Hitting a speed-bump on the trucking thing.

[gridlore]

Went out to look at Area Truck Driving School and spoke with some of the staff. Very nice. The weekend program is largely self-paced (hell, it's largely based on getting the materials and doing home study on things like the DMV test and pre-trip inspections.) The idea is that I come in and work on driving skills. They offer life-time employment assistance, and their "wall of fame" covers most of the office!

The drawback? It costs $3,805. Now that covers everything.. no fees for "truck rental" or fuel. The only thing I'd have to cover is the DOT physical (which I'll have to research a bit to see how I can cover that.)

Obviously, I'm going to need a student loan. Which is something I'm completely ignorant of. Really, all I know about student loans is that somehow money appears and you are require to pay it back. No clue about who gives them out, or where to start.

At a job site today a trucker mentioned that the Teamsters have their own school. That gets paid for through your dues once you are working. Have to look into that.

Any advice on how to start this process? I fully admit to not knowing what I'm doing.

Comments

[johno.livejournal.com]

Didn't the school mention that? Most VocEd schools know thier students can't pay upfront and probably can't pay in installments either and therefore are very good at getting the loans for you.

Will the trucking licence get you a promotion at your current place?

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

No, this would mean a new job. I love driving for L&S, but I can't plan a life on what they are willing to pay their drivers. I can start at twice at what I'm making now driving for one of the western-states only carriers.

I asked about financial aid, and Raman said they didn't do any of that in-house.

[drewkitty.livejournal.com]

When I was looking into bus driver training programs for work (long story) I talked to these people. Pricey. But worth it.

Getting your own financial aid over the counter at a bank or credit union can be done, but it costs (think consumer rates . . .)

I would probably go with AB instead, which is half the price but less than half the quality.