TDI/CDI may be my only choice?

prometheus1982 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 04:14 PM

Hello all:

So. I've been reading many posts on many forums. It seems that CDI/TDI is a CDL mill, and not so great. However, I may be out of options. The general consensus seems to be that Schneider is a good way to go if you don't have a local community college to go to for a cdl. But, (and this is definately my own fault) Scheider doesn't want to hire me because of a lack of job reference from my last two employers. Well,more correctly stated the lack of a good job reference. I'd make excuses/explain, but on the interwebs it really is just whining. So, my fault. TDI/CDI will train me and I'll probably be able to get with Werner, which is kinda alright as Dollar General is 15 minutes from my house.
Should I just settle for the mill? Roehl probably won't be interested if Schneider isn't. I kinda wish I'd have a chance to meet in person, and sell myself. If they saw my true character and not ink on paper I know they'd think a little longer before turning me away.
I do not want to be a bad/unsafe driver, is there any value with this mill? Thanks for the time and sorry for the rambling post.

TJ

stldude44 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 05:02 AM

P 1982,
Welcome to Truckingboards. You have to get experience somewhere so I'd say go for the 'Mill' if you have to. After a year or so look into getting an LTL job like Yellow, Roadway, Holland, ABF, FedExFrt, Conway, etc. ...LTL is where the best money and benefits are at. Best of luck and let us know how it's going.

vwaggs · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 10:05 AM

The main thing is this......
You are as safe as you make yourself become. Getting a CDL through a mill will get you behind the wheel, its up to you to make sure you have the training/knowledge to be there safely. Anytime you question something, ASK ASK ASK!!! Someones life may depend on it! Hanging out in the evening at the counter of your local truckstop is a good place to get knowledge. After spending the day driving in their truck, yacking for a few hours over a cup of coffee appeals to lots of drivers because they are bored. Most are very proud of their work and are more than happy to impart info.

prometheus1982 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 08:53 PM

thanks for the replies. i greatly appreciate the imput. so far, it still seems i'm heading to the mill. i'm waiting for taxes to cover the bills while i'm there, as i of course won't be receiving wages. in the meantime i'm still going to contact schneider again. and possibly my ex-employers to see whats possible. so far in my experience, the phrase "i just want whats fair to both of us" goes a long way when it is genuine. i shall see what i can accomplish.
if i do indeed go to the mill. i'll probably post my experience and my experiences starting out with the company i go with.
thanks for your time. and any further imput.

TJ

stldude44 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 10:20 PM

Keep in mind that every for truck you see out there there's a driver that was once right where you are now. Some of us oldtimers didn't go to school but we all had to start somewhere. You'll do fine. Always be more careful than what you think you need to be.

Bandana Kid · #6 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 02:41 AM

The CDL mill will limit your options, but there are jobs out there for you. I went through one and am a newbie. Unfortunately, companies will not put you in the best truck. For 2.5 mos I drove a truck that needed maintenance done 6 times. If the truck is disabled, no one makes money off it. Be sure and ask about the maintenance history before you get behind the wheel. If there's been too much maintenance...keep looking.