What's the difference between free CDL training and paying your own way

by Rae
(Iowa, USA)

I want to get into Trucking and obtaining my CDL. Can anyone tell me a positive and negative experience or aspect of going through a free program V.S. paying your own way through school?


Also as woman, what are some aspects that are a real challenge personally and overall?

When I obtain my CDL and finish school I'll be getting a truck with my fiancé and we will be team OTR for awhile until we get local.

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Feb 18, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Free CDL training VS Private Trucking
by: Hervy

Free CDL vs Private Trucking vs Community College\
CDL Training Options
Apr 23, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		FREE CDL Training is out there!
by: Cheri

I received 100% free CDL training & my fuel to and from school was paid for! Call your local Job & Family Services and tell them you are interested in applying for the W.I.A program (Work Investment Act) There is a shirt application, you'll be interviewed (this is to see how dedicated you are to success) so go in prepared to sell yourself :)

The only thing you have to do in return is fill out a questionnaire twice in a year. They use these responses & your success to receive the government funding to continue the program.

Good Luck
Sep 17, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Free?!?
by: NickV

Not really sure what you mean by free CDL training. Some companies are saying it's free but you have to sign a contract with them that after you obtain your CDL you will work for them and only them for 9months to a year.

You quit in that contract they bill you for the full amount. Going to a school you will have to be approved for the full amount as a loan type thing then some companies will match pay when you get your CDL meaning each week a certain amount will come out of your check and every company is different on how much they will help. Not all companies do this so ask your recruiter. I started with CRST right there in Cedar Rapids and they are a good company to start with.

They also have the "free" program going. But I do have to tell you if you go into one of these trucking companies to get your CDL be prepared not to come back home for 6-8 weeks. It will take around about 3-4 weeks straight to get through school and they send you straight into orientation and then right on to the road with a trainer for a month. It's actually probably longer then 6-8 now that I think about it.

As far as being a woman in the industry a woman can do anything a man can do. There are some physical aspects of the job such as pulling tandem pins that may challenge some but usually you are sliding at a truck stop or terminal where there will be help when you need it.

Hope this helps and let me know if I haven't answered anything your still curious about.

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