Profile For E.V.

Hello -

So, I'm going for that CDL again..

I was at Henderson Fall of 2015 and it just didn't work out. I'm determined though so I'm looking.

Open for suggestions...

~Vee

Just wanna know a little more about the company. I report on 10/12 and I am really excited !

Did you go to Henderson?

Well, orientation is finished. I've signed all my paperwork and am officially an employee (wooohooooooo!!!!!).

We have our badges and technically start school on Monday but they sent us out to the school today to start practicing our pre trip and even get our feet wet with straight line backing. It was honestly a lot of fun and a ton of information coming at you all at once.

One thing to remember, it's an accelerated course as are many of the company sponsored programs. The purpose is to get a student to a point where they can pass the skills test and then you get your real training once you're on board with your trainer for 4-6 weeks. The class sizes are small, which is nice and the instructors expect students to learn and pay attention to what they're telling you. I came in like a sponge, I know nothing and am hanging on every word as I'm learning the skills I need.

More updates to come. ....

Thanks for the post. I'll be attending Squire soon as I obtain my CDL permit.

Question... Were there any out of pocket cost? An email I received mentioned $100 due when you get there.

Day 1 in the books !!!!

So we started out right off the bat with a quick roll call followed by filling out our paperwork for the physical. They shuttled us over to the office for the DOT physical and then back to the terminal. Today didn't go as smooth as normal because the Doctor was late in his arrival and it threw off the timing of the rest of the day. (I have to go back with some paperwork I was told I didn't need but apparently did). Anywho, it won't delay me any and after lunch, they did the drug test along with some other paperwork on the computers and in the morning we'll be getting our employee badges and more logging in to the computer. I think we also start the Smith System training tomorrow as well but I'll find out as the day goes along.

I do have to say, the folks here at Knight are awesome. They're more than happy to talk about whatever and let you pick their brains for information. They're very informative and personable, it made day one a lot of fun.

"Employee badges".... That's why Knight is on my list, I think they're the only company that actually hires you from day one. I could be wrong though...

So here we go folks. I'm at the hotel, it's Sunday night and my future starts tomorrow bright and early. I have all my paperwork ready, license test passed, just have to get the physical in the morning and go pick it up.

For anyone interested in Knight, they switched to a new hotel provider this week. New students will be staying at the La quinta Inn and it's a nice clean hotel. I've read some horror stories about other hotels with other companies and I can tell you, this is a nice place.

More updates tomorrow night.

*Posted by mistake*

So here we go folks. I'm at the hotel, it's Sunday night and my future starts tomorrow bright and early. I have all my paperwork ready, license test passed, just have to get the physical in the morning and go pick it up.

For anyone interested in Knight, they switched to a new hotel provider this week. New students will be staying at the La quinta Inn and it's a nice clean hotel. I've read some horror stories about other hotels with other companies and I can tell you, this is a nice place.

More updates tomorrow night.

I am right there with you....just finished my application with Prime, Inc. Ready to get this rolling....

Cool...

What made you go with Prime?

Howdy folks..

For those trying to decide on a training company..I thought I would post my experiences and decision making.

So far, I'm seeing it comes down to your IMMEDIATE situation, cash on hand, and timeframe.

Also, I'm learning not to focus so much on the training itself, per say but the end result.

For example, I'd like:

1. Pet policy ( This will probably have to wait, because it appears most training companies don't allow rookies to have pets. But after my initial commitment, this is a must for me)

2. APU / Inverters (I want to be comfortable, plus I think it says something about the employers who don't prioritize driver comfort. I read about a carrier recently who's trucks had APUs but were being removed because "they cost too much"

3. Built in navigation on board (like a Rand McNally truck GPS, this is important because all carries don't install them so it will come out my pocket, and I don't think Qualcomm has GPS)

4. Upfront cost (Swift does not pay for DOT physicals, Not sure about Knight because I just applied. But I read where Knight reimburses you somehow for that cost. Food isn't that big a deal ..I think that's why Celadon is so over crowded and the student ratio is so bad- the free food

5. No forced dispatch NYC

6. No teams

7 Can keep home state license ( no hassle studying for a drivers license all over again)

8. Best of all, it appears Knight considers you a paid employee from day one. Of course I will confirm this once I speak to a recruiter. And pay advances are available if needed.

That's it for now!

E.V.

I'm driving for H.O.Wolding. They hire new grads from schools that meet certain criteria, and they do repay tuition up to a limit ($5000 maybe?). There is also a new hire bonus $2,000 paid out in $500 increments. Decent pay, with the opportunity to get quarterly mileage & safety bonuses, and many drivers get those. Good insurance. I've met quite a few people who have been with this company for 20-30 years, and that says a lot. It's family-owned, and has a friendly atmosphere.

What "certain criteria" ?

E.V., do I know you? What are you doing with my initials?

(Just kidding!)

Good luck with the academy! Feel free to drop in here with your own questions and successes!

Lol... No problem.

Will do. Which Academy are you at?

Good luck to you as well!

E.V.

Cancel the above post. I just realized you're the one giving us the detailed account.

Are you on the road yet?