To all prospective drivers of over the road trucks...
CR England and many other companies operate in the same fashion. They train you, help you get your license, pass the tests, put in the time to train you to operate the vehicle and then put you to work.
But understand the training costs the company time and money. You will sign a promissory note basically saying that you will work for them for a specified amount of time once the training is completed. I was lucky, my Uncle had his own company and trainer, but I talked to MANY drivers who found out that they were contractually obligated to work for a comapny for a certain length of time. Some were actually told that their "contract" had been sold to another company and they were to report to the new employer immediately.
Some drivers who wished not to continue were harassed by phone letter, and (supposedly) in a couple of cases, by burly "security" personnel at their door.
In any case, CAVEAT EMPTOR - buyer beware! Remember to READ CAREFULLY all the paperwork your sign. ALL OF IT! If you don't understand something there ask for an explanation.
There are two simple ways around the "company driver" conundrum. The first one is to start as a school bus driver, some districts and companies will train you for free, but it takes time. Then when you have some experience, make the jump to big rigs. Or go to a truck driving school and PAY FOR YOUR OWN TRAING OUT OF POCKET instead of going to a company and signing up for training.
There are very few free lunches in the industry. You CAN get free training but it's hard to fine and will take a LOT of time to complete, or you can pay for the training yourself and then pass out your resume. But the larger companies most likely will put your resume UNDER their "in-house" trainees.
The trucking lifestyle isn't for everyone. So be sure that it is really what you want to do. Go to some truck stops, talk to some drivers (or sit in a booth next to them and just listen) but ask around.
SOURCE: Driver for over 30 years.
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