In a perfect world we would be born with the knowledge and training it takes for a specific career as well as the desire to do it. Short of that it takes many years of bouncing from 1 job to another before finding something that "suits us" individually.
There are many ways of getting truck driver training. The first and easiest is being trained by a friend or relative that has his/her own trucking business and is willing to take you on after your training is complete. DIY trucking would also fall in this section but you would need someone with a truck and trailer to practice with and take the dmv test with.
The second would be going to a company sponsored training program with no cost to the applicant up front. This plan works for drivers that do not have 5 grand in their pocket to pay for a private accredited trucking school. Of course there will be a contract that you must agree to in order to receive the training necessary to get your cdl. After you pass the cdl test the in house company will normally hire you as a truck driver and expect the newbie to stay at least 1 year to "pay off the debt" incurred for the training.
The third way is to go through a private, accredited, trucking school and pay for the course yourself with either cash, credit, or loans.
The last 2 require accredited schools to be worthwhile. The insurance companies require their carriers to only hire drivers with prior experience or approved, accredited trucking schools.
Now as to the mode of transportation to the school or ultimately to the company you intend to work for. There will be an invitation extended to you to attend orientation at the company terminal on a specific date and time. The newbie can arrange for his own transportation or the prospective employer will offer 1 of several ways to get you there. The first choice (from a carriers financial standpoint) will be to catch a ride with one of their veteran drivers to the home terminal where they will put you into a local hotel for the duration of orientation (you may find yourself with a room mate again to save the company some money). The next cheapest option (and very common) is a bus ticket to get you to orientation and the next option is an offer to rent the driver a car and permit the driver to drive a rental to the companies terminal.
Be aware that companies which agree to hire newbies go through allot of drivers and in many cases have a 100% turnover rate (or more). This is the nature of the beast so to speak. In order to get into the industry most drivers will have to become an OTR driver first. Good jobs and local employers prefer "experienced drivers." Many new drivers are unable to make the transition to this OTR lifestyle and the time away from home causes many marital and family problems in general. Add to that the inherent difficulties of the job and it is not surprising to see new drivers quit within the first three months. Carriers will, on average, spend approximately $5,000.00 for each applicant that comes through the door. This includes advertising, transportation, background checks, drug screens, physicals, lodging, and food expenses.
So rather than "blame" the bus ride as the beginning of potential problems lets actually consider the applicants responsibility to not only inform himself of the jobs duties and lifestyle but to also spend some time investigating potential employers BEFORE jumping on board.
Large carriers that offer in house training are 1 pathway to getting into the trucking industry. Take advantage of the training. Stay for a year to satisfy the terms of the contract and then look for a better company to work for down the road. Better benefits, better pay, and better equipment are out there IF you take the time to look for it. This requires a clean mvr, no accidents and most importantly; "EXPERIENCE."
The important thing is to do your OWN research. Trucking forums such as this 1 provide a valuable tool and sounding board for gleaning inside information. Consider cross checking employers at multiple forums and even look at rip off report to get inside details on a company from a disgruntled drivers perspective.
Ripoff Report: By Consumers, For Consumers
Do not be ashamed to accept the free ride to orientation whether it be on a bus, a truck, or a rental car. The carriers will offer you an opportunity, it's up to YOU to make it worthwhile.
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