1st Post Here...
Starting at McFatter in the May 13th class. 12 per class, one instructor. When I asked how they "road train" all 12 with only one CDL-A that has to ride shotgun, they told me they "fast track" 3 of the students into their CDL's and THEY ride in the other trucks. 9 week day (full time 7am - 2pm) class or 14 week evening (m-th + sat). 320 hour course including 1,000 mi road time (I wonder if the 1000 miles are ALL behind the wheel, or any time in a school rig counts). State approved curriculum. I spoke with the guy who supervises this curriculum at the State Board of Ed, and he told me there's not such thing as a "DOT Approved" course, but that the curriculum covers everything the state considers mandatory for the job field. The School/Course is not "PDTI approved", but the textbook they use IS.
$1,725 + $100 for books and materials (text book, logbook, tire thumper, air pressure gauge, 2 federal regs books). I believe the course price includes CDL skills testing.
You must have a CDL-A permit - written tests, CDL-A & Air Brakes minimum - I did all the endorsements except hazmat, (which is only a 30 day permit and TSA applications aren't submitted until you HAVE the actual CDL). You must get a DOT Physical Clearance (and I was frankly surprised at the "clearance mill" exam I got - read an eye chart, touch toes, BP, urine test for sugar and blood - in and out in 5 minutes - I wonder how many "medically compromised" drivers this guy gives 2 year med cards to). Mandatory drug test at the beginning of the class.
This works for ME (as opposed to becoming an "indentured servant" for one of the trucking companies schools) as I can work my (soon-to-be) old profession in the afternoons/evenings, sleep at home without being in some fleabag hotel, wrap up my foreclosure/bankruptcy in the process, and just get ready to hit the road later in the fall.
BE ADVISED - most of the "majors" that hire newbs - DO NOT HIRE out of SoFla, as they really don't have routes to get your down here for your "home time". I have an address in Atlanta also (a close friend I rent a room from in his house) to use when I start job hunting. After my foreclosure, I'm going to essentially be "homeless" anyway - no wife/girlfriend and nothing that ties me to the area here - so I'M ready to just go our for a year with someone and not worry about "getting home" to anywhere in particular.
Need any more info - PM me.
Rick
|