What's reasonable to expect fresh out of school?

Hey folks! Fresh grad (passed my DMV test October 27, 2023) from a decent CDL school associated with a community college in central Virginia (CDS Tractor Trailer Training). I got my Hazmat, tanker, and double/triple endorsements while in school. I was rear ended in February, but other than that no other accidents. The only at fault accident was many years ago (8 years ago someone was stopped unexpectedly on the offramp and I was unable to avoid them). I'm based out of Richmond, VA area (Petersburg/Colonial Heights area 30 miles south) and am wondering what are reasonable things to be expect as new grad looking for a CDL job. I have some non-negotiables, some preferences, and some pipe dreams. Which are reasonable and which are not?

Non-negotiables

• No flatbed
• No livestock
• Must be company driver, no 1099 or leasing
  
• No team driving unless the matching process is detailed, long and drawn out, and agreement to work together is enthusiastic on both parts, no guilt tripping or tricking me into taking on a partner. I would very much prefer solo driving

Preferences

• No NYC or other cities that can't really handle big rigs. Southeast or cross country would be my preference
• Decent number of miles per week, prefer not to sit around not getting any loads

Pipe dream?

• warehouse to warehouse or port (willing to get TWIC if it will help me)
• APUs in trucks
  
• Good training program
• Regional or home every other week, but OTR is also fine as long as I'm getting the miles

I'm 100% ready to be the entry level driver who gets the worst routes and is just grateful to be driving, I know the first year I gotta just keep my head down, drive safely, and get the experience. I know that it's not all sunshine and roses, I know I won't be making big bucks, I know being away from home isn't easy and that this job isn't for everyone. But, it's what I've been wanting to try for a long time and want to set myself up for success by being careful who I apply to and not make any foolish mistakes at the very beginning by not knowing who is a decent company or what are reasonable expectations. I got my license myself so that I wouldn't have to tie myself to any particular company and want to be making smart choices.

I'm willing to work out of anywhere, I'm willing to be OTR, I'm expecting entry level pay, I know I'm not going to be a high priority or top earner, I'm willing to learn and willing to put in the time. I spent over a year and half traveling by myself cross country. I enjoy being alone, I enjoy driving, and I don't mind going from truck stop to truck stop. I just want to earn and not be in office.

 

Oh man, sorry! And thank you for moving it, I appreciate it. I'm not super familiar with the interface of forums, it's been a while since I've used them. I appreciate your patience!

 

Awesome, thanks! I have that post open in my browser but I wasn't sure how many of the recommendations would have a good driver training/trainer program and if they were the regional/otr/local.

How do you find most of your recommendations? You seem to be a the resident company finding guru! I started to feel overwhelmed reading about each company possible in these new driver forums and it's difficult to figure out which are relevant. I also spent some time looking through the posts on Pulse, but it's also confusing which ones are actually prepared to train new drivers properly and what the type of work they offer. Just trying to get a good idea of what places to really consider and how I would know whether they would even want to have a brand new driver.

I really appreciate your dedication to helping people find their next gig, it's very generous of you to help!