Truck Dynasty Driving Academy

First let me start out by saying I have a little over 1/2 million miles under my belt and have driven OTR for 5 years. I have driven through blizzards, dust storms, strong winds, NYC, through all the steep mountains and have delivered in places where you can barely fit a straight truck. I am 65 years old and unfortunately let my CDL go and now I'm paying the price.

So this is my 4th day here at Dynasty Truck Driving Academy. I plan on going with CFI but not sure I'll make it through because of they unprofessional way they run this school... this is the one in Springfield, MO. The first few days went smoothly but the hours are not there for each student.

On the first day we spent the morning and into the afternoon standing on the overpass on Highway 44. The truck convoy was coming through so we spent the morning cheering them on, of course no one knew the exact time they were coming through so we were out there for quite awhile.

The second day we had what is called some 35 step questions and answers but because of the lost time from the first day, the instructor went through the slides as we copied down the answers. Today is Thursday so we spent some time on pretrip yesterday, but today and part of yesterday is a joke.

Everyday this guy comes out (I call him the warden) and talks down at all the students. He threatens eveyone everyday to send people home if they do this or don't do that. From what I can see, everyone's os doing the best they can with what they have to work with, and we don't have much to work with here. There are 10 students per truck, there are 3 trucks out on the driving range and 4 of those trucks have 4 students per truck.

There's two trucks sitting empty and no one is training on them and they could be, but apparently there's not enough trainers. One girl who has about 4 years on the road, walks around like she's hot sh@t. The other trainer likes to talk theory more then show and tell. There's one trainer that walks around telling the students one thing by interrupting the guy trying to tell us something different. It's a mess out here to say the least.

So today the warden sits in his truck with the owner of the company and observes everything going on. He gets out of the vehand again threatens to send people home if they're not paying more attention, and you're lucky if you can see over the next guy's shoulder to see or hear anything. He goes back to the truck and after a few minutes scolds the trainers and tells them that they need to be stepping up their training techniques in front of everyone in earshot.

As I said, I'm trying to get on with CFI but chose to go through a company paid program which was a mistake. This is a CDL Mill, try to get as many students in as possible and push them through to make more money. If anyone thinks that CDL Mills don't exist today, you're mistaken. CFI tells you that they will give you 3 meals a day while training, that is not accurate.

You get $15 a day for supper and lunch. During the weekends you're on your own so plan accordingly if you chose to with this racket. This is supposed to be a 3 week training course but plan on spending at least a week standing around outside twiddling your thumbs bored out of your mind. I'm not sure what the exact requirements are as far as the DOT goes, but I'm pretty sure this school (and I use that term very loosely) is not full filling these requirements. The schools head people act like they're running a jail yard while threatening students that he'll be sending students home, and there's no unruly actions going on at all. Everyone is on their best behavior and acting like a adult. My fellow students (even though they share my same feelings about this school) are good people trying to get their career in trucking. It's terrible here.

Well, they do exactly what they are supposed to do - making sure that you get your CDL. You are lucky to have both knowledge and experience, so you really don't need anything from them but a chance to get tested.

I wish it was that simple, but these guys treat you like everyone else which is fine, it's just the way they're treating everyone. I can only take so much and I have been biting my tounge all week. I finally contacted my recruiter and they talked to the owner and this warden guy who talks down at people. These instructors are all over the place.

The recruiters walk away from their group leaving students ti fend for themselves, some instructors switch in the middle of lessons without knowing where the other one left off. This afternoon after contacting CFI, things changed for the better. More truck time per person and more attention given to the students.

Even though it was better, there's still problems when you try to take one truck and one trainer and 10 students. Like I said, it's all about quantity and not quality. The warden today said that all the schools are like this. Of you want quality then you need to go to a private school such as a college. So this is a beware to new students. If you want to become a better driver, go to a college and not one of these idiotic CDL Mills.

I don't think college can make anyone a better driver, they teach only diversity, equality, crt, yoh name it these days. There is only one way to become a better truck driver - to drive a truck.

C'mon Chuck! We've had several active members on here go through the exact same school as rookies. They made it and so can you.

Even though it was better, there's still problems when you try to take one truck and one trainer and 10 students. Like I said, it's all about quantity and not quality. The warden today said that all the schools are like this. Of you want quality then you need to go to a private school such as a college. So this is a beware to new students. If you want to become a better driver, go to a college and not one of these idiotic CDL Mills.

Hay, Chuck;

I sure hope this gets sorted out for ya... sooner than later. I'm sure it IS a bummer; then again, much in trucking IS 'hurry up & wait.' Hopefully this is just a 'blip' in the 'matrix' of your future (again) career/profession.

I don't know if this will help or hurt, but .. CFI has been through MANY changes these last few years:

CFI Reorganizes & Expands into ONE Company with FIVE Services!

Sometimes, growth (and change) is painful for all involved. I'm sure wishing you the best, good sir.

~ Anne ~

ps: I KNOW you are frustrated. . . just keep in mind that going to a 'private college' isn't really the answer, either. You simply went with a company that is experiencing some 'growing pains' ... per se, but hopefully you will grow WITH !! Give it time. Hang in, hang on!

I don't think college can make anyone a better driver, they teach only diversity, equality, crt, you name it these days. There is only one way to become a better truck driver - to drive a truck.

C'mon Chuck! We've had several active members on here go through the exact same school as rookies. They made it and so can you.

AGREED, INDEED. These guys know their stuff, Chuck! ^^^^ Hang in, hang on. The ride will be YOURS, only ... someday soon!

I was able to get some video footage of all the students standing around for hours waiting for their time behind the wheel. It takes each student anywhere from 20-45 minutes to complete an offset backing maneuver. It took me 5 minutes tops. There's 10 students waiting their turn behind the wheel on only one truck. It took around 5 hours for all the students to complete one try, and they were supposed to get 2 more tries with one instructor.

There were 2 other trucks making maneuvers in the yard and each one of those trucks had 4 students per truck, and at times the instructor would walk away to chat with one of the other trainers. Meanwhile, there were two available trucks sitting on the side of the building not being used.

Chuck, go to Walmart or a dollar store and get food. I stretched that 15 out and had money in my pocket when I went back to Joplin.

You could have 5 students there and have at least one standing around doing nothing. When I went through there they had fewer trucks and they were very old. The trucks your using are from CFI. You will be driving a very similar truck with the same features and options.

Get you and don't worry about the rest.

I stop in there every chance I get and although they have gotten different trainers, the owner and head trainer are the same.

Try talking with them.

That school has been lucky enough to grow over the last few years. Some of the students who start will quit or wash out for many reasons.

All one learns in school is how to pass the test to get your CDL. Your real training starts while out with your trainer.

I have been ahead of the convoy and have not been able to see them. Apparently they were parked near where I was the other night.

Good luck.