[matcat]

Greetings, a newbie checking in with absolutely no experience. I am a computer programmer, and a few months ago I got laid off from my work, and been on the job hunt for what seems like an eternity, and than I saw an advertisement for CRE, school and all, so I thought COOL, OTR trucking is something I always wanted to do, I am single, young, no assets to worry about, so I applied online, and they called me the next day. At that point I decided to research, and research, and do some more research, at which point this forum really educated me on the facts about the industry, what the job is like, and how BAD a decision CRE would be. So after reading a LOT of negative things about CRE, the deplorable conditions of the hotels they use, horror stories about their schools, etc, I decided to put in applications with as many as the companies that provide training as possible, Schneider (I have a friend that drives for them he is letting me use him as a reference), Swift, and a few others. Anyway Yesterday (Sunday), a recruiter for swift called me not 30 min from the time I submitted my app! Recruiter had a lot of sunshine to blow, and after educating myself on the forums I understood a lot more about what he was saying, what was BS and what was not. Anyway, he did say one thing I did like, which was I told me the nearest truck stop and that he recommend I go talk to swift drivers there and get an opinion for myself on the company. I find it interesting that the recruiter that called me just happened to grow up right where I live, rofl, anyway I am going to see if anyone else calls me soon, before I call swift back. On the downside of things I don't have a lot of time, as being laid off for a few months also means the bills get put back a few months. CRE is not even a choice for me anymore, and I also know a lot of people don't like swift either, but they seem to be miles ahead of CRE in every way.

At any rate, as soon as I know WHERE I am going to go, I am going to start a journal or a blog to write down the experiences from school to road, etc. Also I would appreciate any feedback, and anyone who has gone through swift's school (Specifically Richmond school) if possible to give me an outline of what the schedule is like and all. Thanks!

[inmate1577]

Have you applied to Schneider? They train in Carlisle.

[matcat]

Yeah I did. Hopefully they call today.

[matcat]

Schneider just called. So now I have 3 options, well 2 as I am not even considering CRE, Swift or Schneider... What does everyone think? (I think I know what the answer will be, rofl)

[larryh31]

Of the 3, Schneider would be your best bet. As far as your bills backing up, getting into trucking will not be a quick fix to your problems. It will be almost 2 months untill you see a decent paycheck. BOL

[matcat]

Yes, I understand it is not going to be a quick fix to catch up, and I am not trying to get into the industry just for money alone, actually I am giving up my apt. and going to officially use a friends address, so I won't be racking up extra bills.

[Deus]

Swift and Schnedier are both pretty good bets. I know a lot of people don't like Swift but I have a friend that is a safety manager over there. One thing I've heard from a number of their drivers is they will get you the miles. Schnieder has one of the better training programs available though I think.