CDL new driver/trainee contracts/company expectations?

Question

My partner went to a trucking school sponsored by a national company. He was basically lured (along with others) to this type of make a great income and after a 1-2 year pay back time with sponsoring company he would be in charge of his own life.

The problem is that he trained, received his CDL, hazmat etc. They sent him along with over twenty other new drivers home and promised to call when a trainer was available. He is basically stuck with this company because they paid for school and he signed a contract. My question is this: how do these companies expect trainees with families to make it with only one income while in an "alert status" for when a trainer happens to drive into the trainee's region/area?

He has been home over a week with the don't call us, we'll call you syndrome and the school he went to, begins classes every Monday so a new crop of trainees will be in line for a trainer/

Could someone tell me how this works/what might be some options?

Answer 1

i hate to say this, but thats the way rookies are done. for the first year they wont get very many miles and they get the crappy runs. I know this because i was a dispatcher for a very large trucking firm. just try to deal with it for the first year and get that one year experience under your belt, thenyou can go anywhere you want! just try to deal with it the best you can right now it will get better! plus,, hurry up and wait is the truckers motto! you will be doing a lot of that

Answer 2

It is a Bad thing the way some company's treat there new guy's. I sure hope it is only one year to pay back the training. most of the time is paid off 150 each month for a year of a 1800 pay out.

The other option is to just pay it off with a loan and get a different job with a company that will run you. Also you might want to try to get out it with a breach of contract after two week.

Wright a letter with proof of delivery.

Best of Luck