Paid CDL Training
Topic 34825 | Page 1
I'm wondering what program is considered the best.?
The one that gets you a CDL. There is no Ivy League of trucking schools or training programs. I would recommend the program I went to, but the courts ruled their driving training practices, "predatory" and, "unlawful" so they no longer train drivers.
Some considerations that you may want to think about :
Where's their closest terminal to your home? Your truck will require maintenance from time to time and your dispatcher will usually route you to the terminal closest to your home. If you live nearby it's almost like free home time. I didn't know about this. I live in Washington. My company's closest terminal was in Riverside, CA. My dispatcher would tell me, "Good news - we're sending you in for a PM so you can have a couple of days off". Drivers in the Los Angeles area would get to go home for those days. I'd get to walk to the 7-11.
How long will it take to complete your obligation? It can take anywhere between 8 months and 2 years. My deal was 10 months. I stayed longer because I liked the job but it was good to know that I was working towards my goal and counting the weeks as they went by.
How many terminals does the company have? That gives you more parking options when you've been driving all day and need to shut down at 1 am. My company had 4 terminals, Schneider has dozens. Terminals have showers, wi-fi, laundry and sometimes restaurants. You don't usually have to struggle to find a parking space at a terminal.
What other opportunities does your company offer? My company also did dedicated runs. My dispatcher handled the Caterpillar account so I could fill in for a dedicated driver for Cat and do the same run over and over for weeks instead of wondering how long I was going to sit idle waiting for my next load. Now, as an experienced driver, they have some dedicated accounts near my house so I'm pre-approved if I want to drive on one of their dedicated accounts.
Most rookies just look at the rate of pay. You have to look at the whole package, not just CPM. What's their breakdown pay? Do they have a guaranteed minimum? I've spent weeks broken down (at $39/day!). I've spent many days looking for an empty trailer to drop at my pickup. One time I drove across FIVE states trying to find an empty trailer (at $0).
If I were starting over today, I'd consider:
Veriha - I like their program because they have the highest average starting salary for first year truckers. On average, first-year drivers at Veriha Trucking earn about $77,000. They also receive a weekly minimum pay starting at $900, along with various bonuses and benefits.
Prime - They take great care of their drivers and their terminals have more amenities than most. Many drivers at TT got their start at Prime. One of the better companies, but also one of the pickiest. Many are called, but few are chosen. Not the end of the world if they won't take you - somebody else will.
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.
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 Run:
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."
Dispatcher:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
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I'm looking to get into a paid CDL training program next month. I'm wondering what program is considered the best.? I live in Texas...not sure if that matters for some of the programs, but I think it does for others. Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks 👋
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: