Any opinions

[eptp88]

I am looking at 2 options. First I can work at my current job (which is low paying and labor intensive) and go to a local tech school to get my c.d.l. but cant get into class until April 2. It's a ten week class and I can get the Ga. H.O.P.E. grant to pay all but 200 or so dollars and the school is not accredited( state of Ga. accredited not P.D.T.I.). I dont know how that will effect the jobs after school but I know I will be able to get one, no criminal record, no dui's and no tickets in the last 20+ years. This option requires me to work at this other job until June or so before driving. (Am i still going to have to get a years experience otr before landing a good job with good miles pay and tah) or my second option is to get my permit and go to Schneider and work there a year and get the training and experience then move on from there? I'm already hired at Schneider and have taken physical and drug test just need to go get my cdl permit and fax it to the recruiter so she can set up class date, probally Feb 17 or 24. It seems to me I need experience either way so which is best. I do know I want to drive a truck and think I will like the lifestyle. Any feed back will be appreciated. 8) http://<br /> <br /> <a href="htt...3456</a><br />

[Sheepdancer]

I would avoid going to the non accredited school. You have until april 2, Get a 2nd job, budget your money, eat a lot of dollar store mac and cheese for the next few months and save enough to go to a good driving school. Anyone can save 5 or 6 grand in very little time with a little hard work and budgeting.

[YoungZ.W.]

Hey eptp88,

I would say since you've already been approved by Schneider go with them and get your cdl and experience and move on after the first year if you don't like it. But as you probably already know you will sign a contract with them which will state that if you don't drive for them for a year you will have to remimburse them for the schooling :sad:. Since you are already unhappy with your current job you shouldn't put yourself through more misery with them until April just to only pay $200 to a trucking driving school that is not accredited. The school being unaccredited will probably hinder your hiring possibilities. (Wait and see what the veterans drivers say on here later about it because I'm unsure about it.) Schneider is a decent company as far as getting your training and experience. After your one year with Schneider you will have more doors open to you at other companies as well. Best of Luck.

[dle]

When you say non-accredited what do you mean? Do you mean it's not PTDI accredited or not accredited by the state? If HOPE is going to pay for the vast majority of the bill it sure sounds like its been accredited by the state. IF its not PTDI accredited, that only means a few companies would not hire you.

I worked and went to truck driving school at the same time. Yes I was tired at the end of the day. Yes I had to deal with work trying to schedule me in the middle of class. Yes I still also had to deal with issues at home.

Ask the question of Schnieder -- If for some reason I don't make it, how much will I owe you and what kind of payment plans do you offer? Then turn around and ask the tech school the same question.

[Uturn2001]

Talk to the school and ask what companies students hire on with after grad and then call these companies and verify that info.

Just because a school is not PTDI certified does not mean it is a bad program. Also there are only a few companies that really require PTDI certification to hire newbies.

In addition to the above, if there are companies you are interested in call and talk to them and see if that school's program meets thier requirements.

This will tell you a lot about which way you want to go with this.

[madii'swife]

Anyone can save 5 or 6 grand in very little time with a little hard work and budgeting.

Come take care of a family of 5 on less than 12K a year and then tell me that......

[Truckfam]

Anyone can save 5 or 6 grand in very little time with a little hard work and budgeting.

Come take care of a family of 5 on less than 12K a year and then tell me that......

Been there, and it is extremely hard. Save an extra 5 grand when you need to pay a bill or buy food after the food stamps run out. HAHAHAHA

20K a year we can manage. I'm hoping for well over 20K this year. Well, hoping for 30K. Then maybe I can see about putting some money back to actually be able to move into a house. Wish, hope, pray.

Live in a 70' trailer right now. Thank heaven I have three girls, but they are growing. We are practically on top of each other all the time even with my hubby gone.

[NevadaJim]

Talk to the school and ask what companies students hire on with after grad and then call these companies and verify that info.

Just because a school is not PTDI certified does not mean it is a bad program. Also there are only a few companies that really require PTDI certification to hire newbies.

In addition to the above, if there are companies you are interested in call and talk to them and see if that school's program meets thier requirements.

This will tell you a lot about which way you want to go with this.

True. All this talk about PTDI schools is way over-rated. There really arent that many PTDI certified schools to begin with. Schneider happens to be on the list, so is Swift. But most seem to think the big company training sucks, but they are certified. So, personally I wouldn't put much stock into what some say about a school that is PTDI certified being any better than a non-certified school. Going to a non-accredited school will not hinder you, except for a few companies. Most companies are more concerned with how well you dealt with the first year or so of driving.

[wife_of_driver]

My advice would be to go with the one year paid training with Schneider. That is the route my husband went and things are working out very well for him. Not the same company as yours though. Good luck with your decision!