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.

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

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

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

Free CDL vs Private Trucking vs Community College\
CDL Training Options
Apr 23, 2015
Rating
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
Rating
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.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Women In Trucking.

Show / Hide