(inexpensive) CDL Training In Massachussetts - Any Recommendations?

Looks like the free training is not going to work out for me, because I have a dog and the only place where I could leave him for even a day ar two at a time is in Massachusetts, where my parents live. So I might need to default on a regular, paid CDL school. I can swing one, but juuuust barely. And not an expensive, $5000+ one. $3000, $4000 tops, and even that will leave me broke as a bum. So I am looking for something that is quick and inexpensive. Now, you might assume that I'm trying to skimp on safety, etc., but please consider the following: I have been driving for a living my entire adult life (taxi, limo, delivery van, tow truck, etc.) I have a clean driving record, no tickets or accidents, even though I have been driving at least 100k a year I have a natural talent for mastering vehicles - i've driven everything from a speedboat to a Cessna 152 And last but not least, I am a quick learner. Some people need to be told the same thing three times before they get it. I get it the first time, by the third time I'm just getting annoyed.

In short, some people might require a slow, steady, deliberate 8 week program of some sort. Me, I would do just fine with the minimal required length of instruction, as long as it's clear, hands-on, and to the point.

Also, I currently have a CA license. I can switch it over to MA once I get there, but is it going to be a problem that my license is newly issued?

Seva, not sure how much you're aware of the process or not, but you'll want to make sure that the private school you choose has the required amount of hours that most trucking companies will look for. A cheaper school might not have the required amount of hours. Two other important points worth remembering:

1. Get an idea of what companies you're interested in before you commit to a private school. Certain companies require certain 'approved' schools. 2. Make sure you secure some pre-hires , notably with the companies you're interested in. Apply to companies about 30 days before your intended graduation date. Pre-hires basically confirm that you'll likely have a job waiting for you to help pay off that school debt.

I assume what you mean free training can be done is that you can't leave your dog behind cause no one will watch it for the needed time for a company sponsored school right?

Well if that is the case then you will find it very hard to get into trucking. Here is what I mean. You might find a local private school near your parents house but unless your going to get a loan from the government then expect to pay out $4,000 to $8,000 for private school. Now most trucking companies what a minimum of 160 hours in school. If you have an idea of what company you are interested in then call them and see what schools they find acceptable. Not all school are accredited nor are the hired from by trucking companies.

Now if you want schooling at or around $3000 to $4000 then you will need to look at a company sponsored school.

Here is the part you will not like. Once you manage to complete school and get your CDL and get hired onto a company you will have to go out with a trainer for 3 weeks to 6 months depending on the company. You will need to find out what the companies you are interested policies are on training times. That means you will go out otr in a truck with a trainer for that entire training time and you will have to leave the dog at home during those weeks or months while in training. Having a dog on a truck is not a big deal but it's only a privilege that you receive once you get hired on to a company and your out of training.

I understand your not slow and you may pickup things faster than normal people but you will still have to go through the entire training process. No fast tracking through it.

When I read the part about what you have driven and you have driven your entire adult live I can only laugh and shake my head. I did not see you list driving a vehical that is 75 foot long and has a pivot point 25 feet from the front. That's easily a six story building laying on its side.

I have seen people with as much driving experience as you have and have driven alot more vehicals than you have including 18 wheelers in the military carrying JP8 fuel (jet fuel) through war zones and they barely pass the cdl driving test.

It's great that you have the confidence in your learning ability but this is simply something that you have to be all in or not at all an that includes realizing your dog will have to wait for you a couple of months while you are gone. No way around that.