Nelson successful with OFTC’s
Commercial Truck Driving
Louisville, GA - After four unsuccessful attempts
at obtaining his CDL license at a private commercial truck driving school, Jamie
Nelson was not sure about his ability to drive a truck but was not ready to
give up.
Jamie had
heard of Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s Commercial Truck Driving Program
and thought that he would give it another attempt at a different school.
Jamie was
amazed when he started his class at OFTC’s Jefferson County Center in
Louisville. Not only did the instructors
have vast knowledge of the business, but they also had real world,
over-the-road experience.
“OFTC did
not offer just one type of tractor and one type of trailer for me to learn
with,” said Jamie. “They had many different types of equipment – different
tractor manufacturers, different transmissions (various speeds, manual,
automatic), various length trailers, flatbeds, lowboys, and a drop deck
flatbed. OFTC also has a 53’
refrigerated trailer; tankers with baffles, bulkheads, and smooth bore. They
even have a dump trailer for you to train on.”
“OFTC
students are exposed to a variety of equipment during their tenure in the CTD
program,” said Roy Williams, OFTC Dean of Trades and Industrial/Transportation.
“The transportation industry encompasses many possibilities that require a
broad knowledge of types and applications of equipment. Our graduates are
trained to be able to adapt to whatever challenges that may occur in the
workplace, and our instructors have a wealth of experience in these areas that
is a benefit to our students in preparation for their new career on the road.”
In the
classroom, Jamie learned skills such as logging, map reading, trip planning,
accident prevention, state and federal regulations, how to fill out necessary
records and forms, and the handling of hazardous materials.
Jamie also
received many hours of on the road training and range training while in class.
He put in over 14 hours and 550 behind-the-wheel driving miles on the road, and
an additional 30 hours behind-the-wheel on OFTC’s driving ranges.
On the
range, Jamie learned up shifting and down shifting, how to make wide turns on
public highways, how to perform a pre-trip inspection, and various maneuvers
like parallel parking, alley docking, offset, and straight line backing to name
a few.
Jamie also
was able to practice driving in the bigger cites like downtown Augusta,
receiving the training that he would need to drive anywhere in the United
States his tractor may take him.
Jamie has
now successfully completed the CTD program at OFTC, earned his CDL, and is
considering positions with 3 national carriers. With the extensive education
and training that he has received from a trusted CTD program, Jamie now has
options for his career.
One of the
carriers Jamie is considering is Superior Carriers. The terminal manager at
Superior Carriers told Jamie that several OFTC graduates work for her and have
made over $60,000 in their first year. In fact, the only inexperienced drivers
that she will hire are OFTC graduates.
“I have a
very bright future thanks to my instructor and OFTC,” said Jamie.
The next
Commercial Truck Driving (CTD) classes begin January 8th or 9th,
depending on your preferred location and choice of day or evening class.
Classes are offered at OFTC’s campuses and ranges in Sandersville, Dublin,
Louisville and Sparta.
Financial
aid and payment plans are available for this 10-week program. To learn more,
contact your local OFTC Admissions Office at admission@OFTC.edu, (478) 553-2064 in Sandersville
or (478) 274-7842 in Dublin.
Don’t wait!
Enroll today for a great career in commercial truck driving.