CDL Schooling

I want to drive for Sneider Tanker Division. because I live in Louisiana & they offer a Regional job with being home weekly. The only problem is that they don't offer CDL training through the company. So as far as schooling goes here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana we have Diesel driving academy & coastal trucking driving. If I were to go to Diesel Academy this would be like a 5 month program which I really don't want to do because it's $10,000 plus it's 5 months compared to most places that train in about a month. Coastal trucking has a 3-4 training but you have to have 5 grand up front which I do not have. They have a finance option but even then you need half up from then finance the rest & I don't have $2500. I do not qualify for like WIA because I currently work as an industrial Electrician but I HATE it & want this career change. So my question is what happens if someone goes to a company sponsored CDL Training school knowing that they do not want to work for that company just to get their CDL & leave? I do know that you definitely have to pay that school back for the training but I was wondering like is it frowned upon? Do people even do this? Would they be able to take or revoke your CDL License? Would it put something on your report telling other companies that they shouldn't hire you? I just want to know answers. Now I know may get back some negative responses but I'm just curious. I don't want to do this or plan to. I make decent money now & was just thinking I may just have to start saving like $200 a week or so until I can afford to pay for schooli. Any responses would be appreciated whether good or bad. Thanks

If you go for company sponsored CDL , you'll have to sign a contract that once the course is completed, you have to work for them for a certain period of time (6 months or more, seems to be the norm). If you leave before your contract is up, they will make you reimburse them for the time they invested in you. I'm sure it will also show on your report.

I make decent money now & was just thinking I may just have to start saving like $200 a week or so until I can afford to pay for schooli.

Theron - looks like you have a solution to your problem, in just over two months you'll have the 1/2 needed to go to school. In case you haven't read some of the posts from other going to Company Sponsored school, it is very wise to have some money to live on and spend while you are in school. So why not hold your current employment, go to school, save as much money as you can so when after you earn your CDL and select a company to work for you'll have some money to live on. As you can read in other's posts what you earn in first few months in company-driving training may be lower than you expect, so by having a "nest-egg" to live on during that time would probably allow you to focus more on the job than your weekly-paycheck.

I'm already saving just for that reason.

Check with Schneider to see if they have a hiring bonus for recent grads. If they do, I bet that'll cover your school tuition.

Thanks for all the replies. You guys are right

Ask the school what the discount is if you pay cash. Mine was $1,000 off (different school). Then see if your credit union will give you a signature loan. Schneider pays signon bonuses, but it is usually spread over the first year. Plus they do tuition reimbursement of $150 per month.

This is how I did it and I love driving these big orange trailers around.

Good luck!

Ask the school what the discount is if you pay cash. Mine was $1,000 off (different school). Then see if your credit union will give you a signature loan. Schneider pays signon bonuses, but it is usually spread over the first year. Plus they do tuition reimbursement of $150 per month.

This is how I did it and I love driving these big orange trailers around.

Good luck!

Thanks A lot man! & I'll look into that loan through the Credit Union

This is how I did it and I love driving these big orange trailers around.

I hate it when I see one on the two-laned roads.... I know I'm going to fly by, but must patiently wait for a slot so I can change lanes to pass. :p

How can you stand being governed so low at speed?! Can't make any money....... OR get anywhere!

This is how I did it and I love driving these big orange trailers around.

I hate it when I see one on the two-laned roads.... I know I'm going to fly by, but must patiently wait for a slot so I can change lanes to pass. :p

How can you stand being governed so low at speed?! Can't make any money....... OR get anywhere!

I don't think that you have ever worked for Schneider, or you wouldn't say that. My friend makes a really nice pay check, driving for the "Big Orange." His truck is white, though. I have seen his paychecks. It seems to me, that if you can maximize your drive time, you can maximize your miles. He is the one who helped to get me pointed in the direction of driving.

This is how I did it and I love driving these big orange trailers around.

I hate it when I see one on the two-laned roads.... I know I'm going to fly by, but must patiently wait for a slot so I can change lanes to pass. :p

How can you stand being governed so low at speed?! Can't make any money....... OR get anywhere!

I don't think that you have ever worked for Schneider, or you wouldn't say that. My friend makes a really nice pay check, driving for the "Big Orange." His truck is white, though. I have seen his paychecks. It seems to me, that if you can maximize your drive time, you can maximize your miles. He is the one who helped to get me pointed in the direction of driving.

And my friend has worked for Schneider for 8+ years... I'll just leave it at that.