Profile For Travis M.

I am a recent trucking school graduate from CDS tractor trailer training school in Woodford, Virginia. The school was a pretty good school to attend with two locations near Fredricksburg and Roanoke VA. They offer CDL A,B and C courses and the cost varies. The instructors have some experience but most of their experience is dated and they are pretty much only there to help you past your DMV test to get your CDL. The lead instructor had a few years experience as a driver but 15+ years experience as the instructor. The other instructors have about the same over the road experience, only a few years but they are only there to teach you how to drive the trucks they don't teach you the industry because they have been out of it for some time.

The cost of the tuition is 5k financed or 4k up front so its reasonable. The classes are offered M-F 8-5 for four weeks or Sat+Sun 8-5 for 8 week. Fortunately I had the option to test out early, head of my class, so instead of the 4 full weeks I finished in 3. I had already attained my CDL-A learners and DOT medical card prior to signing up to the class but they will help you with both and the cost is covered in the tuition as well as a urine screen on the first day. Their equipment is dated Volvo's and freight liners 8-spd and 10-spd split shift. They drive home the point of double clutching the trucks like you are technically supposed to, but no one does that anymore everyone floats gears, which will come with experience.

In the first two weeks first part of the morning is class room instruction from a book that is similar to the DMV learners book just farther in depth, and a few videos, then lunch followed by driving on the yard mostly focusing on straight backing and curve backing and studying your pre-trip procedures to past DMV test. The following two weeks are out in the yard the first part of the morning same routines then practicing on the road and getting the required miles and instruction hours, including a map reading skills class and the required full day class on paper log books.

They do offer pre-hire and job placement but it seems that the only companies that they have recruiters come in for are in cahoots with CDS, like they have some bonus for every student they hire on from the school, they seemed to push McElroy flatbed on everyone. They did have recruiters come in from Werner, PTL, McElroy and US Express and Abilene. I filled out several applications and had many pre-hires accepted but I ended up going with Abilene Motor Express.

I did my home work and filled out many applications and talked to several recruiters and drivers at truck stops and I chose to go with Abilene Motor Express as my company. Abilene has a great recent graduate training program is in three phases broken down into two months each. The first phase is with a trainer running solo or super solo getting a few miles each day and progressing into more miles every day and night driving and usually stopping to rest at night. The pay seems low at .16 cent per mile but the trainer drives while you rest meaning your making $ while he drives. My first paycheck was $1100 after taxes which was a nice surprise, and the pay is every two weeks on Fridays. The second phase requires a test to advance, the test is simple with basic questions about the company policies, hours of service, route planning and general knowledge, which you have to get at least 80% to pass with about 25 questions. From there your pay advances to .20c per mile, Ive heard phase 2 students getting $1800 each check after taxes. The second phase is full blown team driving, you drive your trainer sleeps etc. But he is always there if you have a question. The third phase is mostly North East training which Abilene always pays .10c/mile extra for anything above MD line. You are required to go to Brooklyn at least once during your training but most people don't prefer to run North East because lack of mileage and its just a cluster up there, they have some drivers that prefer that route. Your "finisher" in the third phase is running team and instruction you if needed. After 6 months or 100,000 miles on the truck you get to go solo and your issued your own truck and the fun begins.

When going solo your pay starts at .33c/mi then increases .1c every year. So their training period is extensive and that's a good thing, it may take time but you don't dive in head first blindly into the industry as there is A LOT to learn. One negative is they do not offer tuition reimbursement. Once solo they do offer a 25lbs max weight pet policy and a rider policy if rider is above age of 13. They have nice, new equipment, all automatic and the miles are there and they pay is good. Your not just a number like the big companies and its not a small mom and pop operation. Your known by name and face and treated with respect by all the employees.

So I'm new at the trucking industry but all in all I am very pleased with Abilene and every driver Ive talked to is happy too, I have yet to meet a whiner. You can fill out an application online, put my name Travis Madison as a referral if you do : ) You can also check out my post on Abilene, Abilene Motor Express, great compay. it goes a little further in depth about the company. If you have any questions or comments please post, share your thoughts and ideas about Abilene if you've worked for them before and your