Actual Training Costs
Many folks just look at tuition amount when thinking of training...don't pay any more than necessary, but the lowest price may not be the best if the program is too long! Companies hire from schools with 3 or 4 week programs...why train longer than necessary?
Here is what you would make from a typical company...$2100 - 6 weeks @ $350 week - company training after you graduate any school
$31,050 - 2,500 miles a week X .27 per mile ($675 a week)
$33,150 - first year income
Each week of training will decrease your first year's income by $675 per week (end of year $$$)
3 week program effect on income: $31,135
6 week program effect on income: $29,100
8 week program effect on income: $27,750
What does this mean? If you work for a company that pays tuition reimbursement (meaning they will pay 100% of your tuition costs), you will earn $2035 less during your first year than if you went to a 4 week program! The same principle applies to full-time verses part-time training..the quicker you get trained, the more money you make.
Low-Cost Community Colleges There are many cheaper community college/vocational programs. However...
1. They are sometimes longer than necessary (6 weeks +)...time is money
2. If you fail a test or part of class, you may fail the whole course and have to retake it
VA/Military Benefits
1. Military benefits typically pay a set amount per month for education
2. Trucking schools are shorter (3_4 weeks), so the benefit is minimal
3. It is unwise to attend an artificially long program that qualifies for partial VA Benefits
4. Since tuition reimbursement by trucking companies will pay 100% of training costs, the VA/military benefits aren't really necessary
Questions to Ask Truck Driving Schools
1. How old is your equipment...most companies use late model, does the school?
2. What is the ratio of students to instructor in the truck...you need to drive, not just sit and watch (4:1 is typical)
3. Is there an official limit to the number of students in each class?
4. How much is your program...they should tell you on the phone, if not, it's too much
5. Can I find out if I qualify for financing before I sign up and put money down...if you can't, then keep looking for an ethical school!
To encourage drivers to work for them out of school, major over-the-road companies offer tuition reimbursement. This is a monthly payment, usually $100-150 per month, sent to the student or to the financing company handling a student's tuition. True tuition reimbursement is over and above regular pay. More Details
Return