Options?

[Solo]

Many, if not most of you already know about this. Schneider has decided to close their training schools and pretty much only hire experienced drivers. Yeah, there will be an occasional exception, but it seems Schneider has decided to get out of the training business, at least for now. Many people consider Schneider's training to be top-notch, at least for training conducted by a trucking company. The economy is playing havoc with the smaller companies, and it seems there is a big supply of out-of-work experienced drivers companies can choose from and not have to train. My question is this, for new, inexperienced drivers considering the industry, will there be any company-provided, company-paid schools? And what will the hiring outlook be for inexperienced drivers?

[Rev.Vassago]

This is simply a bad time to get into the business. Those who are in it are experiencing less miles on average. Those who are trying to get into it are experiencing closed doors. The "driver shortage" that the industry was claiming even earlier this year has finally been exposed as a sham. If I were looking at industries to get into right now, this would not be one of them. Until the economy starts to turn around, it is going to be like this. Even after the economy starts to turn around, it will be rough for a while, as the current CDL holders settle into jobs. The one plus is that driver turnover should decline as a result.

[rkeck]

Are you in or near oil/gas area? They're looking for drivers now, not sure if any are doing OTJ training though. Get your CDL ... I think you can get one without formal schooling? Maybe get on somewhere as a helper and work your way into a driving position. And make good money, too

right now, the oil/gas industry is where it's at and will be for the forseeable future ... within 4 months oil will be back over $125 barrel+