CFI School Diary

So today was my first day at CFI headquarters to do my drug screens and go over our contracts. Took awhile since 7 of the new students needed physicals as well as the drug screens. When we finally finished that we went to meet momentarily with the Recruiter before we ate lunch at the cafeteria at CFI. They pay for that which is a decent lunch honestly. We then met with the recruiter after lunch and went over the contracts and questions regarding it. She answered all of our questions and was very friendly and described what it means to work at CFI and what they expect of their drivers. Let me just say that it was exactly what I expected and was already told by Big Scott which was a good proponent to helping me make a decision. I had other companies in mind but CFI did have the most of what I wanted and sounds like a company that cares about their drivers and wants them to succeed. I will keep updating this when I am able to daily to keep you all aware of how the process goes. Hopefully we have internet and phone service at Crowder College which I am told is in a small little town 30 minutes away from CFI. Class actually begins on the 19th.

Good luck Chuck!

So I have been in a Wi-Fi and internet purgatory here at Crowder college thus why I have not posted any updates. I hope to later today post some new info after class so I can inform anyone with questions.

So I am finally able to access the internet with my laptop here at Crowder College. It has been a long week since I have not been able to access much of anything and keep up with all the happenings here on TT. So as I had stated earlier today I am trying to help others by keeping a diary or my time here at Crowder College so that others will know what to expect if they choose to apply at CFI to work as a OTR driver. 1) Make sure to pack enough clothing for 7-10 days so you have clothes to wear when you do your laundry. The dorms have beds but no bedding so you will also have to bring that instead of a sleeping bag. Just my preference but to each his/her own. They are twin beds so cover, sheet and blanket should be enough. Also do not forget your Pillow. 2) Bring snacks if you have room in your bag to do so just so you have them to snack on when you get hungry if you take the bus to get here which CFI provides to you. You can drive if you wish but more on that later. 3) Shoes or sneakers whichever you prefer and a good pair of work boots to have when with your trainer after school. 4) Shower and bathroom items are also needed so that you can shower and such, toothpaste and toothbrush...these items are often forgotten when taking a trip. 5) If you have a cellphone or computer you can bring it with you but the phone service here at Crowder is not the best so be prepared for that. You will not get a wifi sign in until the following Wednesday after you arrive here. 6) Now on the school and the training they have here it is top notch and the instructors are very patient and work with you so that you learn what you need to know for when you are a driver and start working. Caleb is my Instructor and I really like him a lot and his personality is very laid back and he is very understanding when you make mistakes which you will do for sure. Be patient with yourself it will come along even though at times it does not feel like you will. I have improved thus far and have only been here for one week so far and have never driven a Semi truck in my life. 7) If you do decide to come to CFI trucking I can personally tell you that I am very happy I did and they have not once told me anything that was untrue or steer me in the wrong direction. One last thing for now, you will get out of this program or any program on what you put into it so it is all up to you.

If you have any questions at all please feel free to ask in case there is something that I have not covered here. Big Scott and Jmart are also very good resources to ask questions to as well.

Until later, I hope this was helpful. Chuck

Chuck, at Crowder, do they furnish free meals over the weekends?

How many students are in your class?

Do you recommend driving your own vehicle or taking the bus?

Good luck and keep us updated.

Riot, I am almost positive they feed you on the weekends. As far as driving there, CFI pays for the bus ticket. If you choose alternate transportation, they will reimburse up to the cost of the bus ticket. If you have your car there and go right out with your trainer after school, you would leave your car in the driver parking area. Or you would go home after school and orientation to wait for a trainer. Then you could leave the car home. If you drive, you will be the most popular guy in school. I hope that helps.

Chuck, at Crowder, do they furnish free meals over the weekends?

How many students are in your class?

Do you recommend driving your own vehicle or taking the bus?

Good luck and keep us updated.

Yes they do provide meals on the weekends. Breakfast is the only thing not available on the weekends since it starts at 7 am during the week. We started with 6 and down to four. One had to go back home to correct his license due to the state he is from made a mistake. Another was sent for some other reason related to his past that crowder couldn't allow. He is now at truck dynasty. I wish I would have e drove actually, just because the bus trip was very long and without a vehicle it's hard to go anywhere. Crowder is not close to anything by walking.

Riot, I am almost positive they feed you on the weekends. As far as driving there, CFI pays for the bus ticket. If you choose alternate transportation, they will reimburse up to the cost of the bus ticket. If you have your car there and go right out with your trainer after school, you would leave your car in the driver parking area. Or you would go home after school and orientation to wait for a trainer. Then you could leave the car home. If you drive, you will be the most popular guy in school. I hope that helps.

That is true Scott. Usually people ask if they can tag along to go to Walmart or something since the bus only takes people that need to go on mondays only.

Well we are in our second week of school and we are doing more driving each day along with practicing parking maneuvers as well. Each day the drives do get easier each time you do them and they are on different routes each time. Each person in the truck does the same route that the person before does so that each person gets to do that route and know what each route entails. I am definitely feeling more confident in each of my drives, the downshifting is definitely the most difficult since you have to be able to time the shifting to each low gear and the RPM of the vehicle. It does get easier but it does make one want to pull their hair out when it is hard to do.....LOL. I can honestly say that it does get easier with time and the more you do it. The instructor is very helpful and patient. I must say that the training here at Crowder is excellent and if you do what the instructors tell you and practice it you will learn it. I am very happy with my decision to come to CFI and encourage anyone that is looking for a company that wants you to do well and be treated fairly then CFI is the one you want. I encourage everyone to do their research and make the best decision for themselves and their family since that is the ultimate goal. CFI is investing in the company and that to me is a very good thing when it comes to working for a company that is going to be helping me to also be able to provide for myself and my family. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have and I will do my best to answer them.