transportation advice

dboyd351 · 2025-03-15T17:46:14-0400

Community colleges often offer CDL courses that are subsidized by govt grants as part of their workforce development program
I am currently taking a welding class under that setup and it is free if you pass the tests that are part of the program certification. Even if you don't pass the test, they cover 2/3 fit and you only have to pay back 1/3.
Prior to that I took a welding course there that was not part of the workforce program and it cost me three times as much money for half the hours.

VirginiaIron · 2025-03-15T18:12:08-0400

You could find a firm willing to train you with their approved company, paid schooling with agreement not to leave in one or two years. I found even though I had a CDL with driving experience along with Hazmat, Doubles/Triples, and Tanker endorsements, companies wanted me retrained through their approved school, especially if there was a break in my history.
Some of the more desperate smaller companies may help you drive restricted with their drivers once you get your permit and allow you to use their truck for your CDL test.

One such industry that has a high turnover rate are the drywall delivery stockers and boom operators and back in the late ‘80s were paying a $1000 week- (based on footage) but it was hard work- I know.

Also a quick search on the net for dangerous truckers, smoking brakes, accidents, etcetera…, will seem to all have a similarity of company or school, stay away from those schools because no one thinks highly of their graduates.
I hope this helps.

VirginiaIron · 2025-03-15T19:24:51-0400

*** Very good information that I was not aware of- In response to my comment AND what I witnessed “… and allow you to use their truck for your CDL test.…”
someone (Name withheld) posted “not anymore, its a 3 week federally mandated school, and you drive their trucks, been this way since 2022”

If true means you absolutely need formal training, so you need to find the most highly rated school for the money you spend to add that to your resume.

VirginiaIron · 2025-03-15T19:30:44-0400

I feel so old when I speak of the ‘80’s, kinda like those gentleman that lived through the Great War and the reconstruction period afterwards.

ZinTrees · 2025-03-16T17:35:03-0400

just had another one literally 10 minutes ago, pulling out of home depot in the dump truck, turning right on red, to my left is a straight/right turn lane, everyones turning right so my lane is clear and I start going, little SUV jumps in the left lane, flies out past every car making a right, changes lanes mid intersection and starts honking at me and driving real aggressive

of course, I didn't stop and back up to let them by, F them, you learn to ignore everyone elses feelings but its tough