[WorldPax]

G'day all,

Complete newbie here, looking at a career as a Commercial Driver. My question, and I am sure it's not original, is what would you do, if you had it all to do over again? So far in researching this board, I'm looking at two options. Attend Central Tech here in Tulsa, and then apply to TMC and/or Maverick. Or look into Maverick's sponsored training.

Do you have any other suggestions? I am leaning towards Central Tech because I will not be obligated to anyone at that point and I'll get the extra signoffs, hazmat, etc...

Should I start applying to companies before I head to school?

In case it matters, I am 35 years old, have a clean criminal and driving record, a private pilots license, and no children (that I know of). Previous to this, I was a professional in the aviation industry, but not a commercial pilot. Not to toot my own horn, but I think my resume is pretty good.

[dieselgrl]

I would go with the technical school option myself. If you can afford to get external tuition, it is always the best option. Many companies will also offer tuition reimbursement, so you may even get some or all of that money back in the long run.

I myself couldn't afford to go that route, and got my license through Swift Transportation. Not bad, but could have been much better in the end 8)

[Useless]

Whatever you decide to do as far as driving is a matter of personal preference. You seem to be partial to flat bedding, and that's fine, if that is what you want to do.

As far as training is concerned, I would strongly encourage you to pay for your own training if your finances will allow you to do so. Just my personal opinion, but I think that it opens up more doors of opportunity than being indentured.

Many companies offer tuition reimbursement to newly graduated drivers.

[classicxl]

i agree if you can get your own training paid for with no obligation to a company that is always the way to go

[WorldPax]

Originally Posted by Useless

Whatever you decide to do as far as driving is a matter of personal preference. You seem to be partial to flat bedding, and that's fine, if that is what you want to do.

Yes, the physical aspect of flat-bedding appeals to me. I would rather not spend a lot of time loading/unloading.

[Uturn2001]

As far as applying goes, if you have anything in your past that might be questionable it would not hurt to talk to companies you are interested in before attending school, otherwise you can wait until you start school to apply places.

[Useless]

As far as selecting a training school is concerned, many community colleges offer better training programs than the commercial diploma mills, at a far lower cost as well!!

[golfhobo]

Well.... I went through an independant school. I don't KNOW about the "indentured" route.

The ONLY thing I'd have done differently, is to have started 28 years earlier.... and try to have a cleaner driving record!

I'd have done all I wanted to do by now.... and be retired!

Good luck to ya! EITHER way will get you where you want to be 5 or 10 years down the road.... if YOU make the most of it!

[shedevil]

I can tell you after just coming out of school that with a clean record you will have the pick of starter companies. I could of went to any of them(offers from 4) but I went with a local company that was willing, insurance wise, to take on a rookie. A little less pay but I'm running southeast and will come thru my hometown about twice a week and home on Friday afternoon or evening. Good Luck to you


Stay Safe.... :twisted:

[WorldPax]

I think that's another question I have. If I end up having a choice, where should I go? Even with all the info on this board, it's hard to tell which company is really the better of the two. I guess that's a good thing, since I probably can't go wrong with either one.

Who else might I be looking at?