PTDI Vs CVTA: Is There A Difference?

While researching CDL schools, I have noticed the importance of attending a PTDI certified course. However, some schools are CVTA but not PTDI certified. Do they both hold the same weight? Thanks.

I have noticed the same as well and I am also concerned about this. I also noticed some company sponsored programs are on the PDTI list, but only some of their locations (Swift). Is this an actual reflection of their other locations? Then all of this combined with some carriers that only hire from selected schools it seems difficult to make a decision on where to go for a non-company program.

To be honest you can completely ignore that kind of stuff. It really means nothing. Trucking companies hire from schools that meet their minimum requirements for length of course and curriculum. If they feel a school is legit they'll hire students from the school. It really makes no difference if it's certified or not.

The way to determine if a school is legit or not, and the overwhelming majority of them are of course, is to ask them for a list of major companies that hire their students. Call a few of these companies yourself from home to verify this. If major companies will hire from a school then you can consider them a legitimate choice.

And all of the Company-Sponsored Training Programs are legit. Any of the companies will accept training from those programs. Again, you can ignore the certifications or lack thereof.

Brett is correct guys, ask the school who comes in before you graduates to per-interview and hire. A good school non trucking company school will have you placed or at least have you job offers before you finish. And a good trucking company will have you on the road with a trainer for at least 4 to 6 weeks. I have said this before guys, no matter how good you do in school, it is the experience that keeps you out of trouble. Here is how and why I say 4 to 6 week.

It takes the brain that long to create a habit good or bad. You are put hopefully with a trainer who has good habits, the idea is for you to get into a routine of his good habits. Practice what he does everyday. Just like parenting, our kids learn from us the same way a new truck driver would learn from a good truck driver. If your trainer (like I have seen a few) are greedy and you are just the mule for him then learn not to do what he does.

Take this with you, when I trained I use to make my trainee's say out loud every time they grab that door handle while getting in the truck for the first 5 days. " This is a 40 ton killing machine and 'I" am the only one in control". Remember that. Because in my book the only "accident" on the road is mother nature, a tree falling, hitting a deer etc., everything else is a WREAK, two people or more not wanting to yield the right away for another and use there cars as weapons. Always remember YOU are the professional, you do this everyday, four wheels do this for short periods of time and are not the professional.

To be honest you can completely ignore that kind of stuff. It really means nothing. Trucking companies hire from schools that meet their minimum requirements for length of course and curriculum. If they feel a school is legit they'll hire students from the school. It really makes no difference if it's certified or not.

The way to determine if a school is legit or not, and the overwhelming majority of them are of course, is to ask them for a list of major companies that hire their students. Call a few of these companies yourself from home to verify this. If major companies will hire from a school then you can consider them a legitimate choice.

And all of the Company-Sponsored Training Programs are legit. Any of the companies will accept training from those programs. Again, you can ignore the certifications or lack thereof.

Ok, thanks for the feedback Brett. There certainly are a wide variety of schools and programs to choose from, and whether it's Private, Community College, or Company sponsored....160 hrs or 600 hrs, I'm realizing it's all about defining your goals and personal situation, then choosing the right fit. I find the same holds true for selecting your first company.

Although working through the school and company selection process can be intimidating, I think the large number of options is a very positive things because it provide each individual with maximum flexibility.....I don't know of any other occupation that offers this! Thanks again.