So the wife and I had a long talk over the weekend, and I'm thinking about taking the plunge and getting my CDL. I'm 39 and live in Buffalo, NY. The only school around here that seems to offer a legit course is National Tractor Trailer Institute. I just got off with the admissions guy, and he said the 320 course (140 hours of driving time) is $6,795. I was *not* expecting him to throw out that number. I guess I was thinking more like $4,000.

Anyway he said not to worry about the money (of course), there's aid, etc. I was in the air force during the Gulf War, so I guess there some free money there as well. Wse'll have to see about that end of things.

Of course my wife's biggest concern is me having to take an OTR job. And I gotta say, it's really of no interest to me either. I'd much rather find a local job that brings me home every night. I'm not so much concerned with making lots of money as I am having a good balance between work and family. I'm not afraid of overtime (40-55 hours a week?). I'm just not sure if my expectations are realistic, especially right out of school. I'm also not afraid of hard work but have been reading some ass-breaking horror stories.

I used to drive a tractor trailer when I was in the Air Force for a short time, so I do have some experience, but that was a long time ago. I honestly feel like I'm starting all over again.

I've been reading various posts on this board and it's been really helpful. Any additional insights you might have would be appreciated.

thanks!
Tyler

 

Start making phone calls and knocking on the doors of all the companies in your area that have trucks(regardless of size). Ask what thier hiring requirements are and if they take drivers right out of school. Also ask the school if they know of any local companies that hire from thier school.
It is VERY possiable to get a local job right out of school. Some of those jobs require the driver to do some WORK but if you're not afarid of work, then it can be done :wink: .

 

Look in the paper at the construction or driver positions, call them and ask what they require for experience.
You do not need to go through a cdl school to get your cdl, but I do recommend it, there’s more to driving than just shifting gears.
I just went to the DMV and took the test for my permit (yes I studied the book) then I paid a guy $75 to train me for the test (he was parked at the DMV with a sign on his truck) a few hours later I had my CDL.
Most of the work I did was driving a dump truck/straight truck in town with about 20% regional tractor trailer.
Are there any construction companies or agricultural businesses near you? They may even help you get your CDL as part of the job.
BTW I did eventually go OTR, but I decided it was safest to go to a school to learn what I was missing before applying.

 

thanks for these replies...

The other course I'm looking into is through Erie 1 BOCES. Anyone have any experience with this? I'm waiting for the instructor to get back to me with details. I'm assuming it's cheaper than NTTS, but I'm not sure about the accreditation. If I'm not interested in doing OTR, is it really necessary to do a full-blown 320 hour course? It seems like city driving would be pretty challenging.

 

Yes, even local companies that hire out of schools require that you took the whole course.

 

Yeah, but not a 320 hour course. The PTDI standard (for what that's worth) reads "The minimum total hours of instruction is 148 hours (178 hours in 50-minute hours), with at least 44 (53) of those hours being behind-the-wheel time while the student is actually driving the vehicle." (Source: Curriculum Standard Guidelines for Entry-Level Tractor-Trailer Driver Courses section here.) They have a 320 hour course to take advantage of federal financial aid programs for college students, I believe. I took a 160 hour course with 44 hours of one-on-one driving time that I feel was pretty darn adequate (and cost about $3,000 less than NTTS is charging).

 

As long as you still have a job I would spend a few months reading these boards and asking questions. Living near a big city helps alot in getting something local. You can do it but it will take alot of homework and investigating. Alot of local work only pays 12-16 an hour. The better paying jobs want experience. But if you try hard enough it can work out.

 

I live in Buffalo and came out of NTTS. I liked the education I got and enjoyed my time there for the most part. There are a few local places that have taken students from the school. There is a gravel company that has bottom dumps and Trippi foods (i know the owner also) is looking for local delivery. there are a few more. Just understand that they will take a hard look at your background. Is it hard to get into a local job? sure. there is alot of CDL-B places that are picking up now. black top and soil delivery. But it will take some effort and the pay is right around 12-15 an hour.

 

I have 15 months OTR experince with no points/incidents/accidents. Totally clean MVR and DAC and I am still trying to find a job to get me home every night. I was hired by a company that would get me home daily but they are slow due to the American Axle Workers strike in Detroit. The call me every week telling me to wait 1 more week.

It looks like I will have to go back OTR for a while.

Famous last words:
In order to get a good job you have to be in the right place at the right time, and it does not matter what you know but who you know.

Good Luck

 

Definitely check the Air Force out and see if there is some training money available. If so, you may be limited as to what CDL school you can apply for...perhaps not.

Sure hope you can avoid the OTR route since that is your preference. Start smiling and dialing and pounding the pavement--something local should turn up--and that's a start!