Advice on choosing a school or company training program.


I have looked at 2 schools here in Orlando, Mid Florida Tech and Roadmaster.

Mid Florida Tech seemed like the better program is 320 Hours and it only costs $2,000.00 but they do not have student loans.

Roadmaster’s program is only 160 hours for $6,500.00. The loans are 18% interest.

I have spoken with 2 recruiters. One was for Swift and the other for CRST.

I have been reading a lot on this form and I am nervous with all the horror stories. I am worried that with substantiated training I will make a mistake that will go on my DAC and hurt me in the future.

Could recommend any other options?

Thanks Brett :roll:

 

I have started thinking about going to a truck driving school next year and I have weighed the options concerning company training and private training.

The Result: I have decided to stay train locally simply because most of the training companies (ie. Swift) require you to contract with them to pay back the loan. For most people this would not pose much of a problem, but I like to keep my options open instead of being forced into one direction.

I think the contract length is 12 to 16 months, but if I am wrong someone will correct me.

I say, try to come up with the $2000 first for Mid Florida and if that does not work try Roadmaster, then as a last resort contact Swift, CRST, etc.

 

If you have a good driving record and criminal record I would recommend trying to find A PTDI school if you can. Some of the better companies that will hire students will only hire from PTDI certified schools. If you are happy going to Swift or CRST. (I would recommend Swift over CRST) Then either school should be fine. They don't require a certified school. If i was you i would avoid the contract schools as much as you can, but if it is the only option then it is the only option. By the way 18% seems very high. I paid 6.5% maybe you should look into getting a loan from a credit union or some other source.

I payed almost 8G's for my 620hr class

 

I looked on the PTDI.org and it looks like FL don't have any schools that they certify. the closest is in NC.

 

What was your final decision?

 

What I did was to find a company I wanted to work for. I then talked to their recruiter who recommended a school for me. Now, if you get a "pre-hire", then you don't have to start paying the loan back until you start working. Best of luck! Steve

 

Outstanding!

Thanks for the update.
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Schneider may still have one or two STAs (Schneider Training Academies) that don't require a retention agreement, meaning you won't be forced to repay X thousands of dollars if you don't work for the company for Y years.

 

try national training in green cove springs, fl. they are accredited and i went through the training in dec. 07 and it was exellent. i'm not sure about their financing cause i paid cash but it was about $5200 including sleeping arrangements. i have gotten a lot of compliments since i started working from other more experianced drivers about my ability and felt really comfortable behind the wheel after only a few weeks on the job. muxt be a testament to the good training i got. good luck