Mark’s thoughts were interesting in that he feels that the truck driving schools are well liked right now due to the starting pay of $40,000.

Another article, named “Trucking Payrolls Steady as Unemployment rate Holds at 9.6%” in the Transport Topics Newsletter, talks about how the unemployment is still up and is 9.6% here in the United States while truck driving jobs are always available.  In fact, to quote the Transport Topics Newsletter, “Transportation and warehousing employment rose by 9,600, led by gains in transit, couriers and messengers, and warehousing and storage employees.”

With so many people out of work and for so long, people are starting to view new careers where there is stability for their livelihood and to care for their families.

Truck driving jobs are not hurt by the economy because people still need to eat, even when times are hard.  Plus, products still need to move from point A to point B and trucks are an inexpensive way to move the shipments.

There are hundreds of truck driving school classes being taught all across the country.  The best schools are those that guarantee a job when finished.  Once accepted into the schools, the graduates have a paycheck for the company that trained them.  Another good reason to go to a school that gives you a job is that they will train you well, wanting good drivers to drive for them.

If you are looking into driving for a living, look into the bigger trucking companies that have schools attached.

http://heraldnet.com/article/20101010/BLOG08/710109899/-1/NEWS01

http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=25323

http://www.truckdrivingjobsblog.com/truck-driving-jobs-are-recession-proof

Basically, these military heroes were looking for “normal work”. What was at the expo was mostly military like jobs with guns and the possibility of shooting and killing people. Many of the applicants were disappointed in the jobs available and one even stated that he would rather be a janitor than to go back to that kind of lifestyle.

One quote from the article was interesting:

“A lot of students from the military contact us because they finally have some money to go to school with,” said Billijo Brown, assistant director of admissions for The Art Institute of California in San Francisco. “They want to be able to use it to do something they love.”

For Veterans that are looking for a more flexible career, truck driving might be a route to go. Truck Driving Schools are a great way to start a new life in a non-military job. One school that I know of that would be a great fit for military heroes is the CR England Truck Driving School. It is the top refrigerated trucking company in the country. And, once you graduate, you have a job. If there is no funding for schooling, CR England will give you a loan that you can have slowly taken out of your check once you have graduated and are working for CR England Trucking. They have a great school and curriculum that prepares you well for the road. Check it out and see if it works for you at www.crengland.com.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_14429687

The article “Unemployed Flocking To Truck Driving Courses” is about how the Truck Driving Schools are seeing a higher enrollment since the beginning of 2009.

“The sluggish economy is causing record numbers of laid-off workers to switch to careers in truck driving, and training programs are booming as a result.

“Trucking is a huge part of the economy,” explained Mary Beth McCollum, program coordinator for the commercial truck driver training class at the College of Southern Maryland. “Every good that’s in every store was transported here by a truck driver,” she told Boston’s Fox 5.

CSM’s truck driving program has seen a 13 percent rise in enrollment since last year, and the school noted that 80 percent of its students maintain long-term truck driving careers. After the course, students are required to pass a Commercial Drivers License exam.

Reginald Wright, who recently graduated from the course, turned to truck driving after losing his job at a boat manufacturing company. “I’m excited about that,” he said, “that I have the opportunity to advance my career, and make some good money.”

Similarly, WBOC in Maryland reports that enrollment in truck driving courses has increased at Wor-Wic Community College. Frank Marshall, a truck driving instructor, noted that many students are attracted to the steady pay, job security and benefits that truck drivers often receive.

“What I’ve seen is an increase in students, but also a change in the age,” said Lee Ann Shull, who is part of the school’s career development program. “We’re seeing a lot of older students coming into the program. I’m thinking it might be due to a lot of company closings.”

The Waco Herald-Tribune in Texas reports that enrollment at the Sage Truck Driving School in Salt Lake City has also seen tremendous growth this year. Some of the students have included pilots and people with MBAs.

“You can have a whole new career after four weeks of training,” explained Guy Horn, who operates the school. “If you have a good driving record and get your commercial driver’s license, you can go right to work.”

He noted that new drivers can make more than $30,000 a year, while those with two years’ experience may make $50,000 or more “if they’re out there running hard.”

Josh Sherman, 26, signed up for classes at ATDS Truck Driving School in Elm Mott after working as an aviation mechanic. “I’ll start out at $30,000 to $40,000, which is more than I was making,” he said, and added that he has already been offered a job hauling sand and gravel.

Others point out that the larger commercial truck driving companies are now more open to allowing employees more time at home on weekends. “That’s one thing that’s been addressed. . .” said Marshall, who was quoted by WBOC, “ensuring the drivers do get their home time.”

CR England Truck Driving School is a great place to go because it is one of the best in the country.  They pay for your transportation to one of their three schools and pay for your hotel.  You only pay for your meals.  You can check them out and apply on line at http://crengland.com/truckdrivingschools/index.jsp.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/employment/2010-02-25-construction25_ST_N.htm

http://www.citytowninfo.com/career-and-education-news/articles/unemployed-flocking-to-truck-driving-courses-09092302

So, here a few questions I learned to ask that sent me that got me into a good school:

1. Ask around – Remember, don’t ask drivers with a bad attitude.  Ask drivers with a positive outlook instead.  Otherwise, you usually will only get negative feedback and won’t get a real reading of the truck driving school.
2. Create a list of questions – When you go online or call these schools to get information, ask or find the same questions for each school.  This way you will get a sense of the better schools when comparing notes.  Important questions to ask include:
   1. i.      Age of equipment, if the trucks are older, maybe the school isn’t up to date on the curriculum either.
   2. ii.      How many weeks training?
   3. iii.      Is the school licensed?
   4. iv.      Payment schedule on loan if received.
   5. v.      Cost of schooling.
   6. vi.      Is there a job for me when I graduate, and if not, do companies come in and recruit?
   7. vii.      Ask why this school is better than other schools.
3. Age of the School – Credibility comes from experience.  The older the school, chances are the curriculum is improved on experience.
4. What is your gut feeling of the school? – Follow your instincts.  When you have gathered all the information for all of these schools what does your gut tell you?

A lot of students choose C.R. England trucking school because the equipment is new, and because the compnay is stable. They’ve been around for years and best yet. If you or a friend is looking for a good truck driving school, add CR England to your list and check out our website.

There is no doubt that the holiday season this year has been a much-needed break for many people. The only bad news is that after the gifts have been opened and the Christmas lights go out, it’s time to go back to work. If you’re out of work, your probably returning to the job hunt so the New Year may not be so exciting.

If trucking jobs sound interesting, maybe we have an exciting option for you.

Premier Truck Driving Schools offer industry-leading training to those who meet the CR England hiring criteria. If you have been waiting in unemployment lines or searching online for a job at this point your probably exhausted. Many employers have reported receiving hundreds of applications for a single position so you there is plenty of competition for work. That alone is certainly making the job search tiresome. CR England on the other hand is looking to fill numerous driving positions. With no experience you can attend a company owned truck driving school and be headed towards a great trucking jobs opportunity.

If you think a career in the trucking industry might be something that you would enjoy we have great news; filling out an application with CR England may be the last application you fill out this year and next. “Christmas in January” is just a few days away. Get there by visiting our company website at www.CREngland.com .