Not true. I got my CDL here, didn't pay a penny, and was never held to a repayment agreement or pledge of service. There were some catches, though:

-- California resident.
-- Income threshold.
-- Must be on unemployment and have worked in an industry with low demand and no forseeable growth.

You basically need to be boiling stones for breakfast to satisfy the income requirement. If you're really poor--poverty line or below--you get free housing and three squares a day at no charge. Oh, one more thing: you have to join the Teamsters.

There are resources out there, but you'll have to accrue some "sweat equity" to find those that cater to your circumstances.

 

The workforce investment act is a beautiful thing. WIA will take the entire cost of the CDL training, and in some cases, even pay for some gas to get you there and back. Sure, the red tape you cut through is a pain, and lengthy.. but free money is free money. You do have to stay employed in the profession for a minimum of 18 months though, sending in one paycheck stub, and making one phone call a month.

Oh, I should use the word "free" a little loosely.. tax dollars and all..

 

RunnGun, I am researching this option for myself here in Pennsylvania. Are you aware of exactly which grant it is that covers Driving? there seems to be a bunch of them as listed here:

http://www.paworkforce.state.pa.us/p...essionalsNav=|

I was thinking of going to the Schneider or Swift schools, but I would have to pay them back for the training or sign a contract.

Whammo!

 

Nothing is free. Like others said you are often locked into a contract to work for the company that paid your schooling bill, and if you leave before the contract is up, you get to pay the bill of the school plus some.

If you can afford it, I suggest Western Truck School in West Sac. Talk to Don if you can, really good guy and a good school. I paid 4k for my "education" but it was worth it to me to not be committed to anyone and go where I wanted after I was out of there.

BOL

 

8)

 

Hi Alice! I am going with Western Trucking School in West Sac. I'm taking their weekend classes just to make sure I can cut it. I'm the OP of this topic and I just thought it was interesting that if you found a company you wanted to work for, and they prehired you, then you would not have to pay anything (besides a small down payment) until you started working for that company. I'm looking at Gordon and I think I could put in a year easily with them. That is if I make it through the class!
Steve

 

Steve, if you are in western get to know Don in the corporate office, he will open doors for you if you are a good student. I was lucky, I went there, did well and established good friendships with my instructors (all are gone now but Don) and it helped me out big time. I didn't have to go suffer at Werner for .26cpm as my first job, I was offered a job with a company out of Woodland with a brand new truck, didn't have to run with a trainer and was paid .35cpm, all because I did well in school and had established good relationships with those around me, Don suggested to that company they hire me and they did.

I go talk to the school classes often, motivation or whatever. My biggest advice I give is: Always keep doors open, you never know who your going to be talking to today who can open a door for you tomorrow. Set goals for yourself and live by them. I wanted to be a o/o within my first year, I did it in 10mos. If your told no, keep on trucking because someone will say yes down the road.

Tell the old Volvo hi for me when you drive her, haha

 

Also, if you are interested in Gordon, hit up Kona911 - he ran for them out of school I believe

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...profile&u=6400