Bobby Russell graduated from our night class in December 2012. We recently got a chance to talk with him about his new driving career! Read below to see what he had to say:

Bobby, why did you get into this business?
Simple, I enjoy driving trucks.

Who did you go to work for after getting your CDL from here?
I was able to get on with Coors Distribution Company

How did you get on with Coors?
I got lucky, I applied online and got an interview less then 2 weeks after applying.

I evidently made a good impression during the interview so was taken for a road test the same day. I was told it was very unusual for them to do this. I was on this road test for 2 1/2 hours and was hired the same day, pending a drug test of course. I drive a 42ft trailer and a 48ft trailer doing local deliver down town Denver and into Grand Junction. I pretty much deliver all over Colorado, although most of my driving and deliveries are down town Denver.

I found out that of the 53 road test done by the Coors instructor I was one of 3 who were hired. So I guess I did make a good impression!

I did some driving in the military with straight trucks but I also attribute my driving ability to the job 2 instructors at USTDS did…Norm Wigham and Kenny DeCora. Most of my time was spent with Ken and I learned a lot from him.

Steve Smith
Graduated 4/26/13

Why did you choose this business?
Job security is a huge factor. There is always a need to move products regardless of the economy. I happened to get on Craigs lists and there seems to be hundresds of companies looking for drivers. My brother also had a had a lot to do with it. He got his CDL and was very influencial in helping me decide to do it as well.

Why did you choose USTDS?
My brother researched a lot of schools and decided this one had a great reputation. He came here for his CDL so it was an easy choice for me.

Kirk is an amazing guy when I came in for a visit I met with him and I was convinced for sure. Also, I spoke with Kay at Schneider and she recommended me here. She said Schneider got good driveers from this school.

So how did US Truck do?
Instructors were fantastic. Very knowledgable and organized. We had snow a couple times and it got a little hectic. Not all instructors made it here on time but those that were helped get everything organized and started. From beginning to end everyone here has been amazing.

Who will you drive for?
I’be been accepted by Schneider National so that is where I am going. Orientation with them is scheduled for the beginning of May.

Travis Powell
Graduated 4/26/13

What got you interested in truck driving?
I’ve enjoyed carpentry but the construction industry is slow right now and since I also enjoy driving this was the right time to do this.

When I was in Minnesota I got a permit but never got a chance to pursue it. I started researching truck driving schools while I was in Minnesota and saw this one.

Why did you choose USTDS?
I felt it had the best reputation in the country!

How did our instructors do?
Instructors were good. A very laid back bunch of guys. They know how to let you figure things out but give you the instruction when you need it.

So, now that you have your CDL…what will you do?
DRIVE…see the world! I enjoy driving. I have lived in 30 of the 50 states so you see I enjoy traveling. This is a perfect job for me. I have a motorcycle, a pickup truck and as soon as I can, I will get me an old Kenworth and fix it up as a toy.

Rick Smith
Graduated November 2012

Why did you get into trucking?
I wanted to start my own business so I decided to get a CDL and see where that would take me.

Before coming here to USTDS I worked for Frito Lay for years making good money. I couldn’t take a cut in pay by driving for a company so I decided to buy my own truck, a 1999 Freightliner Classic.

Honstly, I don’t like working for anyone. This way I can make my own schedule. I am still learning the business but I was willing to do the work to figure out how to make this work for me. Now I’m comfortable, making good money as an owner operator.

My brother who is graduating today may decide to work with me down the road. For now he will work for a major carrier.

Why did you choose to get your CDL through USTDS?
I looked at 2 other schools and there is no comparison. When I came here and talked with Kirk, saw all your trucks and the facility, my mind was made up. Another reason was that collectively all instructors at one school didn’t seem to have more than a year of experience.

What was your opinion of the instructors at USTDS?
Instructors were all great! Norm Wigham and Ken DeCora were phenomenal!

Austin Mercer
Graduated 04/26/13

Why did you train for a CDL?
Reliable work! There is always a need for drivers. I’v always wanted to get into truck drving and coming from the construction industry where it’s feast or famine, I finally decided to do it. I enjoy driving so I want to go over-the-road and get some long haul driving experience. In a year or two I can choose to either stay long haul or drive local.

Why did you choose USTDS?
This school is conveniently located, plus it doesn’t train on simulators! You get to work with real equipment and in real traffic. By the second day we were driving from one end of Colfax to the other. Instructors show you how to make a big tractor trailer manageable. Driving Colfax was a lot of fun.

What about the instructors did you like?
Instructors are a lot of fun. They help you where you need the help. They know how to make it comfortable for someone with anxiety. They keep you relaxed in very stressful situations.

Have you chosen a company to drive for?
Werner! They offered me a regional territory and it will keep me close to home.

What got you get interested in trucking?
I was in customer service but got laid off and haven’t been able to find employment for over a year. I began to consider career options and in doing research I realized there is an abundance of work in trucking, so here I am. I have always enjoyed driving; for me it is therapeutic.

Have you decided who you will work for?
I’m applying with Brannan today and I also have a pre hire with swift.

How was your training experience?
The training was great. I couldn’t have chosen a better school. I would have liked a little more driving but for only 3 weeks, I feel I know what I am doing. All instructor were good and easy to understand. They are patient but stern.

Scott Custer completed his CDL training and graduated on April 18. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Scott. Good luck in your new career!

What got you interested in truck driving?
It seems I’ve always has an interest in driving and when I went out with my boyfriend who is a driver I realized how much I enjoyed being on the road and seeing the country.

A job is what you make of it and I know that I will make the best of this next chapter in my life. I have wanted to do this for 5 years and when I got laid off from my office job I realized this was the right time.
 
Have you decided who you will work for?
I have decided on May Trucking. They are a good company with good benefits and because my son works there and he loves his job.
 
Now that you’ve completed your training…how did we do?
You guys did a wonderful job. I now know I will be able to handle anything that is thrown at me. Instructors were very good. They have a world of knowledge, and patience to help us learn what we need for the job.

Lori Ruckle completed her CDL training and graduated on April 18. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Lori. Good luck in your new career!

Colorado Springs CDL students before starting their pre-trip inspections:

Colorado Springs instructors Leonard and Gene:

Congratulations to our Colorado Springs graduates that completed their training on March 22!

Left to right: Alonza, Scott Blanie, and Michael

USTDS graduates Scott, Alonza, Blaine, and Michael with lead Instructor Leonard

Daniel, Dustin, and Ryan were in the day class at the Colorado Springs campus. They all graduated on Friday, March 1st. Nice work, everyone!