SHOULD YOU GO TO A CDL TRAINING SCHOOL OR GET YOUR LICENSE THROUGH A CARRIER?
Updated: Sep 29, 2021
Ready to run with the big dawgs? Many newly aspired drivers would like to know... which comes first... the training, or the job? This question has been in play since mainstream carriers began to incorporate CDL driver-training in their hiring process. This kind of bold move allows companies like Swift, Schneider, Werner, etc. to get first dibs on all of the new talent. Is it insane, or ingenious?
Going through a CDL training course can have it's advantages and disadvantages. If you're one of the chosen few who's able to get tuition assistance, or some other third-party institution to pay for your training, hurry, before they change their minds. lol. However, if you're stuck with the option of working at the local warehouse, gas station, or grocery store, and there's not enough financial growth to meet your satisfaction, call up one of those "start up" companies mentioned earlier.
The pros and cons will weigh differently for each individual. If you go to truck driving school, you can get your "Class A" CDL within 4 weeks (Mon-Fri), or 8 weeks (Sat-Sun). Most schools have local drivers and/ or recruiters come out to solicit info about what makes their company the best, therefore you have options. But if you go with the free training at one of the big carriers for training, You'll easily find yourself being locked into a 1 year contract, obligating you to drive for them exclusively, or else... Though I've never heard of a driver being sued for breaching such a contract, I can imagine they'd send you a pretty hefty bill for all of the wonderful weeks of free training you received.
No matter which way you go, if you're on the fence about whether or not you should get you're CDLs, do it!!! This is one of the largest slices of pie you'll ever receive with such minimal training. Not to mention... many carriers are making it even easier for newbies, by swapping their fleets out for automatic trucks. In just your first year, you can average $38K+, which is only about $12K less than the national average salary. I don't know about you, but I'd say those are pretty good odds of being able to be successful, if you really want it. #GRINDKINGZ#GrindOverMatter#GrindOrDie
