Help a trucker wannabe out!

I am sick of the career I am in, and have decided to change my career completely. I want freedom, and love the open road, so that's why I'm looking to be a trucker.

I've been reading these forums, and will continue to do so, but I frequently get lost with a lot of the termonology used, so I figured I'd create my own thread (be prepared for some dumb questions).

I'll be with the company I work for now for another month and a half, and than I plan to go to a driving school to get my CDL and experience behind the wheel. I'm located in East Stroudsburg, PA FYI. I have a clean driving record, and have never been in an accident in my life.

For starters, I've been looking at the Driving School that will be best to attend. I was favoring Smith & Solomon, but based on what I've read they are basically in the business of taking money and giving minimum training with a crowded class. Windsor in Linden NJ appears to give plenty of time behind the wheel which is what I need. I have never even sat in a "Big Rig" before, let alone behind the wheel of one.

After I graduate and get my CDL, I need to know the best companies hiring in my area. With the economy doing somewhat better (we'll see if that continues, I have my doubts), are more companies hiring?

I'm not looking to play games here, I want a company who will take note that I'm serioius about a career in this industry and will realize if they treat me well, I'm likely there to stay.

 

I'm 33 and have been with my current company for 8 years.

Yes, I'm thinking about the effect this occupation will have vs. my current occupation. Truth is, all the complaints I've read about a trucking job, I already have with my current job and then some. You have no idea how much work is expected in the corporate world with today's economy.

The only thing I would be sacraficing is the 6 to 7 hours per night I get to sleep in bed with my family before slepping off to work again the next day.

 

I don't care if the time I get off is on weekends or weekdays. I do need to spend time with my family.

Is that a generalization, or is every single company like that? I don't want to lose my family. But please understand, with the hours I work now, there isn't much difference. I already work through weekends anyway...

 

Big Don,

I appreciate your advice and will take it very seriously. You are absolutely right, one person's definitition of freedom could be another's definition of a prison. I wouldn't be *seriously* thinking about this type of career if I didn't think it would appeal to me. Living out of a cab really appeals to me. In fact, to me, that is the *positive* part of the job. Fortunately, I'm not usually one to go into something and be surprised by the experience because I've researched it ahead of time.

Let's just say, I understand the part about sleeping out of a cab, and being away from the family for 2 weeks before I get to spend time with them. I've talked things over with my wife, and we see the away for 2 weeks as a disadvantage, but ironically, if you knew what I go through at work, it's simply not as much of a disadvantage as you'd think.

By the way, I also believe there are *advantages*.

 

I get the idea of staying in a cab for 11 hours in a day. Incidentally, 4 by 8 or 6 by 8 is larger then I expected LOL.

Anyway, I'm going to admit, I don't like the idea of training. It looks like companies have you paired with a trainer for about 2 months, and during that time you don't get paid a ton. I have to admit, I will hate that with a passion. I can stand being stuck in a 4 by 8 sleeper, in fact, I honestly believe I won't mind it at all. But sharing that space with somebody, I'm going to hate that with a passion.

So I'm expecting the first 3 months or so, I'll have very limited time with my family. But are you telling me that after I get some experience behind my belt, I won't be home ever?