I Should DO WHAT To Pay For CDL School Training?

[@kennethg5460]

This was a very long winded explanation for what not to do. Guys the first year in trucking will be tough. But if you are willing to hustle and run hard you can earn $50k to $60k your first year. You will not make that working at a food court. Ever. First off never over leverage yourself to pay for school. No second mortgages. Save your money, borrow from loved ones, or take out a student loan. The average trucking school costs anywhere from $3000 to $6000. Never pay more than that. Never get into a company sponsored truck driver training program. They own you until that money is paid in full. Make sure you train on a manual transmission in school and drive a manual transmission on your first job. Once you have driven a stick shift Semi for at least a year you will be qualified to drive anything. That gives you more job options. Get all your endorsements up front. Do one full year at your first company. After that if the money is not good enough leave and get another job. It's that simple. Only a fool would stay with a company that is not paying well. You are a trained professional. Once you get at least 12 to 18 months of safe reliable driving under your belt you can go anywhere where the money is. Do not settle. 50 to 60k is not good money for someone with experience. 2 years in you should be looking to earn 75k and up. There are drivers out here making 80,90,100k,and up with 2 to 4 years experience. Those are the numbers you should be shooting for. Otherwise why are you doing this job? Self-employment is another way to go.

[@Arizona_rider]

This is how I did it. I worked a crappy warehouse job and rose so far but not to the top because I had a goal. Trucking so I set my 401k to aggressively and lived in a small apartment with 2 kids. I just lived modest not poor not rich. I hit 30k on the 401k and pulled it all during COVID-19. No penalties and I paid my taxes upfront but you have 3yrs to pay it. I then signed up with southwest trucking school paid 5k upfront. I then paid my bills 2 months ahead. I focused on my school and once ppl seen the schools name they practically fought over me. I came out with a cdl and the job I wanted and it wasn’t swift or cr England. None of those typical companies. I make more money now than I have ever made. I had money left over too so I had a brand new engine put in my dually. Big block Chevy and I don’t owe anyone a dime

[@dwdavis73]

I went to Swift to get my class a and God do other drivers love talking trash about swift. Swift keeps me rolling and I earn money to take care of my family.

[@randythompson1957]

Is minimum wage 60k per year now? Where can I get a food court job for 60k per year? That's information I need.

[@redimidorc]

Hey guys I been in this job for 30 years and I'll love to train some one for free that's the way I learned there was no school back then whe I started

[@caesarguzman5831]

Where are you located?

[@cakemkrcody]

Where are you located?

[@ronaldbouvette7215]

I paid 1700 through a votech and I had job offers before I graduated.Having a CDL has put alot of money in my bank account.

[@mysticalmagi2565]

I'm 23 years old and make at least 2000 a week pulling chemical tanker on ELOGS , granted this is a really good job but there is money in specialized , tanker and oversized .

[@richardvenegas74]

I drive for a company that paid my training and gave me a job. I’m doing local home everyday, taking 1000-1200 clean. I’m lucky that I didn’t pay that kind of money,it’s crazy.

[@derickballew5941]

The way I got mine, and highly recommend it, is go to your work force development center and get a voucher for the school cost. My cdl didn't cost me a dime. Also I only run local so the money is decent and I'm home every nite.

[@sarahann530]

Derick Ballew Is that the new name for Welfare Office ?

[@kmelodic4545]

Trucking pays more than the average job live simple and you'll do fine

[@freakshow1711]

I start trucking school in a few weeks I got a grant for it through the state of Michigan though single no kids, why not? Always liked being on the road may as well do it for a living.....

[@joewalters2409]

I just got the manuals from dmv studied and took the written test and borrowed a truck and took the driving test didn't spend any more than $350.00

[@SmartTrucking]

That's the way to go! Dave

[@robertcoia130]

Joe, just a couple of questions. If I get my CDL permit first, would I need someone else to come along when borrowing a truck to take the road test, because I only hold a permit? And also does it matter what kind of truck I borrow to take the road test? Thank you very much in advance, I've thought long and hard about getting my CDL soon.

[@JackIsNotInTheBox]

You can take the test without going to the classes? whaaaa

[@aRaunTReLL]

Joe Walters can I email you

[@clarencejohnson5558]

Joe Walters

[@skoldiersoup8409]

All the CDL jobs I see start at 60k a year. You ain't making even 30k a year at a food court.

[@jimbrown1127]

A lot of us make around $1400 a week. You wont get rich driving a truck but it's still a great job if you're willing to go that extra mile with a good company. Regional dedicated is the way to go.

[@tonyapurdie7263]

Jim Brown thanks 🖒🖒

[@Rick-tb4so]

How many hour per week ??

[@miguelrobb5719]

Jim Brown 1400 a week is good money still. Most jobs don't pay that.

[@tommygunz5356]

Rode with my cousin who has his own and just a carrier licence... He has a broker... Rode with ham and watch him make 3k in one day...

[@derekintrovert5619]

Jim Brown Thank you I'm worry about my age I'm over 50 now no wive or kids met a Great woman I want to marry

[@robertdixon6536]

I'd be damned if I spent $8,500 on driving school.

[@davidmorgan858]

If you’re going to go to a truck driving school don’t pay anybody check into a JTPA grant. It will pay you to go to school a very small amount but, it’s better than paying. Don’t go to one of theses companies that have one of their own schools that’s a rip off you will regret it. Trucking gets a little worse every year the roads get more crowded. The pay doesn’t keep pace and it’s long hours even for local drivers. I have been doing it for 27+ years and now I drive a yard mule at a plant and I’m much happier. Good luck to anyone who wants to do this for a living and be safe.

[@jimsquire9048]

I use to be an instructor at a CDL school.I was there 4 years and did a damn good job because I cared about my students. Over those years I saw how the school only wanted the $ and the students just numbers.I loved doing in truck training but didn't really care for the in class. One day during an in class session I had had enough and just walked out because I couldn't see eye to eye with the heads at the main school. I met a lot of good gals and guys and still miss the in truck stuff. The only thing I have to say about a driving school is this. It's not a school, it's a business. My job was to take people off the street and make them good enough to pass their test in the time I had with them. Most of them I had faith in but I know a small handful I did get though the course should have never got behind the wheel of a big truck. It wasn't like a real school where if someones just not getting it you can hold them back a year. I'm sorry to have to say that but I did have a hand in putting some people out there that should not have been but that was the job.

[@tim001ca]

Just finished my AZ course, got offered 5 jobs in 24hours, accepted a job with 2012 or newer truck at .56c per mile..... Not bad....

[@TomasEnriqueAraya]

Line haul with Werner right out of training. 66k per year. Home every night. I'm happy.

[@CanadianBullFrog]

Props to Bulldog Driving School in Red Deer, Alberta for actually teaching drivers behind the wheel!

[@McClellan71]

Having a company train you and then fulfilling the year with them can be worth it, it just depends on your outlook. I found myself at 40 without an education and making around 40k in sales, and not happy. I do work long hours and I am home only every 3 days or so but it's the only profession where I can make 60k+ a year at this point, and I don't hate it. The first year I was OTR and gone a lot, but that's how you learn, after a year you can get pickier on where you want to go.. find a line haul job and you'll be home a lot.

[@jay130me]

I went to a local community college that had a CDL program and it was paid for thru a state grant. It was 8wks long and you got trained on all your endorsements. Even if you didn’t qualify for the grant the program was only $3000. And since it was thru an accredited college you were eligible for financial aid.

[@63stratoman]

Had a CDL years ago. Got it back by taking some “practice tests” to pass my written exam then paid around $500 to “rent” a truck to take the road test. I now make a lot more than more than minimum wage, don’t have to take a lot of crap, and DO NOT drive a governed truck! Getting my “truck legs” back, I feel like a “rookie” and an “old timer” at the same time! No reason to ever waste your money on “CDL School!” If you are just starting out, there are plenty of carriers willing to train you: some poorly, others fairly well (Prime and Stevens are two that come to mind).

[@5thman677]

Bet the private CDL schools just love this guy, Lol. He sounds like he knows his stuff. I appreciate the words of wisdom from a guy whose been there.

[@drumspipes]

Just found this, and see a lot of comments about your realistic point of view- and it's a good one. No need to get into debt to get a job. Nice to see someone that stands for professionalism in their industry!

[@SmartTrucking]

I just can't stand to see good people getting screwed! Thanks for watching! Dave

[@redbluesome2829]

I like this channel, it’s a great advocate for trucking, but it’s often unfairly negative. The mall food court ain’t paying no $50-60-70k+ per year. And nobody has to pay $8,500 for a CDL, there are tons of schooling options in the range of $5k or less. But even at $10k, no other credential offers a better return on investment. Number one, this profession is *definitely* what you make of it, and you have to want to do it, that is key to anything! Either OTR or closer to home, there is plenty of opportunity to make enough to raise a family. And truthfully, trucking is more physically “comfortable” than it’s ever been. A person can still change their life for the better in this industry, and folks do it everyday. Anyone who thinks of it as a total drag that pays less than minimum wage should just go ahead and work at the food court. But guaranteed you aren’t raising a family on *that!* Personally, I love it. 🚛💰💕

[@dustinstout8083]

Red Bluesome also with what you said all these guy that talk bad about trucking their half right but I don't see them quitting it just seems funny to me......

[@CrowdControl123]

Red Bluesome - Agreed! I’ve been driving for 17 years and have always done well. I paid $1,800 for school, found a company who would reimburse my tuition in the first year, and the rest is history. It’s like anything else. Do your research and do what makes sense. One Exception: If you’re young and married with kids... find something else to do!!! The learning curve is too long and you run a high risk of losing your family and wasting your money on school, for a job that isn’t practical for you. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but the failure rate is ridiculous for people in your situation.

[@djdev3077]

You have to be a troll,a beginner driver the pay is minimum wage,500 gross,you can make at McDonald's,and be with your family every night or do whatever you want when you get off,all the time you spend in a truck you should be making 100,000 grand a year,the driver is the the least paid and most inconvenienced in the whole logistic scheme,you got dispatchers making more money than a driver,take your rose colored glasses off!!!!!

[@adventuresofwillandshelby6013]

I had plenty of farm and local experience, but everyone wanted a certificate. With two kids, I wound up having to finance my schooling for 8500 and change... didn't have 3500 bucks laying around... it's the government regulations.

[@beartube93]

Stevens, which is a shit company, pays .27cpm and if you drive 40 miles in an hour that's $10.80 in that hour. Saying truck driving is less than min wage is a lie.

[@rickyphillips7029]

I know it’s like this down here in most States, but the WorkForce program will pay for your schooling to go to local trucking schools if you qualify.

[@jakereed8282]

Community college is the way to go buddy of mine did it for 1,100 dollars paid in full threw fisfa took 2 months to complete they drive every single day and do alot of hands on.

[@harveymathis1565]

Man he really tells it. I really appreciate him for looking out for truckers.

[@hotj2006]

The guy is correct, another Big mistake is, go to school for the Permit, Just don't, The permit it's about answering questions only, if your brain retains information, I Just read the manual and buy the answers some guys even told me here at N.Y DMV I wasn't goin to pass this quick because they fail, I teach them wrong, .No need of school. I did it in only a week i pass them all the same day Gk,AB,Cmb,D/T, Tow,Tank .After I let my permit expired but . But because I still remember alot i study all night and 2 days and pass them all again. SAVE $ for your Driving skills and learn what's coming on the road test and Pre-trip test .

[@CregggFerguson]

My husband paid for his training with 9 months of labor. It was the worst 9 months of our lives, but we got through it. It's much better now, three years in.

[@Usernamehear]

Truck driver pay beats auto mechanic pay that I can tell you

[@sergeantspeed5941]

Unfortunately I had no choice. Paid 3800 for my license. 3 months of learning. Almost all backing. It was a good learning experience but expensive. Nobody here would let me in a truck even with my permit and past farm experience. Was gonna borrow a truck and trailer to get my license but even then. Nobody hires without verifiable miles, or a certificate. With no money in the bank I had to do it because I was guaranteed a .41cpm job with good home time. I don't want to be OTR but I always wanted to try. I loved trucks since I could comprehend what they were. It pays the bills but with only a few months in, I'm already looking for a way to stay home.

[@StephenTatasciore]

Sergeant Speed apply at Old Dominion & you'll be home every night & make great money! Email me & we can speak live! You don't need to drive OTR! I did & it doesn't pay!

[@sergeantspeed5941]

Stephen Tatasciore do you guys pull only doubles? That's the only time I recall seeing those trucks. I just bought a house so relocating isn't an option at the moment. I'm in grand forks ND

[@SkilledEddie]

I agree the pay is low but I just started last year I'm clearing 8-900 now so that's in the range of $12-$15 an hour. The only reason I got in this is to save money for property fairly quick by basically living in my truck saving most of my money. I'm a single guy but if I was married with kids I'd never drive a truck to begin with. I wouldn't want to be away from my family out on the road living in a box screw that.

[@mr_nice.]

well I'd gladly go to this guy's trucking school, if he had one!!

[@TheCarnivoreSoprano]

mrnicehearted me too

[@cobra3371]

I've said it since I started watching the Dave should be teaching out next gen of drivers

[@dritt-drittpaniagua739]

I don't remember anymore how long I've been driving since I was 16 when you could not get a license. Amen brother to this video I've been in a long time. When I was 16 somebody said there's a truck over there in that parking lot go over there and figure it out

[@wallysworkin823]

Stay out of large trucking schools!!! When I started I went to a small CDL Trucking school where they rent the truck by the hour for basic training (still in business today). Once I got my CDL I found a small company that would hire me for local driving first. After 6 months I was trained for OTR and the rest was history.

[@fargeeks]

wally twixter now that I wish I could find , local driving first before OTR

[@solck7286]

fargeeks you can i don't know where you live but fedex, xpo, abf those companies look for student drivers they will even help you get your license. (Im in Cali)

[@patrickdehaan3670]

This is as rare as hen's teeth

[@johngivens4644]

I was going to RoadMaster in SA and after being sent home. (a instructor got fired) I got a full refund with my permit. Enrolled in a small place this week and saved 5100$ The only thing is I am going to have to wait a month because DPS is backed up for testing...

[@alrodriguez5738]

John Givens what’s the small place you enrolled if you can share the info will be much appreciated

[@MrDavidrex]

I'm 55 with a CDL, got it at 18 being a rural Colorado kid, hauling grandpas cows, my trade is carpentry. Hundreds have asked me why I don't use it and this is why. God bless those in the industry I know it is a brutal life. Stay strong hope this all works out.

[@wheelman1235]

It's called throwing sand in your eyes ! I drive semi's in Europe and the pay is shitty over here too . I entertain thoughts of going over to North America and drive one of those awesome KW's. But what's the point in driving one of those class 8 trucks and getting paid wages for soup . In the meantime, I'll stick around over here and do the best with what I have . Keep on trucking, if you can. Thanks for current events.

[@redbluesome2829]

Annibal Moreira - Don’t believe all the bullshit you hear from people who are clearly burned out, or simply ill suited to the job. At least in North America, there is money in trucking. You can also end up a slave to the steering wheel if you let it. Like anything, you have to use your head. And yes, the KW’s and Petes are awesome.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Annibal! Drive safe! Dave

[@Airflores322]

Thank you for this report, my Son watched it and he's looking for something else now, lol. He was going to trucking school at the end of the month, lol. Thank you for saving the day.

[@tonyryan1982]

Truuu! I got my CDL 14yrs ago thru CRST &did my year (contract obligated me to a 6 month commitment) &I had to FORCE the "teacher" to give me drive time! Bottom line,the "driving "school "teaches"you to get your CDL!You get your experience from the company (the trainer is a toss up)! He's spitting all facts! Keep up the good work, sir!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Tony, will do! Dave

[@someperson7]

They're hiring new driver because new drivers work for nothing. 5 hours seat time was the average at my company's school. 6 grand if you don't finish the year. So unless you can find a new job for *more* then a 6 grand a year raise you work for nothing for a year. Anybody that can do the research and pass the tests can get a CDL. You can do it for less then then $200 IIRC. But you have to be taught how to back, which means knowing somebody with a truck. And you have to find a company that will take you with no school and no experience.

[@lamontrichie8310]

DUDE!! You just saved me a boatload of money!! Good looking out!!

[@Midnitexowboy]

WOW!! I JUST GOT MY C.D.L AND WAS OPTIMISTIC UNTIL I WATCHED THIS THANKS ANYWAY FOR THE VIDEO NOW I'M GOING TO THE BAR😥😞

[@SmartTrucking]

I'll see you there! Dave

[@jalonniegray5949]

I appreciate your video and totally understand where you're coming from being a new driver myself.

[@Nerzhina]

Hi Dave, thank for making these educational & informative videos about truck driving in Canada/USA. Thanks for your insight into the trucking industry. Best wishes, stay safe on the roads.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Drive safe! Dave

[@michaelmccosley3766]

I go my CDL for just a few hundred dollars from community college. Lots of seat time and when I finished, I knew how to drive. I always recommend a local community college.

[@ew5048]

My wife and I went to a 3rd party school, didn't pay more than an application fee, got picked up from a mega carrier they paid my loan off. Bought a truck through the leasing program and paid it off, they even helped with the balloon payment after the bank turned us down. My experience was probably an exception. Overall best decision I ever made, had better knowledge than the trainers, and I could put most of our dispatch and planners in their place.

[@jeffstephens2775]

Regulated by the hour but paid by the mile.

[@g41thomas]

You are 100% correct. It is the same or even worse situation within busing and charter bus business... As always nice video

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Dave

[@fenyx2709]

thanks for the honesty

[@jeffstone7912]

Truck schools are overpriced. I paid $2500 for truck school years ago and it was overpriced them. All they do is get you a license they don’t teach you much. I put my school on a credit card. Then I hammered the payments. I had it paid off in six months. Don’t get hooked into indentured service by going to accompany school. If you finance the school yourself you have the freedom to work for any company immediately.

[@lyndseygoodness225]

Thank you for this video. I hope and pray you will have your own Fleet of truck drivers one day

[@almaflores4927]

Thank you Sr. For sharing this information it just made a whole lot of sense, God bless✌

[@MichaelRCarlson]

Dave, guys may come down on you for picking on the industry, but all us guys who drove back in the day know better, and it's not just nostalgia, or a bunch of grumpy old farts complaining about "kids these days". Trucking was always tough, but at least truckers were good to each other, more of the companies were fair, and the pay was at least a middle class income in exchange for all of those hours. I guess the new guys just don't have the same frame of reference. Hopefully some are wise enough to listen to you.

[@Ravenlocke118]

National middle class income as of 2017 was $55,775. If you're not making that as a Class A trucker then you're doing something wrong.. My now deceased father in law made that driving a STRAIGHT TRUCK for a LOCAL company.

[@redbluesome2829]

Michael Carlson - Truckers aren’t as good to each other anymore, but that’s not stopping anyone from being a good trucker, or making six-figures if they want to. Trucking may not be what it used to be, but nobody could ever say it isn’t largely what we make of it. There is plenty of opportunity!

[@mikdybals9618]

hell yeah... couldn't agree more

[@SmartTrucking]

I hope so. Thanks for watching Michael! Stay safe! Dave

[@bongokidd1113]

OMG Dave! Talking about bad showers, there's a mobile at Champlian NY on I-87 & hwy 11, I went inside there to shower, and all I could do is rip the shower curtain down and walk away!

[@SmartTrucking]

Some of them should be condemned by the Board of Health! Dave

[@jc-zresourcemulch2636]

The truth can discourage you, however if it wasn't for truckers like smart trucking who actually cares about helping others that want to join the industry, who knows where this awesome Industry will end up. Driver pay is at the top of the list. I agree. There's still big money up for grabs but usually for owner operators and experienced drivers. I would consider making your trucking career a long term strategy. That's why I decided to step up and help the industry. I started sharing videos on my own channel. Be safe out there guys.

[@patriot9455]

I learned how to drive in the oilfield. Even in the oilfield, I made a salary. In the real world of trucking, your first two to three years are going to be with a company that probably pays by the mile in a company truck. I did not make a good living until I got with a carrier that paid percentage. They required two years experience that their insurance company would accept. If you have a DUI in the past 10 years, many insurance companies will not allow you to drive a truck they insure. Bad driving record, speeding, reckless driving, a number of other infractions can keep you out of CDL qualification with a training company. I lasted over 40 years, one day, at a physical, a doctor asked me what else I wanted to do. I could no longer pass a physical. My blood pressure was 10 points out of range, and the medication that kept it in range was redefined as a restricted narcotic. That was in 2015. I am still finding my place in this world. Without my medical card, I was unskilled labor. It sucked. it still does, but, I am making myself over and will succeed. Try to have office skills or some training you can go to if it is time to leave the road.

[@rasheedwhite4647]

I've seen companies advertised for 50 cents a mile . I've been out of the industry for a long time , but the one thing I've learned is to get a dedicated account if you're working for a carrier

[@hispanic88]

I feel for the new guys getting into OTR. You guys need to look into driving local for aggregate companies. Home everyday. My father and I run dump trucks with aggregate sand for residential homes. Home everyday and I personally profit 2K+/week after expenses.

[@Batmobile769]

I've spoke to airline pilots, dentists, insurance brokers, chiropractors, who all hate their job and regret doing it. There is a reason everyone by age 8 has heard the saying "Grass is always greener on the other side".

[@timtravasos2742]

Great point and info.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@jberry1982]

Plus using Swift academy and other companies will own your CDL I paid cash up front on mine and I had the choice where I worked

[@rogersawyer9265]

When I started in the early 70s,I got in a truck and figured it out myself.what I didn't figure out,I asked the veteran drivers.back then most were willing to answer any questions you had.i also was driving farm vehicles by the time I was 8 years old.

[@tscottme]

In the USA there are programs called variously WOIA or WIA, administered through the state unemployment offices, which will give you the tuition for CDL school if that job is an income boost to the applicant. I believe the Federal govt pays the cost, but the states administer the program. You can still find CDL schools and/or carriers that only charge $3500 for the CDL training/license. That's what I paid 20 plus years ago. The most important thing in this industry to learn is YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU. The newbie cannot rely on his company or others the keep him from making a mistake (financial or otherwise). This industry gives you enough "freedom" to wreck your life and little enough oversight to do it. "Somebody should have stopped me" will not protect newbies.

[@KR4Qep]

I've never heard of this. Companies will line up to sign you for 10 months to a year in exchange for your tuition, and other companies offer tuition reimbursement. The pay on the other hand, you gotta figure out if living a month in a truck at a time is worth 3k a month to you

[@drewbizkey9548]

Good advice , I’m about to start at Phoenix driving institute. It’s important to consider all the factors , not all companies train with manual trucks which can hinder you’re opportunities with getting hired after training, find one with newer equipment , licensed companies with the DMV is also important , company sponsored training is the best route.

[@lacygorman9154]

The trucking companies are paying for the schools as long as you work for them for a certain amount of time. The only question I have is which one is best to learn from. I have a plan. I intend to follow that plan. No family to worry about. So, in your opinion, which company is the best to sign onto with? Before I sign up with anyone, I want to research the best way I can, to make the best choice. Thanks.

[@RiffRaff1062]

Trucking companies have become more ruthless, despicable, disgraceful, ignorant and disrespectful toward the driver over the years, shame on them, and until things change the trucking industry is going to remain in the crapper. I am an old man now , 8 long years till retirement and I feel that I am stuck in an industry that I no longer wish to have any part of and to damn old to change to something else, trucking is all I have ever done. Looking back on it I wish I would have been more diverse or chosen a completely different career entirely. And as for us drivers we can only hope for improvements for the future.

[@jimcole6423]

Thank you for all you do. You actually care. A true American.

[@MoosemanR]

Yes Sir, good to see someone being honest in such a dishonest business of thieves. Thanks Brother!

[@SmartTrucking]

I just hate seeing guys get screwed! Dave

[@pheleant]

Sad, but true. Thanks Dave, for being honest, even if it upsets people. I know guys with Class A's that also have all the endorsements that are driving locally, and driving class B trucks for just this reason. Those of us over 45 years old remember what this life used to be like. When Millsap wrote "Prisoner of the Highway" he was referring to the absolute pride that we took in driving, and driving safely. Now that song title has taken on a new meaning. Years ago, if you knew someone that had a CDL, you could ask them to help you get yours, and they sometimes would. Now we're regulated and red tapes to the point that waking up in the am just isn't as exciting as it once was. Dave, would I be out of line if I said: Don't let the Hazing you might get kept you from driving a dump truck, water truck, or any other local job. The pays better, your home every night, and mostly appreciated for what you do. That's my experience. There are always jobs in the Rocky Mountain region, as a rule. Ask the local guys if they are being treated well. It might be the best thing for you.

[@SmartTrucking]

All good advice and true Shannon! Dave

[@davehughesfarm7983]

A lot of farmers got Grandfathered in 25 years ago on CDL's

[@josephboley]

Good morning my friend.thanks for the great information.great video.be safe out there and keep the rubber side down.much love from West Virginia.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Joseph! Dave

[@natedean5815]

Most schools in my area are around 5k USD. And they employ for life. They guarantee 800-1000 USD a week. And a lot of local companies are offering 1300 USD for local dedicated routes (with experience). I dunno, I do labor work and I make about 300 weekly to destroy my body in the blazing hot sun. I'd put up with a lot for 800-1300 a week. I do appreciate the input though.

[@jbtcajun5260]

My local community college has a course. After they get their liscense students are placed with a number of local companies who will get them seat time.

[@mannyanaya4189]

No TDS should cost $8.5k!!! That’s highway robbery! $3k. TOPS!

[@Cryptorocker2000]

My step dad drives a Truck and makes almost 800 dollars a week. ANd he is telling me that some haz mat guys are making 100k a year.

[@thejewishredneckprepper4675]

This is so cool and true. Many reasons that you said is why I got into trucking and also out of it. I truly do what I love doing now, even though, this career has its up and downs, just like trucking. Enjoy the journey my friend and keep these awesome videos coming. Shalom from Bubba

[@SmartTrucking]

Shalom Bubba! Dave

[@waynefoutz]

It was twenty years ago for me, but i went to a community college in the next county over from where i live, and took my CDL training. At the time, all it cost me was $1300

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

wayne foutz 97 i went to northern academy of transportation training in sudbury ontario. 5500 bucks for 7 weeks. I had a fuk of a time getting a job due to my age.

[@SmedleyButler1]

Ernie Desjardins old or too young age? I'm 44 and thinking of getting CDL from Knight

[@letsgetitmindset]

These schools now in days must don't teach them how to back. I'm tired of going places waiting 35 minutes for someone to back in a wide open slot

[@killbilly069]

Remember when truck driving school wasn't a thing and there were professional driver's out here. Now there are school's everywhere, more rookies that shouldn't have a CDL and the pay is worse then ever. Anyone else seeing the picture being painted? On a side note I've been thinking about selling my truck and going back to work turning wrenches. Lord knows I made more money, was happier and home life was much better!

[@sarahann530]

Jeff Kimberlin So you are saying there were no rookies before driving schools popped up . Explain ?

[@alexsantiago357]

the best classy exquisite trucking insight on the internet , thanks dave.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@markvaars37]

This is why I recently quit driving and got a job that has nothing to do with the trucking industry. I'm tired of the BS and wasting my life for nothing

[@SmedleyButler1]

Mark vaars what industry? I'm searching hard for something and listening to suggestions

[@PopeDPG]

I hear there is pretty good money what were u making?

[@nevergiveupnevergivein7655]

Get the government to pay for it through WIOA. Problem solved.

[@johnrisinger451]

I left truck driving twenty five years ago to just wrench on trucks. The newbie drivers get put on the irregular route and forced dispatched routine that increase the chances of getting lost or in a accident. Any other occupation would start you on something easier instead of being thrown into deep water at the start. It's almost like an internship before you can hope for a dedicated or local gig after a few years. As a mechanic, I listened to a lot of truck driver woes.

[@JW-ut7uk]

John Risinger very true. When I was green with only 2 months solo off to Queens,N.Y. I went. My stress level was off the charts.

[@TomasEnriqueAraya]

I work for a carrier who put me on a dedicated Wal-Mart account right out of school making 1200-1500 a week...and home every night. They paid me a 3k sign on bonus. I've been driving on my own for only a month now...so this is recent.

[@Katmandu2]

That's not Internship. That's HAZING !

[@blownscoot]

This guy hit the nail on the head.

[@skulldeath2334]

my biggest complaint about the school I went to was not the fact they charge 5,000 to but the fact ive had my CDL for about two years and I can't find a place that is hiring and that is willing to train me.

[@Therehabanddocumentationguru]

Your words are applicable well beyond trucking. Thanks.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir!

[@melissachree]

This man is speaking pure facts!!!!

[@CodyPerryy]

My school was 4500 in 2020 and the state paid for it. It was a pretty good school as far as I'm concerned. It's still a good career of you can handle the first couple years.

[@patrickgambsky6290]

Thanks for the advice you seem like an experienced truck driver yourself 👌

[@JimzAuto]

1) Attended Roehl 'Get your CDL' school- 'barely' failed. They want $7k and have put a strike against my credit report. 2) Georgia Technical College- 2 weeks class, 2 weeks range, 2 weeks daily road. Great driving training, excellent driver trainers. Approx $2k total costs. Both were good programs. I didn't expect to fail Roehl's school, and certainly didn't expect them to 'come after me' when I failed the driving exam.

[@natureboy1313]

NAFTA sure had a role in lowering the quality of pay and the drivers in this industry. It has been about 25 years since NAFTA has been enacted

[@danielgouge4639]

He's giving good advice here. When I started driving 20 yrs ago I trained with a good company and it was zero cost to me. I drove a year to satisfy the contract with them and since I teamed it was good pay starting out. Of course you move on to top pay carriers. I've earned over 80k so far this year driving OTR as a company driver. But yes a lot of companies still pay lower cents per mile. You just have to believe in yourself and know what your time behind the wheel is worth and take action about partnering with a good carrier. Those most unhappy are in that shape because they are settling instead of going where its better.

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly right on the money! Dave

[@jonathanbulman1184]

Well said brother, thank you for speaking the truth!

[@eliomartinez8869]

Thank god for this honest man , god bless you . I was thinking of going to trucking school but I knew it was too good to be true . all I know is you need your own truck and going to a company to put you though school sounds like a bad idea

[@toxic1698]

Something I've learned over the years and finalized after I started in the trucking industry is anytime someone tells you "there's good money in ________." There usually isn't and it's almost always borderline slave labor.

[@conservativepersonnel8458]

I got the book at the local DMV read it studied it, passed the knowledge test by myself, applied for a company with my permit and they taught me the driving stuff!! Get off your butts people and study that shit

[@tdashkevich]

Paid $500 for my CDL, trained and passed the same day. Been driving for 2 years now. $8,500 is insane.

[@SmartTrucking]

Agreed! Dave

[@thepitmanbull1877]

You got a new subscriber just for making this video sir. I was thinking of getting my cdl and this video definitely makes sense. Thank you man!!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

My pleasure sir! Glad you enjoyed it! Dave