Question:
I have been lurking for awhile reading and observing. I'm now stepping out of the shadows, and planning my future. My goal is to get the best training possible for a great career with an established long haul, coast to coast company... just on other boards people have looked down on me for being a newbie, and given me nothing but bad and sarcastic information, so I decided to post here.
I've been in contact with many schools, the one I am interested in going to is a Sage Truck Driving School, can anyone tell me their opinion about them? From what I know they are a nationally accredited PTDI certified school. Any helpful information would be helpful. Anyone know of any better schools, let me know.
People were also saying getting a job at 21 would be hard.
I saw with going to Sage, with proper training and qualifications it shouldn't be hard right?
Any information would be greatly appreciated and very helpful.
Thanks in advance.

Answer:
The School choice is not a bad one, but most carriers will want their drivers to be 23 years old...It's an "industry standard"...
Fozzy
Strong advocate and proud member of the "trucking is what you make of it" society...Established Circa 2002

Answer:
While I know little about Sage, they are supposed to be a good school, they do have a good reputation.
As for the age, 23 seems to be the magic number.This is dictated by the insurance companies, not necessarily the trucking companies. Under 23, you will have greater difficulty even with driving school. Nothing is impossible, though.
Answer:
I thank both of you for taking time to respond.
I have heard that a lot about the age thing, but why on like EVERY carrier site I come across says minimum requirements are the age of 21. Trust me, I'm not arguing or saying you are wrong by any means. I just don't undersyand why they would all say that. Even on telephone conversations with some of them they say being 21 is fine.
Also, the director of the Sage school I might be attending informed me with the qualifications I have after completeing the school getting a job won't be a problem. I know he might say that because of course, he wants me at their school, but it isn't a CDL mill, or community college for that matter, so there must be some truth in his words. He also told me that I don't talk to the right people like he does. He said recruiters have a quota to keep, and through them I would be in contact with the people that matter.
My main objective is just to get the best training I can, for myself and my safety.
Thanks again, keep the information coming!!

Answer:
I did quite a bit of research on schools before I decided where to go, PTDI certification was a big thing for me.
I started Sage last Monday, the first week has been great. I have trust in their methods and their people. One of the things I really like about them is that they are not one of the "put you in the truck the first day" schools, they teach you about safety, the systems, and how everything works together before you drive.
At my school, I should get behind the wheel at the beginning of week number 3 (after I understand what the heck is going on!) I would expect the same at all their schools. The time spent in the truck will be 1 on 1 with the instructor, so I can get the help I need without interruption. I have found their instructors very knowledgeable and they have lots of experience. There will be recruiters coming to the school from many of the entry level companies, both larger and smaller companies.
Have you thought of sending in a couple of prehire applications to companies just to verify the 21 age requirement? The school director should be willing to do that.
Best of luck to you. I will tell you one thing I expect, trucking is going to be hard, tiring work and there will be some lonliness. If you are expecting you will have a cruise the country graveytrain life, please read the posts here for a month or two. The posters here have helped me greatly get a glimpse of what I am facing. Thank you all!
You can whine about the past, fear the future, or make the best decisions you can and enjoy today.

Answer:
If there is a particular company you are interested in, then call them and ask about the age thing and whether they want students from Sage. Be careful, they will probably try to talk you into their school, if they have one, so re-focus on Sage if they do.
Enjoy
You can whine about the past, fear the future, or make the best decisions you can and enjoy today.

Answer:
Originally posted by mda:
I thank both of you for taking time to respond.
I have heard that a lot about the age thing, but why on like EVERY carrier site I come across says minimum requirements are the age of 21. Trust me, I'm not arguing or saying you are wrong by any means. I just don't undersyand why they would all say that. Even on telephone conversations with some of them they say being 21 is fine.
Federal regulations say minimum is 21, and the companies just regurgitate the federal regs. The insurance companies hold the cards, though, so what they say goes.
Also, the director of the Sage school I might be attending informed me with the qualifications I have after completeing the school getting a job won't be a problem. I know he might say that because of course, he wants me at their school, but it isn't a CDL mill, or community college for that matter, so there must be some truth in his words. He also told me that I don't talk to the right people like he does. He said recruiters have a quota to keep, and through them I would be in contact with the people that matter.
He's probably right.I'm sure Sage has many connections in the industry, and as they have been around for a long time, they should know what they are doing by now. If he's not worried, you probably don't have to be either.
Recruiters will tell you just about anything, true or otherwise, to get you to sign on, so don't trust them any more than you can throw them.
My main objective is just to get the best training I can, for myself and my safety.
Thanks again, keep the information coming!!
Carry on!Good luck!
Answer:
Thank you to everyone who has replied.
Believe it or not it has helped.

Answer:
CRST, USED to hire 21 yr old newbies.(I'm NOT sure if they still do or Not.)
Give them a CALL & find out.
Just remember...they Are a TEAM Oriented carrier & they Are ONE of the LOWEST Paying carriers around.(but, it WOULD be a Start.)

Answer:
I believe you may be able to get a job with a very limited amount of trucking companies.I have talked to a lot of recruiters and most insist that you be at least 23 years old,some say they may consider a very mature 22 year old.I don't want to discourage you but think you should try to get a few pre-hires from some of the companies you might want to work for,just to see where the age thing will come into play.I wish you the best of luck in what ever path you choose to travel. good luck,krp29360
Kenneth R. Pearson