I live in ontario canada and am looking into a trucking career. Im looking into a school in my area. Money is not really an issue cause i can get a loan from my dad. Going for Az is 4 times as much money as the Dz course. 5200.00 compared to 1250.00. Id like to Go with Dz but i am concerned about how long it will take to get a job right out of school compare to A classes. I see that there is way more jobs in the A class.

What are some of your suggestions as to what would be best for me.

 

You may want to look into the Canadian Trucking Human Resource Council requirements. Canada is taking a strong stand on AZ courses and qualified schools. The Council, employers, schools and insurance companies have all been working together on this. It is my understanding that a national standard in training and safety one of the mandates. Below is a link to their site.

http://www.cthrc.com/en/index.php

I too am researching the industry. I have been in contact with one of the larger carriers. I suggest you give some of the carriers a call, you will find that the smaller companies require minimal 2yrs experience. The larger carriers require a course. Some of the carriers will reimburse your tuition if you sign on for 1yr........again giving you that experience to come back home & work for a smaller/local company.


BOL to you.

 

waltddp,

I just finished my AZ course here in Ontario, Canada and i recommend you research that the school is accredited. Ask them if they provide you with an Insurance Certificate from TTSAO when you finish the COURSE. viewed as 3 yrs experience(supposedly) in any insurance company's eyes. Also the LETTERS from the insurance company stating they recognized the TTSAO certificate and school.
basically the insurance company will decide if your employer will hire you.

As for jobs go call companies before hand and ask them if they hire from your school. and job search hard and follow-up daily.

 

Hey, Some body make me smarter...whats DZ vs AZ ?

 

MTO (Ministry of Transport of Ontario) classifications....

Z = Air brake endorsement
A = "An tractor-trailer combination"
D = "Any truck or combination provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg" (including 5 tons)

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/

 

I would go ahead and get the AZ if it is possible. You can drive anything below that after. You will have to do a road test for the D so may as well get it over with and do the road test for the A.

Another thing to consider, is that eventually the road testing will become harder as the government makes changes. It is not hard now to get the AZ.

 

For our American friends here :
D - Any truck or combination provided the towed vehicle is not over 10,000 pounds.

 

thanks joettanne

 

Thanks for the replies guys. The school in my area is with the TTSAO so thats fine there. One other question. You guys say that i should job hunt by calling carriers but i see all training school say they offer job placement help. How reliable are they as far as job placement goes. Do they try to get you hired right away? Whats the average hire time for students right out of school?

 

I have recently met with a school in my area and with a recruiting officer of a large carrier.

I went the back door & called few carriers asking if they hire fresh out of school & which schools......basically I interviewed the carrier. Besides being an accredited school, you will also need to know which carrier hires from which schools. Call the carrier recruiting officers........ask away! You also want to know if & what kind of training is provided by the carrier once you are hired, the benefit pkg if any, pension, hours, hometime swing etc. If $$ is an issue, you may wish to ask if they will reimburse tuition or part of tuition. Remember if they do, you will NOT receive full tax deduction for it. Dont be afraid to call them to ask any questions.

Job placement is 1 thing, getting hired is another. Like I said, you NEED to be sure a carrier will hire from that particular school. One I spoke to will hire within 90 days graduation.

BOL to you waltddp!