Alaska Trucker Wannabe

Hi gang,

I live in Alaska and have been looking into company operated in-house cdl schools. Long story short, apparently those of us in the Great White North need not apply. No idea why not. I'm an older guy and know that I will not get home very often if hired, trained, and set loose solo. I keep explaining that it's no prob as I need to stay on the road as much as is legal (need the money)...and my wife and I ain't no newly weds....You fellow older guys know what I mean, heh, heh. And I even told 'em that I would get my own saggy butt to school on my own, wherever it is. Those dang Alaska reality shows must be giving us a bad rep outside. Shoot, most of the people in those shows don't even LIVE up here....but I'll leave that for some other rant.

So anyway, I am going to get my CDL A through the local teamsters and go otr down south as a greenie. Don't mind paying my dues as is necessary and have an inside line with Carlile Transportation (of IRT fame) for a job after I get some otr time. Question is, since no one seems interested in me as a student (followed by the requisite indenture) will I have the same issues with an Alaskan cdl? My wife is still in college with two more years to go so relocation for her just ain't in the cards. Will any starter company be willing to take me on as a newb with an Alaskan license...or would I be better off swapping it for a Washington #state) license and lie and use my brother-in-law's address outside of Bellingham before I try to get on with someone?

Any feedback from you experienced hands would be appreciate. TIA

 

Thanks. Yeah, the more I look into it the more sense it seems to make to get the CDL up here and then swap it out down in Washington. My brother-in-law lives around Bellingham so I can use his address for the license. That way no need for lengthy explanations. Thanks for the advice.