I’m A Newbie, Looking For A Career Change.

I thought I'd go to my local community college myself but followed the advice here and did company-sponsored training. Time really flies out here. I've been solo for almost two months so that year is going to go by so fast it won't be an issue. I'm glad I went the route I did to start my career now. Just my thoughts as a new driver.

I thought I'd go to my local community college myself but followed the advice here and did company-sponsored training. Time really flies out here. I've been solo for almost two months so that year is going to go by so fast it won't be an issue. I'm glad I went the route I did to start my career now. Just my thoughts as a new driver.

I understand that. I appreciate your input. But wouldn’t those companies with sponsored schools, also hire new drivers? Just without the contractual obligation?

I understand that. I appreciate your input. But wouldn’t those companies with sponsored schools, also hire new drivers? Just without the contractual obligation?

Hi Dakota, this last comment looks like you are looking for the best option to have an out. Any major carrier should treat you fairly if you are truly committed to this career and LIFESTYLE change. Either way you will incur a training package expense of between $5k-$10k. With the carrier it's the 12-24 months of your time per the contract. If you self pay, you will either be footing your own money OR taking out a student loan or grant.

Did you read all the content the moderators and experienced drivers pasted on becoming a truck driver? This field is almost 100% mindset. You CAN do this career, it's a matter of being committed. I am not trying to assume I know the full context of your question, I am just trying to remind you that it takes a 100% commitment and the best path is most always company sponsored training. If you want the best start that is the way to go. If you want the private school in fear of a 12 month commitment to pay back your training because you think you may not like it and will walk away, then your odds of washing out have probably jumped into the 90% range. Not trying to be critical, I myself wrestled with this for years and finally got to the point of 100% commitment and "I'm only coming home if the fire me OR in a rubber bag". I sincerely hope you get the needed insight to make the best choice for yourself.

Best of success!!

I understand that. I appreciate your input. But wouldn’t those companies with sponsored schools, also hire new drivers? Just without the contractual obligation?

Every company is different so it's best to confirm their current policy. With that being said Kearsey recently mentioned Prime Inc. Is currently not hiring new CDL holders that have not obtained their CDL through Prime. They're able to be more picky at this time due to current state of the economy. When they do hire new cdl holders they also pay them $100/week less. Many companies will still require you to sign a contract if you come in with a CDL but no experience. Training is expensive and you're a high risk driver. This, in our experienced opinion, is why we preach that Paid CDL Training Programs is the best route to get started in this industry. It isn't the best route for all situations, but in general we highly recommend you seriously consider it.

If you poke around enough. There are a few companies that offer CDL instruction and training without a contract. As with anything, there is a give and take with it.

You should really stay with your first company at least a year even if you're not contracted to. As was said, we're in a recession and freight volume is low right now. Companies may be a bit more tight on hiring right now.

I understand that. I appreciate your input. But wouldn’t those companies with sponsored schools, also hire new drivers? Just without the contractual obligation?

Dakota, the two students in my class that had their CDLs but no experience had to sign the same contract the rest of us did.

As stated by others, every company is different, and also you should stick with your first company for at least a year anyways.

I'll never understand why some will seemingly be all in to starting this new career that requires 100% commitment, yet are unwilling to be in a very short-term contract with an employer that paid for their training, gave them a job, and all the associated experience that will be acquired during a 9-14 month contract.

Good luck with your stipulations.

I'll never understand why some will seemingly be all in to starting this new career that requires 100% commitment, yet are unwilling to be in a very short-term contract with an employer that paid for their training, gave them a job, and all the associated experience that will be acquired during a 9-14 month contract.

Good luck with your stipulations.

It’s literally one stipulation. I won’t sign a contract. I’m not staying out 6-8 weeks if I’m told I’ll be home weekends just because I’m under a contract if I have to. Plenty of people go to local schools and have successful careers. I have the finances to make it happen. I’m not so broke that I have to ask big daddy mega carrier to pay my way. This is why people don’t want to get into this industry, the “my way or it’s wrong” attitude. Minus the study stuff, this forum is toxic.

I understand that. I appreciate your input. But wouldn’t those companies with sponsored schools, also hire new drivers? Just without the contractual obligation?

Dakota, the two students in my class that had their CDLs but no experience had to sign the same contract the rest of us did.

As stated by others, every company is different, and also you should stick with your first company for at least a year anyways.

I’ll stick with my first company for a few years. With One of the 5 letters of prehire I have.

Ahhh. Perhaps Dakota is The sound of a triggered millennial. They don't do well in trucking by and large. He seems to have that entitled "I'm special and I don't have to pay my dues" attitude.

Lmao. "It's toxic".... Ok Brofessor. Never mind the wealth of experience and knowledge this site has to offer, thankfully you have everything figured out.

I'm sure companies are lined up around the block to hire you on as you, being the special one in a million person you are, will somehow be the most valuable asset to their organization after completing a perfunctory 3 to 6 week school and possessing a CDL without a clue on how to drive.

I think your stipulation should be that whatever company that hires you on (assuming you make it through orientation without being sent home) makes you CEO within the first week.

If you perceive a huge amount of sarcasm from me it's because you may want consider, being humble, open minded, not entitled and start at the bottom while working your way up through hard work and diligence.

I'm sure you're aware that the numbers who don't make it through training, let alone wash out before their first year are staggering.