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So far so good....looks to be a very easy and enjoyable class and training program. From the sounds of it, the Iowa DOT road test is a piece of cake as long as you can mimic what you've practiced in class the next 4 weeks.
We started with the basics. PAPERWORK. I think everyone can read and write. Thats a plus #1. After the paperwork, we watched a intro to trucking video, the general knowledge part of the do's and dont's. We took 3 quizes, 60 questions each preparing us for the general knowledge tests and I think I got at most, 2 wrong on each. Then again, I've studied and taken the General Knowledge test for both my Class B license and Class A permit. Downside is that, because I'm out of state....I have to get an in-state license. Heading to DMV early tommorow and that'll be interesting. I doubt they'll transfer everything over to Iowa.....more than likely, I'll have to retake everything.
Those of you looking for a driving school in the midwest....DMACC Transportation Institute seems like a winner so far. They have a bunch fo PTDI awards in their front case.
I did notice the calendar mentioned what companies would be coming to recruite. Swift, Werner, US Xpress, Roehl SMX and Marten Transport had app's to fill out also. I'm already pre-hired for Marten, so I'm glad I don't have to worry about that!
More to come next week for those interested.......next week, the rest of the endorsements and actual Seat time and learning to shift. I can do it without the clutch...but that won't fly with the DOT...so back to the basics!
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Most states will transfer all except your HazMat. You'll have to take the HazMat in your state of residence.
Good luck and listen to your instructors.
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Hmmm... Prehired? The venacular of Recruiting is almost humorous.
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Prehired? I'd rather be prepaid.

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DMV in Iowa Just made me retake the HazMat. Everything else they transfered over! Glad thats out of the way. Next two days we are just learning all the endorsements.....maybe the instructor will let me catch up on my sleep!
PreHired in a sense that the Marten recruiter told me as long as i graduate from the school.....I'll have a job. Unless i fail the physical or drug screen somehow....but that wont happen. Just gotta stay away from the poppy-seed bagels.
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What's the cost of the program and is housing available? It's a four week course correct?

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You still have no clue on the definition of Prehire. Plus the fact your
Recruiter is lieing to you. The requirements for actually being hired
for a real job involve more than Diploma,physical and Drug screen.
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It's a difficult concept to accept. easier to believe the recruiter for many. Looks like Martin locked him in.
Truthfully you don't have a job until all your training is finished and you have passed your final road test and been assigned a truck.

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$3500 I'd assume housing is available because it's part of DMACC and there is an apartment complex for DMACC students. I moved back to Iowa a few weeks ago and moved in with my buddy who lives 30 mins North.
I realize that Marten could give me the boot even during their Orientation. I've got nothing to lose though.....I already have my 4yr BA in Transportation and Logistics Management. This driving Class A for Marten is just fun....with a paycheck until I get tired of it. I used the term PreHire....not anyone at Marten so don't get that wrong idea. I decided to look into Marten because of a friend of mine who has been driving there for 20yrs. He's my "foot in the door" so to speak.
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I see disappointment in your future.
You gotta love Fantasy Island.

Friend? I wonder how many feet walk in and out that door post
haste every month. You're wasteing a "degree",the "money" in the
industry sure isn't being recieved by drivers.
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[quote="RABELAM"] Your cracking me up.
I know I can find a lot of better ways to have fun. Sitting at docks and showering in truck stops is not on the list. Thats what I call a job. Some refere to it as work.

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I was under the impression Martin required a 320 hr school,anyhow they are real selective about the schools they accept. Honestly- I think you will be doing real good if you can go with them. E-mail me if you want- I have talked with a few Martin drivers...keesomastino@aol.com
Tom

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I ask you......how long have you been driving a truck??
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The school I am attending is 3rd best in the country. The school is roughly a 275hr school. I spoke with my buddy and the head of recruiting and she said...as long as I go to DMACC here in Iowa, they'll accept me. Granted I'll still have 6-8 weeks with a trainer, but going with Marten is alot better than going with Swift, Werner, US Xpress or any other jumbo giant that hires out of this school.
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The school I am going to now is 384 hrs... most of the instructors have around 30 yrs experiance. The guy with us tonight had 3.4 million safe miles before he retired from CF. It is a real deal considering the cost: $577.00