Truck Driving Jobs

ROCKYROAD · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 70 Location: Truck Stop

This entire industry is nutz! I have contacted so many companies and it seems they all have a slightly different twist to the same scam (indentured servant).

Right now I am flipping a coing between paying for CDL training through SAGE (seems they are a highly rated outfit, but in this trucking industry you never know if the ranking is legit, or simply a high rank because they pay for an ad on a website).

The other option I am looking at is DriverSolutions (paying the discounted rate up front to avoid the Indentured Servant status) and going to work for P.A.M.

I don't see much on this board about PAM, but they seem like a reputable outfit.

DriverSolutions from what I can determine is a CDL mill. Therefore, I am a bit reluctant to give them $3k to get run through a program that is designed to ferret out the ones who can't learn how to drive in a week.

Any thoughts or reflections from ones in the know would be appreciated. I got the CDL Permit and HAZMAT on my own throught PA DMV.

Also anyone know the odds of driving for a company and then getting and then moving into an office job. I got an MBA, but have been self employed for 6-years seeking elusive fortunes. The industry I previously worked for is stagnant and something I really don't want to try to get back into.

Sorry for rambling - to summarize: 1.) Is PAM a worthwhile employer for a Newbie; 2.) Is DriverSolutions a CDL Mill designed to weed out the students who can't pick up driving in a week; 3.) Is SAGE as good a school as I have read about; 4.) Would one be better getting the CDL on their own, instead of going through the Indentured Servant process.

Thanks for your ample time in reading my rambling post.

ROCKYROAD · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 70 Location: Truck Stop

Not looking for any financial assistance. Just trying to determine the best way to do this CDL thing.

GMAN · Joined: 13 Feb 2005 Posts: 9393 Location: Tennessee

If you want to get into the trucking business I suggest you find a community college or state vocational school who has a truck driver training program. You will pay less and get good training. They will also assist you in placement. If you want to find more about PAM, you might do a search on this forum. Depending on where you live, Millis is supposed to have a good training program. CRST has a 6 months program (or did). I think it is always a good idea to pay for your own training if you can afford it. Good luck.

warsaw · Joined: 17 Sep 2004 Posts: 391 Location: Warsaw Ohio

I think there point to both sides..I didnt go through a CDL school and Ive noticed that alot of companys require you have either 1 yr OVR or a Certified School ....so theres advantages to both sides

Rawlco · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 1124 Location: Central Maine

You more or less have the answer to your question already.

Quote: Would one be better getting the CDL on their own, instead of going through the Indentured Servant process.

WHY WHY WHY would you want to be an indentured servant if you have the means to pay for your own school? I can understand that some people are down on their luck and can't afford $3,000 or more, so their option is to get their CDL through a company.

If you want an office job with a trucking company I don't think that you need to be a driver first, just find a job opening and apply. If you are going to be a dispatcher it would be nice to have some driving experience, so that you understand what the drivers go through, but it isn't necessary.

BanditsCousin · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 3231 Location: Chicago, IL

I got my CDL on my own. Fine and Dandy for those who have 2-5K to blow on a class that you can learn from the book. Of course, practicing on a truck and using one for the CDL test can be an additional expense in doing it yourself.

Luckily, it cost me 60 bucks total for a CDL 8) And companies that require experience DON'T. Any company that wants to go to bat for you will put you behind the wheel if you are determined, professional, and safe in driving.

I drove better than a LOT of drivers I saw on the road and at the truckstops my first month that probably had formal instruction and more experience. Driving is a skill, just like video games (poor analogy, but its true). Some people just can't drive, like the covenant transport guy last week who would tap his brakes once every 2 minutes in the rain going through kentucky :roll:

BanditsCousin · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 3231 Location: Chicago, IL

I got my CDL on my own. Fine and Dandy for those who have 2-5K to blow on a class that you can learn from the book. Of course, practicing on a truck and using one for the CDL test can be an additional expense in doing it yourself.

Luckily, it cost me 60 bucks total for a CDL 8) And companies that require experience DON'T. Any company that wants to go to bat for you will put you behind the wheel if you are determined, professional, and safe in driving.

I drove better than a LOT of drivers I saw on the road and at the truckstops my first month that probably had formal instruction and more experience. Driving is a skill, just like video games (poor analogy, but its true). Some people just can't drive, like the covenant transport guy last week who would tap his brakes once every 2 minutes in the rain going through kentucky :roll:

crzy4trkn · Joined: 17 May 2006 Posts: 62

I live in MASS. looked into CDL school 7,000, 140 miles roundtrip and 20 weeks long .
no thanks will take my chances eith a company sponsered school . oh and by the they way SNI,MILLIS,and ROEHL, will not accept to me due to the fact they say CDL is not transferable to the state of MASS.

ben45750 · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 1731

Honestly, I don't think it really matters. Your really not going going to make much your first year out anyways. Set yourself a goal and reach it. As long as you are where you want to be, doesn't matter how you got their.

I let a company pay for my schooling, did my year, got my expereince and I love the job I have now.

mattocs · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 222 Location: Butler, PA

crzy4trkn wrote: oh and by the they way SNI,MILLIS,and ROEHL, will not accept to me due to the fact they say CDL is not transferable to the state of MASS.

Odd. I start with Millis on June 19th. You go to training with a CDL permit from your state and when out with the trainer you go though your homestate and take your CDL skills test in the trainers truck...no transfering a CDL.

Windwalker · Joined: 22 Oct 2005 Posts: 2822 Location: Holiday, FL

Ever hear of the term: "INDENTURED SERVITUDE"?

Okay, it's not quite that bad, you do get paid. But no matter how they treat you, you are obligated to work for them for "X" amount of time. If you pay for your own school, you are a "FREE AGENT". You can quit without obligation. It means they don't have a "strangle-hold" on you.

Uturn2001 · Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 9:17 pm Post subject:

If you can either afford the tuition or finance it yourself in some way then you are better off finding and attending a good school and then going to work for a company. That way you owe nothing to that company and if it does not work out you are free to go elsewhere.

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