I still have about a year to go to decide whether I want to stay in or look at getting my CDL. I was wondering if anybody had any experience or any words to say about the "trucking apprenticeships" that some companies have started using so that veterans are able to get their GI Bill benefits. I know Schneider has started one, but I think that Roehl was the first to do it, and besides that, Roehl offers training without a contract. Thanks for any input any of you can give.

- Mark

 

Why would you want to use your hard earned VA Ed benefits to augment your driver paycheck? Don't get all tied up over the word "apprenticeship". If you want to use a real apprenticeship (like four years long), and get paid for it, go for a trade like carpenter, plumber, electrician, steelworker, etc. Werner does it, among others, but if they won't pay you what you're worth up front, why would you work for them?
Use your Ed Benefits for a real education, say a degree in logistics, as opposed to augmenting a paycheck. BOL

CWO3, USN, (Ret)

 

I don't think Roehl uses up your benefits. They realize that ex military people are a dependable group for the most part. You can go through their training for free, I believe, as a vet, and even if you don't stay a year, you owe them nothing. A gamble on their part. But I am sure it pays off.
Check with them for details, I could be off on a few items, or maybe not.
I recommend Roehl as a good place to start.
Whether you can hack OTR is another matter. I thought it was great, the wife did not.

 

Thanks for your input. While going O/O is still on my mind to do at some point, I am going to put it off for another contract. I am taking my first steps towards a degree in Logistics, with full tuition covered without touching my GI Bill. I figure that the cash bonus I'll get for reenlisting plus the free college is making another four years look more worthwhile. Besides, it will give me a chance to increase my savings towards buying my own truck and getting the classroom preparation needed to run it.

 

Good for you USMCRebelGuardnU! Smart move.

Best!

 

Beware. Many OTR companies (Werner, CRST and CR England) will give you minimal yard skills training, throw you on a team truck for a few months and call it training.

The "Trainee" gets $300 a week while the company gets the services of a team driver (going rate of $1000-1200+/week).

If you want to get your CDL find a reputable local school.