Am I crazy?
I'm 47 years old, I live on the San Francisco peninsula not far from SF, and have been kicking around the idea of driving a big rig for a while, but recently the idea is becoming more serious, which is how I ended up on this excellent MB.
A few questions if you don't mind. 1) Will I have a problem getting hired as a new driver at my age? I have no accidents, moving violations or any criminal record. 2) As far as training is concerned there are many options, some which require no out of pocket money and some that do. Of the companies that provide training, are there any that seem to stand out amongst the others in the area of treating their drivers well? Of all the web sites I've been to, Schneider is most interesting to me, but does anyone have first-hand experience with them? 3) In regards to training companies not affiliated with a trucking company, does anyone have any experience with the Hayward Truck Driving School? I talked to a guy there and he said their class A program is $1750 and includes the use of a truck for testing. This seems inexpensive in comparison to others and it makes me a little hesitant. I also spoke with a guy at Area Truck Driving School in Santa Clara. The guy I spoke with seemed much brighter and articulate, and their program runs $3850. I'm not sure I want to run OTR, but would it be better for my resume to do it for a year in order to get the experience? OK, I won't write a novel here. Thanking you in advance! |
I'm a noob, so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt (I start TMC on Tuesday). No, you're not crazy.......If I were you, I'd try to go to get my CDL-A on your own (so you aren't indebted to a company) check a local community college or your States DOL may be helpful.
It may be tough to get a job that's not OTR without some experience. I found it hard to land a local job with no OTR experience here in CT (I don't think the time of year has helped me any, either) as most of the food delivery type jobs are working balls to the wall right now and not hiring newbies. good luck. jeff |
I used to work for Schneider and will say they are one of the best training companies out there and I believe since you live in CA there is no contract to sign so the training would be free.
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243Winchester, No your not to old. I'm 49 ( well next month I am ) and people older than us start doing this. I wanted to start school in Jan, but looks like it won't be until Feb. Personally my opinion is to get your CDL through a school, not a company ( but that's just my opinion ) because in most cases you have to do a contract with them for so many months or years to pay them back for training you. By going to a school your not tied down to a company, due to the schooling you received from them, and if you decide to leave they can't hand you a 3000 dollar bill for training. Most schools have trucking companies come out to talk to you while in school. That will give you an idea of companies close to you and what they are all about. Research any company you think you might want to work for. Not just by talking to the company or there website. I have found a few Recruiter's that try to put iceing on the cake and make it sound like a dream job. Best thing to do is "TALK TO DRIVERS" from any company you think you want to work for, and ask them everything from miles, pay, treatment of employees, home time and anything else that YOU think is important. Ask them who else they worked for and if they would go back. I'm sure you know the drill. Best of luck |
Also, many companies will reimburse you for your training over time if you paid for it out of your own pocket when you hire on. Like a hundred a month. If not the entire amount, up to a certain amount, which is better than nothing.
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Re: Am I crazy?
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I doubt it's free, there a loop hole some where. Like having to work for them for 6 months to a year.
It's free if you train out of Fontana, CA. The reason is that the school is not yet accredited by the state of CA or something but that will change soon. FYI my training was free.... |
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Another path to a CDL is doing dock to driver at a LTL. It more physical work and takes a bit longer (4-5 months) but you get a CDL truly free and clear and an OK local job.
I know Con-Way offers it at the Oakland terminal. Given the general shortage of skilled blue collar labor in Urban CA I suspect other LTLs will have a similar deal. |
One thing you may want to consider is going by some truck stops and talk to some drivers. There are several not too far from you along I-5. There is one in Westley and some near Ripon and Merced. You could likely find some who are working for the training companies and those who have been around for a while. Getting current information from those currently employed would be your best source of information. You may also send a not to Floored. She lives not too far from you and hasn't been driving for that long. She owns her own truck and may be able to point you in a direction. A community college is usually the least expensive way to get your training without having to commit to a carrier for training.
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