Hello,
I'm currently wanting to get into the trucking industry basically because of the good money (yes i will have to deal with alot of BS) and the fact that you are somewhat your own boss.
I have read through some of the topics and replies left on this board and others like it. And I kind of narrowed down my list of prospective companies i would like to work for.
First here is my background:
No CDL, no OTR, no criminal record, decent work history (mostly retail
), strong desire to learn, and no money for a driving school right now.
So based on those factors i have picked some big companies to start off with. They are:
1. Schneider Trucking
2. Swift Transportation
3. C.R. England
I like Schneider because i don't have to pay upfront for any of their schooling and i see more positive feedback about that company than any other training company. Also they have some pretty good benefits as well.
Swift sounds like a good company but i have to pay money to attend their training and it would take me 20months to pay it off. With Schneider i don't have any out of pocket costs just the 1year obligation. Also i see alot of people complaining that Swift plays games and treats their drivers badly.
C.R. England has already offered me a position but they scare me even more than the other two. Due to their payment program to pay back for the schooling and where the school would be at (which is in Salt lake and i live in Wichita, Ks).
I know i could get some grants or loans for a decent trucking school but i don't want any further financial burden than i already have. Plus, i kind of want to be tied to a contract just to put pressure on me to stay with the job (i tend to jump jobs a little). My dad, who used to work for Crete for a little while, said i should not go into trucking because i am still young (21yrs) and that i should take a job with the railroad.
Your help will be appreciated :shock: