Question:
Guys, Im thinking of maybe going with Truck Driver Institute in Irwin Pa. Has anyone been through there program in other states? They are a 4 week program. Which includes 100 hours Road and Range and 50 hours of classroom. I talked to a guy from the place and he said the do free training from different carriers that visit the school. Such as Werner, Roehl, Schneider and like 15 others. He also will have me a job after school and they take care of everything like DOT Physical, Obtaining the CDL permit and getting my CDL. They are also a 3rd party tester for the state of Pennsylvania. Has any one been through the other schools in other areas of the country? And are they really good or not??? Truck Driver Institute

Answer:
I live near Irwin. I didn't know there was a school up there.
I have been in the process of signing up with Schneider and their training program. I am not sure I want to live in a truck for such an extended time though. I am wavering. The alternative for me is flipping burgers at 7.00 per hour.
I live in Washington, PA by the way.
I have a deep-seated mistrust of all trade schools. I have bad experiences from all of them.
I went to a mechanics school. When I got out I was qualified to change oil. People walking in off the street were getting the same jobs as me, getting the same money. The school didn't help at all.
I also went to computer school for networking. I might have been able to get a job if this was 1997. I graduated in 2000, right at the end of the Internet boom. What timing.
I've been sitting here trying to decide if I want to commit to a year of living in a fiberglass box.

Answer:
Originally posted by Kananga:
I live near Irwin. I didn't know there was a school up there.
I have been in the process of signing up with Schneider and their training program. I am not sure I want to live in a truck for such an extended time though. I am wavering. The alternative for me is flipping burgers at 7.00 per hour.
I live in Washington, PA by the way.
I have a deep-seated mistrust of all trade schools. I have bad experiences from all of them.
I went to a mechanics school. When I got out I was qualified to change oil. People walking in off the street were getting the same jobs as me, getting the same money. The school didn't help at all.
I also went to computer school for networking. I might have been able to get a job if this was 1997. I graduated in 2000, right at the end of the Internet boom. What timing.
I've been sitting here trying to decide if I want to commit to a year of living in a fiberglass box.
Ya, im in the same boat as you man making, $6 an hour working a hard 50 or 60 hours a week to make ends meet and it sucks. I live out a past blairsville, PA and the jobs suck. We have less than a half a page full. Im currently going to college for business but, I know its not for me at all. I know truck driving is what I want to do more than anything else. I like to travel and work hard. You just don't get that with other jobs. I have relatives in trucking and I am for sure going to go into it. Not so much for the money its more for the experience. I went with my cusin for 2 weeks OTR and I loved every minute. Sure things did seem screwwed up and I was uneasy about it at first but, I relaxed and learned to deal with alot of the things that happen on the road. I didn't ever want to go back to my hell hole of a job after that but, I had no choice and still don't for a little bit yet. I still have somethings to get settled before driving school (like money problems and save a little bit back) but, I am really ready for the change. I am one of those that found sitting behind a desk isn't for me. Hopefully I'll hit the road very soon.

Answer:
Well one of you is taking his time deciding and the oither taking time to get his finances in order. That's a pretty good start for you both.
I am a little curious about only 1 year living an a fiberglass box. It may take more time than that to get a good local job and be home regularly. You may want to think about some more time than that.
As far as the original question about the school. I would have no idea. I never heard of them. If finances are a problem you may want to think about a company school such as Schneider. Looks like they may have some good opportunities in your area. Just go to the below page and put in your state.
Schneider jobs by state.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
Well I Know im gonna be in it for the long haul im sick of working the average job and dealing with the same people day in and day out I really can't take it any more im glad I found this site plus Layover and Etrucker you guys are great for awnsers. This Site is the best by far for questions

Answer:
I am pretty sure I am going to go with Schneider. They make you commit to one year. If you don't stick it out for the year you have to pay back the money they spent on training.
I just got done reading this post http://roundtable.truck.net/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=6456013822&f=6766031032&m=4246021072
Now I am less convinced this is something I want to do. I like the idea of driving around but I don't think I would like not having any sleep. From the way Cesna explained things there is no way around that.

Answer:
You'll be able to get sleep. Not always when you want it or need it. Sometimes you have to keep on moving working the log book to the letter. Other times you'll get loads that allow you stop at regular times and get plenty of rest. You'll just won't know what to expect until you get the next load. It can be enjoyable. One thing you'll need to remember it's a job first then an adventure.
Great Stuff
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
Originally posted by Stuffs:
You'll be able to get sleep. Not always when you want it or need it. Sometimes you have to keep on moving working the log book to the letter. Other times you'll get loads that allow you stop at regular times and get plenty of rest. You'll just won't know what to expect until you get the next load. It can be enjoyable. One thing you'll need to remember it's a job first then an adventure.
http://shop.vendio.com/fishinbiz/
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"
Well ya with most jobs now a days you don't get a normal 9-5 anyways so you should at least get to see more things than 4 walls all day. I'm not going with schneider or werner because, of the equipment factor. I don't like the idea of not having a fridge, microwave or any other convenience left out when you are on the road for weeks at a time plus, being limited on the inverter factor of 150 watts isn't gonna power much too. If your gonna be on the road for a good 2 weeks or more you get use to having these things with you.......

Answer:
12 volt fridge/cooler, 12 volt cook pot, 12 volt coffee pot, 12 volt water heater/boiler, 12 volt roaster and a 12 volt TV is about all I need and have. They even have 12 volt microwaves now days. But I doubt they have much power.
A cig lighter plug 350/500 inverter does the rest. Runs the TV, SEGA and puter at the same time very well for a little one. Slips into the overnite bag quite well also. When I don't want it to be seen.
Yep you'll get to see more things also. There's lots of pretty country on the road. Theres some pretty nasty places also. The scenery does make the job a whole lot easier.
As for sleep. Not many other jobs require you to work 10 hours on and then 8 hours off over and over. Different times everyday or should I say every 10 hours. You'll get to sleep in the middle of the morning, afternoon, evening and at night every now and then. It's a little different. If someone doesn't think they can handle the odd hours. Thats as good a reason as any to find a job their more suited for. Why jump careers and go into something you may not like and end up quitting in a short
Great Stuff
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"