Question:
I want to get CDL training and I want the best training I can get. I also want the broadest range of employment options available. I know company sponsored doesn't fit that immediately since you owe them a year upon completion of their training. I am fine with that if that is the best training. Opinions on the best way to go? I can afford to do whatever is best. I would rather be making money sooner rather than later however I could pay for school and housing and go 8-10 weeks without a check.

Answer:
If you can AFFORD to go to a private school, then by all means go that route.

Answer:
If you can NOT AFFORD to Pay for school out of your own pocket WITHOUT Going into Debt or Taking Out A Loan, I suggest going to a Carrier Sponsored school.
CRST, if you want to run TEAM...they have a good school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.(Kirkwood)
http://www.kirkwood.edu/continuinged/truck.html
www.schneider.com has a good school w/ skid pad training..
If you CAN AFFORD to Pay for school out of your pocket w/o going into Debt or taking out a loan, I recommend Central Tech, in Drumright,Oklahoma.(I think they also have skid pad training)


Answer:
On the whole I agree with Choclt and JHF.
I will add though that each program is individual in quality and therefore there is no easy answer to your question as to which way is the BEST to go.
There are many excellent private schools, and there are some good company schools too. The flip side also applies.
Carefully examine and question any school you think about attending regardless of who is footing the bill. The single most important iissue with a school is how much actual hands-on behind the wheel time you will get during the course both on the range and on the street. The more the better.
Answer:
I've updated my original post to include a little more detail. I can afford to do whatever I want and want to be sure I do the best thing.

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Not shure about the schools in your area, but if you choose a PTDI school, I believe that both state and federal grants will pay a big chunk of your schooling.
Answer:
It depends on what your intentions are AFTER you finish school.
If you plan to go to a 'training carrier' (Schneider, Werner, et al), I'd suggest the quickest/cheapest route to a CDL because they're going to put you with a trainer for 6-8 weeks until you're marginally competent and then send you out on you're own.
If, on the other hand, you want to go to work for a company which doesn't have a training program but which will hire you without experience (these are harder to find but they are out there), then you want to go to a CDL school that will take you to the level of 'marginal competence' right out of school.
No school is going to teach you how to "drive" a truck, unfortunately. All that it can do is teach you the basics and the rest will come with experience.
You also want to consider the incredibly high drop-out rate for 1st year drivers in this industry. Spending a great deal of money for school (or obligating yourself to a great deal of money in a carrier-provided school) may not be a wise thing to do.

Answer:
Schneider just called and wants me to call in the morning for a 45 minute telephone interview. If I pass that they want me to go to Dallas for training. As I understand it's 11 days unpaid but including lodging and 2 meals a day. Then it's 5 days the next week including lodging and $200. Then it's 1 to 3 weeks at $300 with a codriver and then on the road. I'll confirm things tomorrow but that's what I understood the lady to tell me today.
I've pretty much decided this (some company offering training) is the way to go and after my year commitment to them (whoever that may be) I should know if I want to stay on, move elsewhere as a company driver or blow part of the inheritance on a new truck of my own.
I am seriously thankful to have found this forum as it's a tremendous resource for newbies like me.

Answer:
Sheesh, LDB, if you can afford to do what you want, take a luxury cruise trip, go fishing, buy a cessna... ANYTHING but trucking!
But since you asked, I voted in favor of the community college. Not only are they less expensive (not an issue for you - !), but they are far superior in their training. They don't have financial ties to a company and its profit margins, they aren't a CDL mill, gouging you for the barebones minimum you need to get hired. The community college is interested in EDUCATING you in all aspects of the industry. You will spend more hours in the classroom and behind the wheel than you would anywhere else, you will pass the DOT testing with flying colors, you will be proficient at backing, and you will have a more comprehensive understanding of the job. The mills can't afford to take the time to teach you everything you get in a college setting. The company schools vary from one horror story to another in their mistreatment (to put it lightly) of would be drivers.
Go to a legit. school. College.

Answer:
Well, when I say do what I want that doesn't include cruises I'm afraid... at least not until I'm cruising in my truck. I just meant I can make it for a few weeks until I finish school and get a job. I decided to go to Houston Community College however in the interim the class filled up. I would have to wait until July 6 to start and wouldn't finish for 7 weeks. I am calling Central Tech on Tuesday to check their schedule. Potentially I could start there June 22 and finish July 23. That would make me available for hire about 5 weeks sooner. Now I'm hoping when I call HCC Tuesday they're going to have found an opening for the June 18 class. If not, then I will look into CT June 22. Decisions, decisions, decisions.