Question:
I'm looking into getting into the industry. I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice, especially regarding schools. At this point, I'm strongly leaning towards the SAGE school in Muncie, IN. It's a 5 or 6 week program, and all the in-cab training is one-on-one.
Anyone know anything about this school, or know of any others I could look into? Also what can you tell me about U.S. Xpress good and bad as well as any other compay I should look into. IM near Chicago
thanks

Answer:
A lot of Answers to your Questions can be found on TruckNet's "SEARCH" feature(click here)
or......
By searching the Newbies' Archives(click here)

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Thank you I'll do that

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Do a search for posts started by me. I attended that school in Muncie, IN. I covered alot of what you will be dealing with. In hindsight I will say this about the school. During my initial road test with Roehl I was suprised to fing out that alot of the schools out there do not give the same ammount of driving time and milage. I drove approximately 240 miles during school if memory serves correctly. The other people that were in orientation with me only drove between 60-150 miles. The one student one truck one instructor is a little mis-leading, unless they changed since I attended. This was only during the road portion. During the range sessions there was only 1 instructor for 2 students, but each student did have their own truck. The problem with this was, the instructor could not give his full attention to the individual student. Also, you should know in advance that your tuition will only cover the cost for 1 state road test. It is not uncommon for more then 50% to fail their first road test. So if you have to re-test you have to cover the expense $125 per test. You will also not be able to use the school equipment for the retest. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The truck the school uses for the road test is a Volvo with a 48' trailor. If you retest and use the testing sites equipment it is an old Ford day cab with a 40' trailor. You just have to watch the mirrors and take your time. I failed my first test and had to pay the $125 and use the testing sites equipment. Passed on the 2nd go around. This school is not with out it's issues, but if you find that you are not satisfied, do not hesitate to contact SAGE's headquarters and address your issues. I noticed that you are showing that you live in IL, are you planning on transfering your license to IN to get your CDL, then transfering it back again to IL??
Even with the issues that I have stated, I would still say that after talking with other drivers and listening to what they had to say about their schools, the SAGE school in Muncie is not that bad. Another option you may want to consider is the Roehl School in Marshfield WI. The tuition would be comparable. Just something to think about.
DRIVER BY CHOICE
Buzzdog

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Thanks for the info. In the past 24 hours (since writing that post) I've actually started to lean more towards Roehl's program. I've heard some good things about that one.

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Take your time and do your homework. You are already ahead of where I was at by coming to these forums. I did not find or hear of these forums until I was already in school. The school you choose to go to is a huge decision, dont take it lightly. Also the company that you decide to start with is another huge step you will have to take. One thing to keep in mind with regards to all schools in general. Most schools will teach you what you need to obtain a CDL. After you get that prized piece of plastic with your picture on it, you will go through training with a company. This is where the "real" learning will begin. Even after you are finished with training, you will continure to learn. Sometimes the best lessons are the one that are the hardest learned.
DRIVER BY CHOICE
Buzzdog

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email me. The school I attended, while nothing fancy, provided me with a good foundation. As of 4 years ago the tuition was $2800 which included all testing and lisc fees, a DOT physical and drug test, as well as all classroom supplies, etc. It was a 4 week course, 2 classroom, 2 road time. Students are garunteed 500 miles min behind the wheel. They also had some low cost housing available for the out of area students.
Other "benefits" are/were: Lifetime job placement assitance, lifetime refresher courses, you attend until you pass with no additional charges for the course.
Upon graduation I had 7 job offers, so there are many companies that hire from the school.
If you are interested in learning more email me at longhaul99@email.com and be sure to put Trucknet somewhere in the subject line.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.