You’re 100% correct. I was extremely lucky back in 2008, my grandma offered to pay for my CDL school. She wouldn’t even let me pay her back. She’s since passed, but I think about that nearly every day when I’m out here, with my own business, providing for my family better than I ever imagined. It all is thanks to her.
@@ChoKeller it’s tough, and I have definitely missed some moments. However we’ve don’t it so long that we balance it by taking full advantage of our time when I’m home. We go on a lot of family vacations, camping trips, things like that. On the super important times, birthdays, anniversaries, I plan to be home and I am. I was there for the birth of all 3 of our kids and I’m thankful for that. I’ll have to do a video on my channel about this topic. It’s a very hard thing to get use to, but for my family and me, it’s all we’ve known so it makes it a LITTLE easier, if that makes sense.
I paid for my truck driving school here in Louisiana. I went for 8 weekends and worked at my old job during the week. Yes I was tired during those 8 weeks but well worth it!!! My first truck driving job helped pay my loan back.
Awesome video! I’ve had my CDL since 2010. I never went to CDL school though. When I first came in the army in 2001 I was an 88M ( Army Truck Driver). I transitioned to Special Forces later in my career, but with the skills and military grandfather waiver I was able to obtain my CDL just by taking the written. No road test and no pre-trip. There are only a few states that offer this with FL being one of them.
Got my CDL this past May, studied the cdl manual like no tomorrow. I took my permit test, passed and 14 days later took my skills test. I found some very good videos on pre trip inspection and the skills test on you tube. Found a guy who rented me his truck for a day and took the skills test the next day. Passed. Now do I need additional instructions and to gain more skills, Yes I do. It boils down to this, set your goals, work to achieve it and accomplish your mission. Just my story. Thanks and keep up the good videos. 👍
I'm in TX & went through a 10 month, 6 days a week, fully paid by Fed. Grant while on Unemployment at my local College CDL Training Program. Graduated with X endorsement, Hazmat, Doubles, Triples & Over Sized Qualified. Best training you can get. Trained in a Pete 389 18sp manual. All new CDL Drivers should be trained in Manual Tranny's.
Hi, I appreciate reading your comment. Because I'm going a little bit crazy. Not sure what state you are in, but I am simply trying to find out if I can obtain a CDL license without going to hundreds of hours of training for some reason I cannot get an answer to that question. So you've helped me. However, I'm in the State of Illinois. I still can't even find out if that's required. I am employed full-time. I am just simply trying to seek a better position within the same company I work for that does not explicitly explain what type of CD l they require, but it is a CDL so I'm simply trying to study and look regarding pre-trip inspection and the differences of commercial driving classes. I understand that these things are important. I used to drive for the postal service, but you don't need a CD l for that, but if you can train and work for the United States Postal Service that is training and driving that I hold with a great degree of respect. I am interested in a better position where I work. I'm just not sure about how to obtain a cdl license without going to school. Because I have no time for that. I just want to be able to study and take the test when it comes time to needing a vehicle. I will pass that bridge when I get to it. I guess I'm just needing to know do you have to have class training hours to obtain a CDL license?
@@michelleb4545, I think you can obtain your CDL yourself and the company you work for will train you driving their trucks in order to know that you can operate them safely. I took a job as a ready-mix driver and I went through a 2 week program with them for driving. I hope this helps you out.
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!! My husband and I just got our CLPs today and are set to start trucking school in a week 😁 We paid out of pocket and our company we want to hire into will reimburse us for the cost, so that's handy (as a formed team they will reimburse $400/month each)
I didn’t have 5-7 K sitting around so I went through CRE’s school. It was terrible but I got my license, drove for them a few months, and left. That was 6 years ago. Now I make great money with a decent company.
I was lucky. I got my school paid for from being a displaced worker from US Steel here in Northeast Texas. Just got my CDP yesterday and start my skills training this weekend.
Hell yes go through a College Credited CDL Training Program at your local College like I did. It was 10 months, 6 days a week & it was fully paid by a Federal Grant w/ job placement. I'm in TX. I was on Unemployment, that's how to get qualified for a Grant & the College takes care of everything. We trained in a Pete 389 18sp attached to a dry van. Every CDL Driver should train driving Manual Tranny's also. I graduated top of my class & we all graduated with X endorsement, Hazmat, Doubles, Triples & over size load qualified. I had to teach my trainer at my 1st job a ton of crap.
"I" paid for my CDL and went to an independent trucking school (I used my GI bill) and it was $3,500 for 18 days in an accelerated program. Got hired onto a large company that known to be a really good starting company. I've heard others in orientation saying the price for them going through the carrier ranged from 6-8k and was told paying half would satisfy their debt... charge double, so letting them off for half makes them look good. Plus they have the automatic restriction.
I will heading out to Prime Inc sometime in February. Their training program takes up to 4 months depending on how fast the trainer runs through your required mileage. That, and I'm coming into the industry while having no responsibilities other than myself. I know it'll be difficult, but the opportunity to go rent free for a year is too good to pass up.
Another consideration of you go to a mega carrier most likely you will only be trained on an automatic, and will ha an automatic restriction like I had. I went to a school later and got manual training.
Looking at going to Roehl to get my cdl back after giving it up over a decade ago to raise my kids, their still nine and ten. Was hoping to not do it again but atm I’ve been homeless for six months living in a tent little to no help and factories aren’t turning out for me, so I haven’t much choice in the matter and it sucks but I was raised to be a hard working sob and professional. I loved trucking before and it’s the only job I liked, so I’m forced to play my ace in the hole I don’t like HOW I’m doing it but I need to do some thing and I’m not seeing any other way. Either way I’ll get myself out of this shitty predicament I found myself in after my mother passed away, I’m more than ready to bust my ass and work my way to a better life. 👍
I was able to get a student loan, and a grant for my school, 6 months, their teaching me how to drive manual, and there's a list of about 20, maybe more companies recruiting directly through my school, and my instructors know a lot of guys looking for drivers, my options are pretty freaking good and I couldn't be happier I chose the route I did, the 3 other schools I could have paid for near me were all 6 weeks or less, and the cheapest one was only 3k less than the school I go to
I went to Swift decades ago. I ALWAYS recommend going to a community College. But you can go thru Swift, JB Hunt, Werner etc. But the MOST IMPORTANT THING is when your get your CDL, pick a company, and unless they just aren't paying you, STAY FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS. If you have a good record, you can get on with 90% of the companies. THE GRASS IS NOT GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS.
Some places will pay through a job service. And, if you have some "qualifies" it will be free! Qualifiers being unemployed, veteran, felon/ formerly incarcerated. If you have all 3, you're definitely in!
Appreciate the insight and knowledge my friend. That’s the route I chose I’m starting school next month paid for out of pocket. I know it’ll be worth it in the long run. I have a vision and I have a plan and I’m not stopping until I reach them. Thank you for all the information Much love
Bro, Great video and very informative for new drivers. Some companies reimburse a driver for school. Not only can you start out making more but with reimburse you control your future. It's important to remember this is a business and sometimes you have to have skin in the game. You keep posting and I'll stay driven. ☮️ from Cali.
I Would Love To Use A Few Your Videos About This As A Reference Video & Was Wondering If It’s Ok🤞🏼 You Gave ABSOLUTELY GREAT ADVICE , Tips & Made Everything So Clear!!
There is a simple yes or no answer and the answer is NO. Dedicate one year to your first company at a few cents less per mile and you’ll receive full tuition reimbursement!!
If you go thru a mega carrier to get your CDL, chances are good you will have a manual transmission restriction on your license, as all they have are automatics.
I got funding through a Workforce scholarship through my state I start school at the end of November at a technical college will be going five nights a week from the end of November to March I will graduate with my class A CDL my HazMat endorsement and my passenger endorsement and it was a Workforce scholarship so I don't have to pay it back it wasn't a loan which is very nice. Cannot wait to hit the Road
i went to a truck driving school offered by a trucking company and it was a joke.i dont think the government should allow trucking companies do have these kinda schools.trucking is way too dangerous to do that.u need to go to a real trucking school,
My school was about 6 weeks, just graduated 1.5 months ago. I went on my own, no company. I had good instructors that gave us info on how to pass and basic operations. But also alot of insight of the job. This isn't the norm, I hear. Most schools get you to pass the test and that's it. They also hooked me up with a job within 4 days of graduating, flat bedding. I just finished a month and a half of ojt and leave out on my own next week. But I owe no one any money, nor do I have year obligations many company's require after training.
One thing most schools miss is vitally important. Go down the Rockies or Appalachian Mountains 1 gear lower than you went up in the right lane. Do not pass except for breakdowns in the lane and ease onto your foot brake in a 5 mph spread from say 40 to 45 to prevent overheating and losing brakes. Some poor kid ran down I-70 and crashed killing several people. I can guess nobody asked if he'd been trained on mountain descents.
@@thisismagacountry1318 both my instructors spent alot of time on it and school unfortunately we trained no where near hills (reasonably). So they tried to knock it home verbally and running through it. My trainers at my company have had me running the Sierra alot. So they were right there climbing and descending. With engine brake) without (incase I lost the engine brake). Grabbing gears up and down etc.
@@GreenHornTrucker Yeah, I forgot to mention something equally important. DON'T change gears on the DESCENT. You'll get stuck out of gear and in a runaway situation because you can't get back in gear. Just feather the brake on that 5 mph spread so they don't overheat.
Hey bud so would you say me applying for Truck driving school on my own and getting a loan out to pay for it since I can't pay for it all up front and then look for a job once I get my cdl instead of going to a job that will help me get my cdl
Great video, thank you! I'm currently unemployed and in process to get grants so hopefully I don't have to pay anything. The driving school I will be going to offers 3 weeks program if everything goes right., and for sure I'm not going to sign any contract with large companies.
I agree although I decided on a sponsored program, but I don't mind the 15 month payback as for the short term, I will have a home daily route. For me it is a good way to break in knowing I have a job right away. Once I build a good safety record, if I move I will get a better rate than I otherwise might.
Something I can’t figure out is when I see people going through LONG truck driving schools. I just went down to the DMV and took the CDL test. Then I got hired, got put with a trainer for a few weeks, and was off and running. The whole process took wayyyyy less time than truck driving school.
What's the better CDL tracking school being I can't just pay for school up front.. ive talked to stevens,prime,Swift and CRST. CRST is only a 10 month contract.. im just confused ive been researching so much but im doubting all of them from the reviews lol I just want to learn right .. my dad drove for all of my life up till he passed away, he's not here to point me so I'm looking on my own.
I paid for my school, went on the weekends while working full time Monday through Friday, then I got hired delivering beer locally, great money to start and no contracts with anyone
@@elperrocovero they did during the interview and I told them i had just got out of truck driving school, but here in San Diego places like Coke, pepsi, and beer places usually don’t require experience since a labor intensive job and they always need drivers
Love your night sky channel intro🌌 This is the most helpful video on this, specific topic I recall seeing. Any thoughts on the 2 to 4 day “refresher” courses that include rental of a semi for testing day some colleges may provide? Iow, could it possibly be enough for someone with a Class B? Matthew 16:6-20 + John 3:3-5 = Acts 2:38-39 💧 🩸 🕊 🔥 👑 -The Faith, once delivered to the saints, JERUSALEM 33AD -be a part of it! Ty👍
When I went through my trucking company we got paid $500 a week it was 4 weeks with an instructor after I got my CDL is another 6 weeks over-the-road with the trainer before I got my own truck and yes it was 120,000 miles with a company to pay off the school.. I will disagree that you're saying training is a crash course I just don't want you to say in general terms and all carriers are like that because they're not
If I recall correctly, if you get your CDL through the company, they will have a document that you are suppose to have. And they will keep that document and wont let you have it. Which means if you get fired, they will not give you that document, which means you can not go to another company and work for another trucking company, because the previous company just held your document hostage. (( I forgot the name of the document)) Its not the license itself, its another document that is just as important. You will have to go through training in a school all over again to get it. Many companies do this on purpose, by holding your document hostage. They say "We paid for your license training, so we keep the document because its not yours" Which is a lie and against the law. But for some reason the laws lets them do it anyways. THIS IS WHY - New drivers should always get their license on their own without the help of any company. it will save you the headaches in the end. Does it cost more YES of course. but it will save you the headaches in the end.... There is a Philippine American OTR truck driver that explains this in great detail a few years ago on youtube. He drives a blue Kenworth.
Hi, im 30 no attachments. No big bills other than cell phone and car insurance for my bucket. Have bad credit. Is getting my CDL thru a big company like swift or CR england still a bad idea? thanks in advance. in the food industry use to making 22-24k a year no weekends off and working late afternoon-11p lucky if i can even get 2 days off in a row once a year and they can not be weekends. yes working in the food industry kills the soul.
Good morning! Do you know or have you heard what are some of the best companies to drive for as a brand new CDL holder? Thank you for your videos and all the effort it takes to put them out!
Great advice Brian I wish I’d had someone like you to break things down for me a long time ago when I went to M.S. Carriers “Professional” driving academy, yes I’m dating myself that’s how long it’s been since I got my CDL.
Hey! Appreciate this info.. currently making about 50k working in an office job but was looking to start driving. School I was looking to attend is costing me 4K however they also help with getting my hazmat endorsement as well.. hoping to make about 50k at least, think it’s possible doing regional or local my first year?? appreciate the help!
I test out of truck driving school tomorrow. Save up your money and put yourself through. I'm lucky enough I get to train with my Dad for a month or so and will be driving for a small owner operator company getting paid a whole lot more than a mega carrier.
Same here i can only do trucking school on saturdays since i work full time during the week but i do have a buddy whos waiting for me to start working on one of his trucks.
In February 2022 The DMV would no longer grant CDL's without Certification from a Trucking Academy. I researched many in my State (NC,) and found that Trans Tech Trucking Academy was close enough to drive to everyday and that a local Community College would pay for the tuition.($3,700)
I got my CDL way differently than most. I Co-owned a Trucking company with a 20K investment before I got my CDL. My business partner had a Class A. I'll have to make a video about it someday.
Very true brother, I pay for school to get my CDL, I was trained for 5 day n I was told here are the keys don’t kill your self see you when you get back 😎🤣, 2 months later I was training a new rookie being a rookie my self, thank God we are still here I’m heading to my 10 month mark, I get paid by % not bad at all , watch your videos all the time , very helpful THANK YOU
Spot on. I got mine with the GI Bill. Nothing is free. Any company that says your CDL is free if you do a 2 year, (some are now 2.5 years) they are lying. You are paying for your school with your labor. Many states offer free CDL training. Ask questions. If you are in a trainer truck 2 weeks only, walk away. I recommend 4 weeks minimum. Ask for a trainer that has at least 2 yrs OTR. Experience counts. If you get no trainer truck time, walk away. You can look up any company and see their MCS rating. This can tell you alot about a company such as "Do they have a lot of out of service violations". This could indicate poor maintenance and inspection practices. Another good idea is, ask a driver. If you think you want to drive for Billy's OTR Gang, ask their drivers what they think of the company. Nothing is concrete, but ask about the cons of driving for them. And if not already, subscribe to this channel, no punches pulled herclog. no quarter given. Fact based vlog.
I am from Slovenia and I signed up for truck training but the country is paying for it as I am unemployed and this would give me a chance to get hired. There is not way that I could pay for it as it costs 1500 euros to go through with the CDL!
What this liar isn’t telling is that trucking schools don’t teach you to drive truck. They teach you how to pass the DOT test and that is true for all schools even if you pay for them or not. Unless of course you go to a Junior College where they have a 6 mo course where the students are actually hauling freight
Just go to a local company. Like construction, John Deere and something like that. Stay away from truck driving school. They only teach you what you need to pass the test and that's it.
Not necessarily. I went to road master/ werner. I drove at best 15 minutes of every 3 hours. I had my learners permit before going to school, so I sat in pretrip class longer because there were people on the backing pad in front of me, who had to grad or fail out to make room for me to advance. Once I got onto the driving pad it was all about pass or get the f* out of the way. I'm a driver now, but regret going to road master. I wish I'd found a school that taught a person how to drive instead of the puppy mill.
Thanks for the video. Always had my eye on trucking but haven't ever done it. I've heard that someone with a CDL can't get anything off of their driving record because they are a "professional driver." Ex: I have a CDL and I'm driving my personal truck and get pulled over for rolling a stop sign. Normally this will be taken off the record after a year or through defensive driving but as a CDL holder, it is forever on your record. Any truth to this?
I just thought of my very first day on the job....super said ...hit the green button for me carlin....I hit the red 1 ....he laughed n said no the green....n I hit the red 1 again...
Thank you so much! Your video was so helpful. I was having a hard time trying to figure out if I wanted to pay for school or do a paid training program. Your video helped me figure it all out!!
Canada BC has implemented mandatory training in order to obtain CDL. As of 2022, MELT program = $15,000 CAD. I'm all for investing in training, but ouch!
What else he’s leaving out is that the 6 week training will be required no matter what school you go to. Also those longer termed schools are very far and in between.
You drove as a company driver for 5 years. Very smart. Way too many people are getting their CDL and buying a truck a year or two down the road. I don't believe that they are ready yet to be an owner operator. They get greedy and want to make more dinero instantly. It's no wonder why so many of them fail as owner ops within a year
If you lost your job through no fault of your own, some states will pick up the tab for truck driving school. My state paid for everything through Career Link. They will have you take an aptitude test before hand and then monitor your employment for a year after completion of the school. Went to a community college. Not sure if things have changed due to COVID but its worth checking into.
Thank you for the helpful tips. Hope you keep making videos. Moving back to the States and looking for a good paying job for the next 10 years Keep on trucking.
Becoming a new truck driver? My best video here ua-cam.com/video/tZyL6KYNh5w/v-deo.html
You’re 100% correct. I was extremely lucky back in 2008, my grandma offered to pay for my CDL school. She wouldn’t even let me pay her back. She’s since passed, but I think about that nearly every day when I’m out here, with my own business, providing for my family better than I ever imagined. It all is thanks to her.
God bless and stay safe
Your gmom is a real one 🙌🏾
How do you manage the balance between home life and trucking? Do you miss a lot of moments?
@@ChoKeller it’s tough, and I have definitely missed some moments. However we’ve don’t it so long that we balance it by taking full advantage of our time when I’m home. We go on a lot of family vacations, camping trips, things like that. On the super important times, birthdays, anniversaries, I plan to be home and I am. I was there for the birth of all 3 of our kids and I’m thankful for that. I’ll have to do a video on my channel about this topic. It’s a very hard thing to get use to, but for my family and me, it’s all we’ve known so it makes it a LITTLE easier, if that makes sense.
That's beautiful brother
I paid for my truck driving school here in Louisiana.
I went for 8 weekends and worked at my old job during the week. Yes I was tired during those 8 weeks but well worth it!!!
My first truck driving job helped pay my loan back.
What that’s amazing who did you end up working for if you don’t mind me asking?
I’m in Baton Rouge. I’m looking to do the same.
Awesome video! I’ve had my CDL since 2010. I never went to CDL school though. When I first came in the army in 2001 I was an 88M ( Army Truck Driver). I transitioned to Special Forces later in my career, but with the skills and military grandfather waiver I was able to obtain my CDL just by taking the written. No road test and no pre-trip. There are only a few states that offer this with FL being one of them.
Got my CDL this past May, studied the cdl manual like no tomorrow. I took my permit test, passed and 14 days later took my skills test. I found some very good videos on pre trip inspection and the skills test on you tube. Found a guy who rented me his truck for a day and took the skills test the next day. Passed. Now do I need additional instructions and to gain more skills, Yes I do. It boils down to this, set your goals, work to achieve it and accomplish your mission. Just my story. Thanks and keep up the good videos. 👍
Taking same route man I just got my permit
You should do a video on how you did it all.
I'm in TX & went through a 10 month, 6 days a week, fully paid by Fed. Grant while on Unemployment at my local College CDL Training Program.
Graduated with X endorsement, Hazmat, Doubles, Triples & Over Sized Qualified. Best training you can get.
Trained in a Pete 389 18sp manual. All new CDL Drivers should be trained in Manual Tranny's.
Hi, I appreciate reading your comment. Because I'm going a little bit crazy. Not sure what state you are in, but I am simply trying to find out if I can obtain a CDL license without going to hundreds of hours of training for some reason I cannot get an answer to that question. So you've helped me. However, I'm in the State of Illinois. I still can't even find out if that's required. I am employed full-time. I am just simply trying to seek a better position within the same company I work for that does not explicitly explain what type of CD l they require, but it is a CDL so I'm simply trying to study and look regarding pre-trip inspection and the differences of commercial driving classes. I understand that these things are important. I used to drive for the postal service, but you don't need a CD l for that, but if you can train and work for the United States Postal Service that is training and driving that I hold with a great degree of respect. I am interested in a better position where I work. I'm just not sure about how to obtain a cdl license without going to school. Because I have no time for that. I just want to be able to study and take the test when it comes time to needing a vehicle. I will pass that bridge when I get to it. I guess I'm just needing to know do you have to have class training hours to obtain a CDL license?
@@michelleb4545, I think you can obtain your CDL yourself and the company you work for will train you driving their trucks in order to know that you can operate them safely. I took a job as a ready-mix driver and I went through a 2 week program with them for driving. I hope this helps you out.
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!!
My husband and I just got our CLPs today and are set to start trucking school in a week 😁
We paid out of pocket and our company we want to hire into will reimburse us for the cost, so that's handy (as a formed team they will reimburse $400/month each)
I didn’t have 5-7 K sitting around so I went through CRE’s school. It was terrible but I got my license, drove for them a few months, and left. That was 6 years ago. Now I make great money with a decent company.
I officially stopped smoking and drinking for almost 2 months now any advice
I was lucky. I got my school paid for from being a displaced worker from US Steel here in Northeast Texas. Just got my CDP yesterday and start my skills training this weekend.
Back in the 70's it was all OJT...here's the keys, go here, and we'll see you when you get back.
Hell yes go through a College Credited CDL Training Program at your local College like I did.
It was 10 months, 6 days a week & it was fully paid by a Federal Grant w/ job placement. I'm in TX.
I was on Unemployment, that's how to get qualified for a Grant & the College takes care of everything.
We trained in a Pete 389 18sp attached to a dry van. Every CDL Driver should train driving Manual Tranny's also.
I graduated top of my class & we all graduated with X endorsement, Hazmat, Doubles, Triples & over size load qualified.
I had to teach my trainer at my 1st job a ton of crap.
"I" paid for my CDL and went to an independent trucking school (I used my GI bill) and it was $3,500 for 18 days in an accelerated program. Got hired onto a large company that known to be a really good starting company. I've heard others in orientation saying the price for them going through the carrier ranged from 6-8k and was told paying half would satisfy their debt... charge double, so letting them off for half makes them look good. Plus they have the automatic restriction.
Also for the six weeks with the trainer, I was paid $600/week gross.. those that went through the carrier school only got $500/week Gross pay.
O wow sounds good what school did you attend? And which state?
I also had a small class. 6 people. Got a lot of 1 on 1 time. Wheel time and skills time.
I will heading out to Prime Inc sometime in February. Their training program takes up to 4 months depending on how fast the trainer runs through your required mileage. That, and I'm coming into the industry while having no responsibilities other than myself. I know it'll be difficult, but the opportunity to go rent free for a year is too good to pass up.
What was your experience with Prime. I’ve heard horror stories.
@@Pablo19625 So far it's been fantastic. If you want to learn you will. The only people I've seen wash out are combative and lazy.
@@HiddenTigerObviNinja It’s either Prime or Schneider for me, I’m leaning more towards Prime, good luck. 🍀
4 months? That’s beyond ridiculous. Most companies train you about 3 weeks to a month.
@@HiddenTigerObviNinjahow is it now that it’s closer to the full year? And would you say the training was worth it
Another consideration of you go to a mega carrier most likely you will only be trained on an automatic, and will ha an automatic restriction like I had. I went to a school later and got manual training.
Looking at going to Roehl to get my cdl back after giving it up over a decade ago to raise my kids, their still nine and ten. Was hoping to not do it again but atm I’ve been homeless for six months living in a tent little to no help and factories aren’t turning out for me, so I haven’t much choice in the matter and it sucks but I was raised to be a hard working sob and professional. I loved trucking before and it’s the only job I liked, so I’m forced to play my ace in the hole I don’t like HOW I’m doing it but I need to do some thing and I’m not seeing any other way. Either way I’ll get myself out of this shitty predicament I found myself in after my mother passed away, I’m more than ready to bust my ass and work my way to a better life. 👍
I was able to get a student loan, and a grant for my school, 6 months, their teaching me how to drive manual, and there's a list of about 20, maybe more companies recruiting directly through my school, and my instructors know a lot of guys looking for drivers, my options are pretty freaking good and I couldn't be happier I chose the route I did, the 3 other schools I could have paid for near me were all 6 weeks or less, and the cheapest one was only 3k less than the school I go to
I went to Swift decades ago. I ALWAYS recommend going to a community College. But you can go thru Swift, JB Hunt, Werner etc. But the MOST IMPORTANT THING is when your get your CDL, pick a company, and unless they just aren't paying you, STAY FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS. If you have a good record, you can get on with 90% of the companies. THE GRASS IS NOT GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS.
The state paid for my schooling 💯
Some places will pay through a job service. And, if you have some "qualifies" it will be free! Qualifiers being unemployed, veteran, felon/ formerly incarcerated. If you have all 3, you're definitely in!
Appreciate the insight and knowledge my friend. That’s the route I chose I’m starting school next month paid for out of pocket. I know it’ll be worth it in the long run. I have a vision and I have a plan and I’m not stopping until I reach them. Thank you for all the information Much love
Hello. Did you start yet ?
@@elperrocovero yes I did I have 3 weeks left of school
@@TheMercadoChannel what state
@@elperrocovero Massachusetts
Bro, Great video and very informative for new drivers. Some companies reimburse a driver for school. Not only can you start out making more but with reimburse you control your future. It's important to remember this is a business and sometimes you have to have skin in the game. You keep posting and I'll stay driven. ☮️ from Cali.
Could you explain why they would reimburse one ?
I Would Love To Use A Few Your Videos About This As A Reference Video & Was Wondering If It’s Ok🤞🏼 You Gave ABSOLUTELY GREAT ADVICE , Tips & Made Everything So Clear!!
There is a simple yes or no answer and the answer is NO. Dedicate one year to your first company at a few cents less per mile and you’ll receive full tuition reimbursement!!
If you go thru a mega carrier to get your CDL, chances are good you will have a manual transmission restriction on your license, as all they have are automatics.
I got funding through a Workforce scholarship through my state I start school at the end of November at a technical college will be going five nights a week from the end of November to March I will graduate with my class A CDL my HazMat endorsement and my passenger endorsement and it was a Workforce scholarship so I don't have to pay it back it wasn't a loan which is very nice. Cannot wait to hit the Road
Insurance won’t take you fresh out
Good information!
i went to a truck driving school offered by a trucking company and it was a joke.i dont think the government should allow trucking companies do have these kinda schools.trucking is way too dangerous to do that.u need to go to a real trucking school,
I been trying to go to CDL school it’s just so expensive up front what options do I have I need help and I really wanna do trucking
I just got my permit everyone giving me different prices in LA county
How far back does the hair follicle test go
Anyone recommend a school on DC/washington area?
My best video
Bha. i
you re just like the guys who have exhausted their ideas and then try to squeeze more and more and more...but there s only junk left.
Heading to Northeast Community College, Norfolk Nebraska. $1995.00. Good 1 on 1. Six weeks training.
That's a very good cost. Both schools in my area are 6k.
My school was about 6 weeks, just graduated 1.5 months ago. I went on my own, no company. I had good instructors that gave us info on how to pass and basic operations. But also alot of insight of the job. This isn't the norm, I hear. Most schools get you to pass the test and that's it. They also hooked me up with a job within 4 days of graduating, flat bedding. I just finished a month and a half of ojt and leave out on my own next week. But I owe no one any money, nor do I have year obligations many company's require after training.
One thing most schools miss is vitally important.
Go down the Rockies or Appalachian Mountains 1 gear lower than you went up in the right lane.
Do not pass except for breakdowns in the lane and ease onto your foot brake in a 5 mph spread from say 40 to 45 to prevent overheating and losing brakes.
Some poor kid ran down I-70 and crashed killing several people.
I can guess nobody asked if he'd been trained on mountain descents.
@@thisismagacountry1318 both my instructors spent alot of time on it and school unfortunately we trained no where near hills (reasonably). So they tried to knock it home verbally and running through it.
My trainers at my company have had me running the Sierra alot. So they were right there climbing and descending. With engine brake) without (incase I lost the engine brake). Grabbing gears up and down etc.
@@GreenHornTrucker Yeah, I forgot to mention something equally important.
DON'T change gears on the DESCENT. You'll get stuck out of gear and in a runaway situation because you can't get back in gear.
Just feather the brake on that 5 mph spread so they don't overheat.
@@thisismagacountry1318 yeah and I should Clarify I mean grabbing the "right" gear. Lol.
Hey bud so would you say me applying for Truck driving school on my own and getting a loan out to pay for it since I can't pay for it all up front and then look for a job once I get my cdl instead of going to a job that will help me get my cdl
I paid for my school. I made sure the company I picked would reimburse me for my school.
Great video, thank you!
I'm currently unemployed and in process to get grants so hopefully I don't have to pay anything. The driving school I will be going to offers 3 weeks program if everything goes right., and for sure I'm not going to sign any contract with large companies.
I agree although I decided on a sponsored program, but I don't mind the 15 month payback as for the short term, I will have a home daily route. For me it is a good way to break in knowing I have a job right away. Once I build a good safety record, if I move I will get a better rate than I otherwise might.
Something I can’t figure out is when I see people going through LONG truck driving schools. I just went down to the DMV and took the CDL test. Then I got hired, got put with a trainer for a few weeks, and was off and running. The whole process took wayyyyy less time than truck driving school.
What's the better CDL tracking school being I can't just pay for school up front.. ive talked to stevens,prime,Swift and CRST. CRST is only a 10 month contract.. im just confused ive been researching so much but im doubting all of them from the reviews lol I just want to learn right .. my dad drove for all of my life up till he passed away, he's not here to point me so I'm looking on my own.
My GI Bill paid for my CDL training
I paid for my school, went on the weekends while working full time Monday through Friday, then I got hired delivering beer locally, great money to start and no contracts with anyone
They didn’t ask for experience
@@elperrocovero they did during the interview and I told them i had just got out of truck driving school, but here in San Diego places like Coke, pepsi, and beer places usually don’t require experience since a labor intensive job and they always need drivers
What school did you go to on the weekends
@@onewayfilms8148 western truck driving school in San Diego
Love your night sky channel intro🌌
This is the most helpful video on this, specific topic I recall seeing.
Any thoughts on the 2 to 4 day “refresher” courses that include rental of a semi for testing day some colleges may provide? Iow, could it possibly be enough for someone with a Class B?
Matthew 16:6-20 + John 3:3-5 =
Acts 2:38-39 💧 🩸 🕊 🔥 👑 -The Faith, once delivered to the saints, JERUSALEM 33AD -be a part of it!
Ty👍
When I went through my trucking company we got paid $500 a week it was 4 weeks with an instructor after I got my CDL is another 6 weeks over-the-road with the trainer before I got my own truck and yes it was 120,000 miles with a company to pay off the school.. I will disagree that you're saying training is a crash course I just don't want you to say in general terms and all carriers are like that because they're not
If I recall correctly, if you get your CDL through the company, they will have a document that you are suppose to have.
And they will keep that document and wont let you have it. Which means if you get fired, they will not give you that document, which means you can not go to another company
and work for another trucking company, because the previous company just held your document hostage. (( I forgot the name of the document))
Its not the license itself, its another document that is just as important. You will have to go through training in a school all over again to get it.
Many companies do this on purpose, by holding your document hostage. They say "We paid for your license training, so we keep the document because its not yours"
Which is a lie and against the law. But for some reason the laws lets them do it anyways.
THIS IS WHY - New drivers should always get their license on their own without the help of any company. it will save you the headaches in the end.
Does it cost more YES of course. but it will save you the headaches in the end.... There is a Philippine American OTR truck driver that explains this in great detail a few years ago on youtube.
He drives a blue Kenworth.
Hi, im 30 no attachments. No big bills other than cell phone and car insurance for my bucket. Have bad credit. Is getting my CDL thru a big company like swift or CR england still a bad idea? thanks in advance. in the food industry use to making 22-24k a year no weekends off and working late afternoon-11p lucky if i can even get 2 days off in a row once a year and they can not be weekends. yes working in the food industry kills the soul.
Good morning! Do you know or have you heard what are some of the best companies to
drive for as a brand new CDL holder? Thank you for your videos and all
the effort it takes to put them out!
Great advice Brian I wish I’d had someone like you to break things down for me a long time ago when I went to M.S. Carriers “Professional” driving academy, yes I’m dating myself that’s how long it’s been since I got my CDL.
Excellent video, I went through Swift Transportation in Phoenix to get my CDL back in 2004 and it was a one year contract
It’s only 5 thousand dollars, there’s idiots out there that put themselves into ten times that amount of debt buying a new car
only 20 out o 60 made it? very discouraging
Hey! Appreciate this info.. currently making about 50k working in an office job but was looking to start driving. School I was looking to attend is costing me 4K however they also help with getting my hazmat endorsement as well.. hoping to make about 50k at least, think it’s possible doing regional or local my first year?? appreciate the help!
I test out of truck driving school tomorrow. Save up your money and put yourself through. I'm lucky enough I get to train with my Dad for a month or so and will be driving for a small owner operator company getting paid a whole lot more than a mega carrier.
Same here i can only do trucking school on saturdays since i work full time during the week but i do have a buddy whos waiting for me to start working on one of his trucks.
Yeah screw office yuppie politics I wanna drive trucks. This video is a golden nugget of information.
In February 2022 The DMV would no longer grant CDL's without Certification from a Trucking Academy. I researched many in my State (NC,) and found that Trans Tech Trucking Academy was close enough to drive to everyday and that a local Community College would pay for the tuition.($3,700)
I got my CDL way differently than most. I Co-owned a Trucking company with a 20K investment before I got my CDL. My business partner had a Class A. I'll have to make a video about it someday.
Thanks for the video!!! How about getting the permit than going to school for the training?
Very true brother, I pay for school to get my CDL, I was trained for 5 day n I was told here are the keys don’t kill your self see you when you get back 😎🤣, 2 months later I was training a new rookie being a rookie my self, thank God we are still here I’m heading to my 10 month mark, I get paid by % not bad at all , watch your videos all the time , very helpful THANK YOU
What school is that definitely dont want to be going there
@@terrellparks93 my bad after I got my CDL , I got hired , I got trained for 5 days n that’s what I was told here you can drive don’t kill your self
Spot on. I got mine with the GI Bill.
Nothing is free. Any company that says your CDL is free if you do a 2 year, (some are now 2.5 years) they are lying. You are paying for your school with your labor. Many states offer free CDL training.
Ask questions. If you are in a trainer truck 2 weeks only, walk away. I recommend 4 weeks minimum. Ask for a trainer that has at least 2 yrs OTR. Experience counts. If you get no trainer truck time, walk away.
You can look up any company and see their MCS rating. This can tell you alot about a company such as "Do they have a lot of out of service violations". This could indicate poor maintenance and inspection practices.
Another good idea is, ask a driver. If you think you want to drive for Billy's OTR Gang, ask their drivers what they think of the company. Nothing is concrete, but ask about the cons of driving for them.
And if not already, subscribe to this channel, no punches pulled herclog. no quarter given. Fact based vlog.
Just signed up for cdl school. Thanks for your insight. I was starting to wonder if it would be worth it. Wish me luck.
To all the veterans interested in trucking, remember that you can use your G.I. Bill to pay for trucking school.
Thank you for your advice 🙏 I'll be paying myself
Can a trucking company pay for your driving school and when you get your CDL you go get your own truck to come back and sign a contract with them ?
I am from Slovenia and I signed up for truck training but the country is paying for it as I am unemployed and this would give me a chance to get hired. There is not way that I could pay for it as it costs 1500 euros to go through with the CDL!
What this liar isn’t telling is that trucking schools don’t teach you to drive truck. They teach you how to pass the DOT test and that is true for all schools even if you pay for them or not. Unless of course you go to a Junior College where they have a 6 mo course where the students are actually hauling freight
Thanks man! Great vid! You seem cool, I wish I could work for you! I’m just starting out.
Insurance won’t take you fresh out
Just go to a local company. Like construction, John Deere and something like that.
Stay away from truck driving school. They only teach you what you need to pass the test and that's it.
Not necessarily. I went to road master/ werner. I drove at best 15 minutes of every 3 hours. I had my learners permit before going to school, so I sat in pretrip class longer because there were people on the backing pad in front of me, who had to grad or fail out to make room for me to advance. Once I got onto the driving pad it was all about pass or get the f* out of the way. I'm a driver now, but regret going to road master. I wish I'd found a school that taught a person how to drive instead of the puppy mill.
Where do you find owner operators to work for? Also do they need experience too? Im looking to get cdl myself
Go to a local community college they have grants apply for a grant to go to school I got mine that way
hey thank you
was super helpful
i m just staring
Thanks sir
Great video, good information!! 👍🏻👍🏻
What is a good percentage pay?
Thanks for this info. I'm thinking about getting my CDL just scared if i can do it but this information was helpful
Interesting channel. Really. Truckdrivers have to battle with the worse drivers in every city. Camping ride a bicycle.
And a Bible. Gospel music. A pocket constitution.
Thanks for the video. Always had my eye on trucking but haven't ever done it. I've heard that someone with a CDL can't get anything off of their driving record because they are a "professional driver." Ex: I have a CDL and I'm driving my personal truck and get pulled over for rolling a stop sign. Normally this will be taken off the record after a year or through defensive driving but as a CDL holder, it is forever on your record. Any truth to this?
I just thought of my very first day on the job....super said ...hit the green button for me carlin....I hit the red 1 ....he laughed n said no the green....n I hit the red 1 again...
Nice info....maybe you could add some comedy to your monolog....just goofing.
Thank you so much! Your video was so helpful. I was having a hard time trying to figure out if I wanted to pay for school or do a paid training program. Your video helped me figure it all out!!
Would you recommend Lonestar College Truck driving school? I’ve have my Cdl for driving a school bus and plan to put in one year at a school district.
Canada BC has implemented mandatory training in order to obtain CDL. As of 2022, MELT program = $15,000 CAD. I'm all for investing in training, but ouch!
How much OTR CDL A beginner drivers make? Is $1500/w after taxes on the check realistic for beginners with a dry freight trailer?
Trucker Brown Says go to PRIME TRUCKING? I currently only have 26ft Box Truck experience NO CDL at all , what company do you recommend to start?
good video bro.
What else he’s leaving out is that the 6 week training will be required no matter what school you go to. Also those longer termed schools are very far and in between.
You drove as a company driver for 5 years. Very smart. Way too many people are getting their CDL and buying a truck a year or two down the road. I don't believe that they are ready yet to be an owner operator. They get greedy and want to make more dinero instantly. It's no wonder why so many of them fail as owner ops within a year
Thanks so much it’s really helped me on which direction to take as far as trucking school..
If you lost your job through no fault of your own, some states will pick up the tab for truck driving school. My state paid for everything through Career Link.
They will have you take an aptitude test before hand and then monitor your employment for a year after completion of the school. Went to a community college.
Not sure if things have changed due to COVID but its worth checking into.
Anyone have any advice on sage I’m gonna be starting school there soon I’m excited too get into the business
The majority do pay for it, by committing for a year to a mega while they learn how to drive.
Can't tell yah how much I appreciate yah! Will be buying your merch once I get my first check brother!
Thank you for the helpful tips. Hope you keep making videos. Moving back to the States and looking for a good paying job for the next 10 years Keep on trucking.
I've never heard of anyone not getting free tuition at a community college.
If your the only one in the class who speaks English, well…
Got my permit but don’t know standard smh.
thanks for the advice, I was thinking get into Company I guess next week I going to school!!