. They are regional , for the most part, and their trucks always look clean, and kept up. I did see a Gordon truck that was one of the light weight ones like what Daniel B drives..that means its a 105K permitted load truck...cool !!

I was considering Gordon, their trucks have APU's and they pay practical miles, according to the recruiter I talked to. They sound good to me. Although I'm going with Prime because I want to go flatbed and take my dog.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

APU's:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.