I'm currently working in education. My background is in technology, but I find it's not the best fit for this time in my life.

I'm really curious and excited at the possibility of driving a truck. I've always loved driving anything I can get my hands on.

I'm considering paying my way through SAGE Truck Driving School in Fort Wayne (Kendallville), IN. I'm not sure if I'd want to be tied to a company for a while.

As a new driver, what are companies looking for? How are the interview processes? What type of candidates are they looking for? Coming from the business and education world, I have NO idea what to expect what they are looking for.

With fresh out of school experience, how hard is it to get some sort of job (gotta pay the mortgage, etc...)?

How hard is it to based somewhere local? I had bought a house recently, and with the downturn in the market, I'm nervous about having to move. Do you have to drive to a hub if you work for a large OTR company?

I'm not married, and don't have a family, so being on the road for a while doesn't phase me. I'd bring a laptop for entertaining, MP3 player for music, etc...

What comments can you guys give me.

One big plus is going to a reputable school. Sage is very good, has a good rep. I just completed it here in SLC, UT.
It seems most companies look for someone with a clean MVR record, good school, good stable work background. With that you can get on with some pretty good companies. Put in a year, and more good ones open up for you.
Good luck to you, I am just starting down the path. Did school, quit my job/career, and wife and I are going team starting next week.
Cheers

I have a few speeding tickets and some accidents from a while back (car, not commercial). Will this affect employability much?

Depends on how recent and how bad ie 5 over not bad, 15 over, could be problems. Accident; at fault? All these are questions recruiters will ask and answer for you
The more problems the farther down the chain you go to find something.

I have an appointment to meet with the school tomorrow. It also looks like there's quite a few of the larger companies with hubs in Indianapolis. Hopefully the 2 hour distance isn't too far to get a job there.

MOST of the time its less than 3-5 years, but it will be spelled out on the companies application on how far back you have to report. i know schneider was 3. same with work history unless you had a professional driving job. older than 10 years i have not seen any one dig that far back unless your going for a security clearance for the gooberment.

__________________
Pumpkin Driver - we got problems but so does every one else
Army Driver
"Wars come and go, but my soldiers stay eternal." tupac

A stimulating job, working in education? A background in technology?

Step 1) Figure out a way to lose most of your intelligence.

Step 2) Prepare yourself for a substantial pay cut. Always remember that a lot of folks in this business, especially recruiters will lie about your earning potential and a good many drivers will exaggerate their incomes.
rx

Related question here...

I also have gotten a speeding ticket and a red light camera ticket over the last 4 years or so... both had
been taken care of, by going to traffic school. Do these truly never show up on a DMV check, or do they
show with some sort of notation that they were cleared via traffic school?

best way to figure that out is to request a dmv records check. also if you dont tell your company about it and they do find out "oops i forgot about that"

__________________
Pumpkin Driver - we got problems but so does every one else
Army Driver
"Wars come and go, but my soldiers stay eternal." tupac

Working in a cubicle isn't always what it is cracked up to be. Plus, I'm never afraid to try new things.