Question:
About fifteen years ago I drove OTR (for 13 months) right after getting out of the military and have decided to do it again. The local economy stinks and instead of relocating my family I’ve decided that going back on the road would work to our advantage. Plus I did enjoy driving back then.
I was signed up for a school at a local college, but before the class started my state veterans benefits were cut and I'm out of luck. I can't afford to pay the costs up front (laid off) and the 4 week school doesn't seem to qualify for any federal student loans (and I can't seem to get a private loan because I'm currently working out of a temp service). I started looking at some of the companies that will pay for some or all of a school up front in exchange for a 1 to 2 year hitch, but before I make any commitments I wanted to get some opinions and/or ideas.
Are there any REPUTABLE companies that offer this kind of deal? I am a little wary of why a company would offer to pay up front unless they have a ridiculously high turnover rate, which in turn makes me ask why do they have a high turnover rate?
One "matchmaking" service, Driver Solutions (http://www.otrdrivers.com), lists companies such as Expedite Solutions, USA Truck, PAM, and Star Transport. Are these good, stable companies to work for?
Have I overlooked any other options?
Thanks, Bird66

Answer:

Chances are these companies paid for the listing. All companies have their pros and cons. It really depends upon what you want to do, how long you want to be out, etc. etc. etc.
Talk to the companies, ask what their average driver does, assume that the average driver is actually the high end, and you should do fine.

Answer:
I did it for CRST back in 2000. I had no problems, no complaints, went to school for them, they put me in their motel, got a trainer and worked there 13 months. they paid for school and I left. When you come out you barly make any money. Then it was .18cpm I believe that is how they make their money. At the end of the year I was at .28cpm. That is also why I went my seperate way.
I'm not trying to say it was a perfect swap, but I think we both got what we wanted.....just my 2 centsLive in St. Louis? Looking for concrete truck drivers....great pay and benifits...pm for details

Answer:

Willing to work for 1990 wage AGAIN?

Very little 'reward' for 'sacrifices' the plain and simple explanation.
If you have absolutely no employment in your area 'driving' may be your only choice. Today it is the job of 'last resort' for many.
Answer:
I would check out C-1 out of Indianapolis, they have a program set up with Pam, Schieder and USA trucking. These companies will pay your tuition in exchange for an agreement to work for them for so many months.
Also check with your work one office, you may be able to receive some training funds there also.
Catch you on the flip!

Answer:
You're in Schneider and Roehl's area, why don't you check them out? Also, what training benefits are you elibible for under WIA (Workforce Investment Act)? An Illinois one-stop vetrep may have some answers for you. BOL

Answer:
I looked at the same choices a while back. PAM isnt a bad company but if you look at what they have as the "cost" of their school vs. most others its very high..I think in the area of 4500 dollars vs. around 2500-3000 for most others.
I was impressed with Roehl and Millis and I understand Schneider now has a great program and seems to be working toward being a better place to work.
Weigh your options and go with the best for you.
Someone else mentioned the Workforce(?) program. I know in some states if youre laid off they will pay all or part of the cost of retraining you.
Good luck

Answer:
I know a guy in training right now for PAM. I don't think paying your school back at 45$ a week is a good deal to me. jmoLive in St. Louis? Looking for concrete truck drivers....great pay and benifits...pm for details

Answer:
Outkast
yeah thats what steered me away from them. They have you pay back 2500 dollars or so but if you default on the one year driving agreement you owe the balance of the $4200 or whatever the amount is that they say thier training "costs"

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yep....too many "ifs" and "or's" for meLive in St. Louis? Looking for concrete truck drivers....great pay and benifits...pm for details

Answer:
My advise would be to try your local workforce office for available grants.If you are laid off, you qualify for retraining grants.It is better if you can fund your training yourself.Don't sign on with a company training.If you finance your own school and something happens and you leave the company you don't owe them anything.It is better to stay with the same company for at least a year but,as we all know. things happen.

Answer:
Many States have schlorships funded by lottery revenue that will foot the bill for a course in commercial truck driving. You might have to move to another State, though. Worth it to stay outta hock.

Answer:

Somethings rotten out there, but it's not in Denmark--it's in Washington D.C.

Answer:
I know that Stevens Transport and Werner have tuition reimbursement programs as long as they are the first companies you hire on to right out of school. They pay you back around $150 a month which is about right for a $4000 school loan over 3 years.
Also, the school I went to used a bank that would finance you regardless of your credit or your job status as long as you had a prehire letter from one of the bigger trucking companies, but as long as you don't have any felonies, drug problems, or a horrible driving record someone out there will hire you.
Also, as stated, usually the career services division of your local employment office will periodically give out grants for people looking to go to truck driving school, but there is usually a waiting list.
There really are a lot of options if you can't get a loan through regular channels.
Eddie

Answer:
avoid Werner like the plague!!!!!! I have a friend who drove for them and almost lost his house in the process. There are plenty of horror stories on this and every other truck forum out there re: Werner