Old School Reply....

Hi Old School,

Thank you for the kind input regarding obliging myself to any specific truck school or company.I really liked reading your perspective.

I understand what you are saying and for the most part I agree with you. The reason I stated I didnt want to be obligated to anyone was specifically for schooling.... I really want the freedom to know that if something does happen, that I am able to leave a company, whether I have been with them a short time or not and know that I have no outstanding obligations to that company.

Regarding jumping around to companies.... I have only had 4 jobs in my lifetime. I like to stay where I can get comfortable and know everyone. Paramount would be to get in with a company and retire from there.

This is partly why I keep coming back to this site. I relish everyones input and perspective.... all this communication and information will only make me a better driver, team player and satisfied employee... ( until I get my own truck ) :-)

Thanks Wendy

Wendy, I know there's a lot to take in when you are first considering a career in trucking, and I'm some times hesitant to keep piling it on. If you are concerned about wanting to be able to leave if "something happens" I think you are better off in a Company-Sponsored Training program. I went to a private school and there were issues that caused one person in my class to get thrown out and another quit. The problem with private schools is that they are usually small with limited instructors and if you are having "issues" there's usually nowhere to turn. At the company sponsored schools they can usually move you around to a different set of instructors if need be. I realize that I don't know you, but I would recommend that you give it some more consideration.

Regarding jumping around to companies.... I have only had 4 jobs in my lifetime. I like to stay where I can get comfortable and know everyone. Paramount would be to get in with a company and retire from there.

Okay, it's good that you are not a job hopper - that will serve you well in this industry. It concerns me that you like to get to know everyone where you work. Here's what I mean: This job involves a lot of solitude, I've worked for the same company for one full year and I still don't have a clue who my boss is. I have only met one person at the company, and that person is my DM. I should qualify that statement with the fact that I have met an occasional driver at truck stops, but there is no real relationships, and I may not even be able to recall their name if I run into them again. I once got a phone call from someone at my company who told me their name and said I was doing a good job. Then they asked me if I could swap my load with a nearby driver who they were trying to get home (his home was near the destination my load was headed for). I was glad to cooperate, he thanked me, and that was all there was to the conversation. The next day my DM thanked me for making the switch and asked me if I knew who I had been talking to. I told him what the guys name was, but that was all I knew. He then informed me that I had been talking to the vice president, and he sure was proud I didn't moan and groan about switching loads. It's a completely different type of job than you have ever experienced before - it really is more of a lifestyle change than a career change.

Again, I don't know you, but I think you should look a little more into the Company-Sponsored Training programs.