Question:
I've decided to school local, and put myself in debt, next question is union or non-union. what are the pro's and cons?

Answer:
Usually, when starting out, it's more a question of who will hire you, where are they going to run you, how long will you be out, and what will they pay, rather than union or non union. Obviously, the majority of the jobs in trucking are non union, so there are going to be more opportunities there than in union work, just by virtue of sheer numbers. You will probably be just looking for a decent job at first, and after you have a bit of time in a a record to fall back on, then you can see if the carriers that you want to go to are unionized. Unions work is primarily going to be found in the LTL (Less than truckload) segment of the industry, and a few other areas like some of the auto hauling. The teamsters (and other trucking related unions) don't have as big of a percentage of the trucking business as they did many years ago.

Answer:
you basically affirmed what I thought.

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One other thought. I just noticed your address, and to my way of thinking the eastern seaboard is more likely to have union work than the midwest or further west. So look into it carefully since some areas are more of a union stronghold than others. I've always seen Mass as a pretty solid union state, though this could be just a false impression I carry. But I know it's a democratic stronghold, and the two tend to go kind of hand in hand.

Answer:
C1 in Circle city offers just about free training, except for license fees and living expenses. you have to sign up with PAM for a year though. what's your thoughts on that?

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There you go with that PAM $hit again. I told you to forget about PAM.
If you are really trying to save $$$ then you could go to work on the docks at FedEx Frt or overnite or OD and be making $17hr while they train you to get your CDL.
I would like to help you(because i have tons of LTL experience--it's the bulk of my experience as a driver) but i'm just too busy. Maybe later.
I'm not sure why a IBEW worker is having money problems though? Could you give us a little more detail about your situation(s)?

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Parker Driving School is very good. They're in Avon, MA.
Answer:
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There you go. If you just wait a while, Chad will be back with the answers and you'll have all the information you need. LOL

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I know and everyone else out there who drives a truck knows that PAM is a crap outfit, but unfortunately this guy probably wont listen. Most of the new ppl are to skeeered to work the docks and get there CDL the intelligent way because they might get dirty. But if you talk with most LTL companies, they do have programs and bulletins up on their boards for those interested in doing more for the company than just driving a forklift.

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That Parker Driving School also trains you to drive a coach. Since your kids are grown and the lovely lady wants you gone, why not get in with a bus company that has tours? As the driver you get some extras at most stops. A guy I know has done this and loved it.

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There aint no skeeerd about it, it itenilligence for the $$. The only reason I asked about PAM is that theym offered to pay $5k! The reason iIm asking you drivers is you know for a fact... no Bulls**t. I ain't hung up on PAM, just askin whats the story so I don't get stuck with something for a year that is going to suck! I really really respect and appreciate the info, thanks!, I will blow off C1 and PAM, it was bothering me anyways. I will blow 5k and be able to choose my own destiny. See you on the road Banana boy.

Answer:
Before you blow the 5k on schooling, so a search of the local area and see what community colleges around you offer driver training. They tend to do a better grade of training that the CDL schools do, and if you have one around you, the cost is usually lower that a driving school, the schooling and quality of the instructors is usually better, and they have professionals doing job placement when you graduate. I don't know what schools are around you, but do some legwork investigating the possibility first.

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Hope to make the move next week, gonna use this week to get my s^^t together, took C1, little booklet test and aced it, and schneiders online test, and aced it, Just gotta get some practice on backing up and parking, should be good to go. Unemployements run out, Tradework is flat, seems like every time I go for my CDL, a job comes up, and My License goes on the back burner. not this time though. I appreciate all your guys input, it really did help in my descision. see ya on the road!!

Answer:
Call 1-800-940-1560, our job line. This has been the same message since November 2005, no job calls, and I'm #1 on the book here locally, and #2 on the travellers book in Worcester. thats what the the scene has been.