training period

First , the CPAP will not disqualify you . The only problem involving sleep apnea is when it is diagnosed during a physical and sleep studies are recommended . If the CPAP has already been certified as effective treatment you should be o.k. .
As to your other questions , the answers vary by carrier.
The larger starter companies most students flock to should be avoided. They have a very high turnover rate .
Smaller carriers don't have weeks long training periods.

 

After you get your CDL you will need more training and that will be done on the road with a trainer, you will sleep in the trainers truck (on the top bunk). Some company's will have you "team train" that means that he sleeps while you drive, the only good that comes out of that is the company gets a team for about 6-8 weeks and only pays little more then a sole driver pay!
Of course the so called trainer is racking up double his normal miles AND getting paid xtra$$ to "train" you. How can you be learning anything from someone thats in the back sound asleep? When you need his input about a situation that araises he'll be ZZZZZzzzzz!!
Other company's the trainer is sitting up front WHENEVER the truck is moving! At times he may take over the driving if he or you feel it's unsafe for you to continue (fatuige/weather etc)
Haveing a cpap upfront may be a benifit to you. If you have cause of YOUR Dr. Rx. then the company you go with really has little or no control over it's use! With some co. drivers have to upload the record of use from ther c-pap machine every so often on be placed out of service. Be up front about the C-pap when applying.

 

If you don't mind a straight truck rather than semi expedite companies (FedEx Custom Critical , Panther ) will start you right off without a trainer if you attend a preapproved school . You might also check household moving companies . This is their busiest season .

 

Riding with a trainer is going to be essential to making money out there. You really don't want to be out there wandering around the country trying to figure it out. I am willing to bet though you will end up thanking yourself for going about it the right way the first time. I also bet you will have a blast out there with your trainer! Its very tough out there and you really want someone with you until you learn the ropes. Ever make a wrong turn in Chicago during rush hour in a 53' trailer? Ooops, low bridge! Now what do I do? If you have a trainer sitting next to you this will most likely save your life!

A lot of drivers use those cpap machines and it shouldn't be a problem with most companies. You will have to take a DOT physical and a lot of the mega-carriers also do wellness exams now. These consist of a series of exercises like climbing a ladder, picking up and putting down a basket of weight, squats and so on. Its pretty much to lower the risk of workman's comp fraud. Nothing hard or over strenuous.

Welcome to the forum and good luck to you....

 

Most people going the trainer route with a starter company end up leaving the industry after being starved out . How do explain the high turnover of OTR starter companies ?
There are drivers out there that didn't spend weeks with a trainer that are making more money and are still driving long after megacarrier trainees have given it up .

 

Its normal to feel a bit nervous about riding with a stranger for a month or so knowing nothing about the industry. If you do feel your trainer is not adequately training you or you just don't get along it isn't a big deal to speak up and switch trainers. Happens quite often and companies realize this. Its your career so make sure you make the best of it!

RickG, I explain the high turnover rate from newbies not knowing what they are getting into and for recruiters painting a pretty picture of the industry to get newbies to sign on the dotted line so they get paid! Also the other biggest reason for newbies quitting early is due to home time and the lifestyle. It sounds great before hand but once you are stuck in a big rig for weeks on end you start to realize that this is what it entails to make money out there.

Phil3333, I guarantee you will be very glad you chose to go with a trainer and will most likely wish you had longer time with them. Once they issue you your own truck you are going to be freaking out now that you are on your own!