School VS Paid Training Tough Decision

Hi All,

I'm really stuck. What would you do?? I passed written tests so I have a learner's permit.

A. Paid training with a company: 15 month contract, if I back out or can't pass the test I owe 7K. Contact person says: Dry Van 36.5 Cents, Refrigerated 41.5 Cents, Flatbed 42.5 cents. So after the 15 months, can I expect to make more even if I go somewhere else and have a good record?? the first 15 months is almost Post Office job pay, so does it really go up after the first year?????

B. School Should I just pay out of pocket and go with a school?? maybe get my first year that way? there has to be some places willing to train?? at least I would have some options rather than being bound to a contract.

Thank You

Who is requiring 15 months?? Generally it is in the neighborhood of 12 months solo. 7k seems a little high as well. The starting pay doesn’t look too bad for a brand new rookie student.

After your first 1-2 years things will open up much more. Learn all you can and don’t hit or tear up stuff and you will be amazed how many companies would love to hire you.

I went through Roehl 7 years ago. Failure was not in my vocabulary. I committed 150 percent and so did they. They want students to be successful.

A couple months ago my gf and I had the chance to visit her school in colorado. She graduated 20 months ago. They were very thrilled she is doing very well. She was smiling ear to ear driving in with a very nice truck and pulling a tanker.

Well since you're a moderator I assume it's ok to say. It's Roehl that wants 15 months. I'm looking at a school as well but they use a simulator. Is that bad?

Thanks

Roehl is a great place to start a career. I started there myself about 5ish years ago. The pay is good and they will keep you moving as long as you do the hard work. I almost went back after my local job went under. When I was there they do a mix of sim and actual driving. They use the sim to promote the good habits and to set you up for scenarios that you really aren't going to see everyday.

They have you run 120k solo miles to forgive the school cost. If you count school, training, and those solo miles may reach 15 months.

They have a top notch school. I still get emails a couple times a year asking if I want to come back. I found my happy place doing tankers, otherwise I would go back.

Sims are a great tool. I was a sim instructor in LE for 12 years. They don’t teach skill, they teach thought process.

The only reason I did private school was because I wanted to go with a company (Schneider) which didn’t have a school at the time, but they did tuition reimbursement.

Some would say I wasted my money, but it was a plan that worked for me. Company sponsored training (especially with a company like Roehl) May be better for you.

I wouldn’t worry about the time commitment. I stayed with Schneider for two years before moving on. So 15 months (in my opinion) should be a commitment you can keep. Who knows, you may stay with them forever.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

I got my license through Roehl in October 2014. I recall it being about a year to pay back the debt. My first full year at Roehl I made 50g (Jan-Dec 2015). Started at .35 cpm but the program quickly elevated you to .40 cpm.

The good thing about Roehl is you never hear complaints about the lack of seat time. Usually it’s 2-3 drivers to a truck.

The other good thing about company trained is that the company has an investment in the driver. As you learn and make mistakes (and you will) they tend to be more forgiving.

I’d save the money. Company paid training is the best way to go.

Good luck

Hi All,

I'm really stuck. What would you do?? I passed written tests so I have a learner's permit.

A. Paid training with a company: 15 month contract, if I back out or can't pass the test I owe 7K. Contact person says: Dry Van 36.5 Cents, Refrigerated 41.5 Cents, Flatbed 42.5 cents. So after the 15 months, can I expect to make more even if I go somewhere else and have a good record?? the first 15 months is almost Post Office job pay, so does it really go up after the first year?????

B. School Should I just pay out of pocket and go with a school?? maybe get my first year that way? there has to be some places willing to train?? at least I would have some options rather than being bound to a contract.

Thank You

I'm starting with Wilson Logistics next week. I looked at several companies that train CDL. NONE had a 15 month contract. All I talked to had a one year contract expect for one that was six months but they took some money out of your check each week to pay for it.

Looks like Roehl is a solid choice. Thank You!