Prime, CRST, International Schools For Truck Driving

Hey yall, just to update, i have sent in my application to the trucking schools listed above (Prime, CRST, international schools for truck driving), as well as Celadon. Was wondering which one would be the best fit for a guy who has a family no exp driving clutch whatsoever, and no permit, yet. i dont care about the yr obligation im fine with that, not too worried bout home time either, id rather make money that first yr to get my feet wet in the industry. Thanks for all feedback.

I did my training through Prime. They will keep you running if you are willing to run.

Unless you are willing to team drive with someone you don't know, then I would stay away from CRST. Not to say their training is not up to par, just they are known for everyone having to team drive.

Can't tell you much about the others on your list.

Ernie

Hey ernie, so is team driving less pay, since two ppl are driving or how would that work? Ive been hearing good things about prime, and if they take me with my record i will gladly go join them. Does prime have a mandatory home time? Like 3-4 days out of a month or somthing, or you just run till u wanna go home?

Raymond, you are really in a difficult position to land a Company-Sponsored Training job. I know you already realize that, but I want to encourage you to not give up. More than likely you are going to have to figure out a way to pay for private schooling. There are grants available through the state's unemployment office that will pay for it and there are sometimes other state programs available to persons who have served time to help them get back into the work force with a decent job. If you are serious about this you may need to do the leg work and see what develops.

One of the things you will need to do first is to obtain some pre-hires. You don't want to waste the time and money it takes to go through a private school only to be disappointed by the fact that no one is willing to hire you. You can check out our section on Understanding Pre-Hires if you need some more information on this unique way to get pre-qualified for a trucking job.

You may ultimately just have to let some more time go by before you can start this dream. I actually helped a couple of folks get hired who were still on paper. One of the things we did was to have a letter written from their probation officer on the official letterhead from their office stating that he had discussed the matter of them taking on an over the road trucking job, and it was approved by the probation department for them to travel across state lines with their job. These persons were hired by Western Express while I was working there and the recruiter insisted that I give my full assurance to them that I thought they were persons who would be trustworthy employees. I stuck my neck out for them, and they did not disappoint me.

I will be very surprised if you can go through a Company-Sponsored Training program. The stigma that a felony charge leaves on a person is not a permanent stain on their life, but I know it certainly can feel that way at times - it can be very discouraging, I understand that. Hold your head up, and keep at it. It's gonna be a struggle that you can ultimately overcome. It probably will take longer than you'd like, but if you persevere, you will be very proud of your new position in life, and so will your family.

Thanks for the feedback old school. Unfortunately i do know i am banking on alot for this to happen, but it is what i want and i will pursue it, no matter how many doors get shut on me. I am actually thinking of going thru a private scho in dallas tx that the workforce pays for if im approved for the grant, called the WIA GRANT, just fyi for those who need to know. My thing is, going thru a private school doesnt necessarily mean you get a job, they help you, but im not sure how much. If i go through a private school, what companies should i try to apply to and would it be better doing private now, or waiting till im off paper to go to a sponsered company training. Thank you again for all feedback.