Profile For Dina D.

The recruiter at Swift wants me to take a few online courses to prepare for the permit test. She also told me to get the permit before making the trip to Swift's training school...Maybe I will go ahead and get a student permit before I travel to whatever school I end up attanding...

At Swift, having your state's permit (+ medical card) saves you time and, I think, $100 up front. You can skip a CDL class & go right into the academy.

The online "courses" are just to fill out some forms, not something you need to learn. 10 minutes, you're in, you're out. I had my MS permit. There may be courses if you need to take the CDL class.

BTW, Swift works with your local state CDL if you already have the permit - they don't "force" you to get a license in the state you take your class in.

I've read somewhere that there is some kind of reciprocity among states, but that we are to get a license wherever our state requires us to.

I highly recommend getting the learner's permit (written test), out of the way with whatever school you go to, especially Prime. I wouldn't waste money on a DOT physical if going to Prime, because they will do their own anyway, unless there is something you aren't sure about, which may be worth the $70 just for peace of mind at least

You gave a ton of great advice Alan! I'll take it! Thank you! Maybe I'll see you at Prime's Headquarters in a week!

I'm a beauty consultant and an on call substitute teacher.

The recruiter at Swift wants me to take a few online courses to prepare for the permit test. She also told me to get the permit before making the trip to Swift's training school...Maybe I will go ahead and get a student permit before I travel to whatever school I end up attanding...

At Swift, having your state's permit (+ medical card) saves you time and, I think, $100 up front. You can skip a CDL class & go right into the academy.

The online "courses" are just to fill out some forms, not something you need to learn. 10 minutes, you're in, you're out. I had my MS permit. There may be courses if you need to take the CDL class.

BTW, Swift works with your local state CDL if you already have the permit - they don't "force" you to get a license in the state you take your class in.

I've read somewhere that there is some kind of reciprocity among states, but that we are to get a license wherever our state requires us to.

....to be continued!! Lol!

Thanks Errol*, Brett, Maia, Chris, The Dude....everyone! I can't thank you enough! My recruiter at Prime said I don't need to get a CDL learner's permit before enrolling in their CDL program. I think it's wise to at least study for the permit test(s), however. The recruiter at Swift wants me to take a few online courses to prepare for the permit test. She also told me to get the permit before making the trip to Swift's training school...Maybe I will go ahead and get a student permit before I travel to whatever school I end up attanding...

I probably won't extend this discussion much further because I will probably be extremely busy for the next several months. I know I was mainly asking questions in this discussion. But, if I can help people by giving a ton of useful information in my next new discussion, I will, to show my gratitude to this online community!

Prime accepted me today, and I am waiting to hear from Swift (my recruiter Emily). I should probably apply to other companies too/have a plan b, c, and d! Thank you everyone!

I am going to sell my tape recorder and replace it! Lol

I just applied for a position with Swift, and left a message for a recruiter. I hope to send one job application a day this week, one of which will be Prime.

Good luck, Dina! You have posted here more research than any one else I've seen.

In your learning methods, you did not mention motor learning (your body/muscle learning). This is critical, especially for shifting.

I will definitely bring a tape recorder with me..and will probably have to play back a lot of what the instructors' say and take notes.

"Tape recorder"? How 20th century!

Thank you everyone! I did a ton of research on Sunday and last week and re-read all of your posts and am ready to begin the process of becoming a trucker! If you are interested you can find more info about Prime, Swift, and Millis by going to:

Prime Inc. Company Training Diary by Mason V.

Swift Academy Memphis by Errol V.

Swift CDL Training by Engineering Mother

Millis CDL Training In Alvarado, TX by Photogirl

There is funding out there that WIA /the unemployment office/sallie mae (as James U. indicated), tax write offs, and carriers (through reimbursement) offer. I currently work full time, and have a part time job with flexible hours that is temporary (lasts three months). I'd have to quit my full time job or become unemployed to attend school for a month and a half (all bills - housing, student loans, insurance, food, gas, and whatever the funds do not cover will be out of pocket expenses during this time). I already have a degree. But, it makes sense to go to college to earn a CDL if you can afford it. Altough going back to college for a CDL is the best thing to do, it will be the last thing I do.

I like carrier training programs because the truck companies guarantee you a job after you get your cdl. After doing more research, I think I like Prime, Swift, and Roehl. Regardless of what I like, I know I have to apply to as many companies as I can (I already applied to about 30), and then choose from whatever companies pre-hire me. Although Prime and Roehl offer excellent pay, etc...I think I like Swift more because it is less strict or has more of an open door policy (allows multiple tries if I am dedicated to learning rather than just let me go) than Prime.

I am a strong visual learner, or learn best by reading or observing ("slightly photographic")...but am sort of weak at learning by listening (though I have excellent hearing)...(maybe my visual learning over compensates for my auditory learning). so I will definitely bring a tape recorder with me..and will probably have to play back a lot of what the instructors' say and take notes. * I am an excellent crammer if I can study by reading - I can cram an entire 100 page book worth of information in less than a day...but again need a very slow pace if a majority of the teaching is done verbally. I dont' know if anyone else can relate. I've read that Prime is more fast paced that Swift,so i am probably better off going to Swift.......

I know that Swift offers less pay, but It's been said that it offers "the standard". Also, I might get more home time with Swift (though I'm not too concerned about getting less home time), it's PTDI certified for whatever that is worth, and I will possibly have the chance to drive to the West Coast (I love California!! ). Swift has a location in Texas that is less than 4 hours away, so I could drive to it. My main concern is getting that year of OTR driving experience no matter which company offers it!

I am a petite female - about 5'3", less than 120 lbs. I read that people my size manage to tarp and secure flat beds really well. I'd like to drive a flat bed since I'd like the physical labor aspect of driving one of them, or drive a dry van..but if i were with prime i'd still want to drive a flat bed or reefer since I would have about 80 to 100% no touch freight but unfortunately about 90% live loads as some have said. I'd like to drive team for a year since it's been said that "two minds work better than one"....but I hope that my team member will be responsible...that's all.

i'm not a smoker, but I'm not going to be too picky when it comes to selecting a trainer. I just want the best trainer.

I've also read that going through the process of becoming a trucker and driving for a year is similar to being in the military. As Brett said, It's a struggle, but keep pushing forward.

I'll update you all in regards to my positive experiences in the future!