Getting started out of Sacramento, CA

Hey there guys.

First of all I'd like to thank the forum and it's participants for providing all of this outstanding information to us wannabes's. I've gained a tremendous amount of knowledge just by reading some of the posts and journals.

moving on...

My name is John, and as the topic suggests, I'm looking to get into trucking out of Sacramento, CA.
I'm 24 years young, have no attachments, and frankly am tired of being in the same place at the same time day after day after day (in my case at a gas station as the sole graveyard shift guy). I have good work history, no criminal record, no traffic tickets (one minor at fault accident in 2011 - hit a parked car - no kidding). I'd have no problem passing any of the drug test/dot medical exam etc...

I was wondering if any of you are familiar with the area, and if you have any advice for getting me set up. I have nothing against paying my way through CDL school (I'm not rich by any standard but my credit is fairly good so taking out a student loan would be no problem). It would of course be preferable to get into a company CDL program.

That being said, I know that England and the likes are always hiring in my region, but as you can imagine I'd like to avoid getting involved in that mess. I would, however, brave it if necessary. I'm not scared of the big corps. and am adept at NOT being taken advantage of (leasing promises, recruiter BS, etc.)

Thanks guys,
looking forward to chatting with ya'll

 

Hey Lepton1, thanks for responding.

No, I am not in CDL school yet. I'd like to have a better idea of my options/possibilities before I commit to the school. I'm the kind of guy that creates a solid plan and then executes. I hate doing anything without an extended mission.

 

Hey Fuzzy,

I understand that all companies will take advantage of their students/employees. This is the nature of our capitalist society and the nature of work. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm prepared for the worst, knowing that I will likely be getting screwed in one way or another, but knowing also that this is happening and thus being able to negotiate around it/ do my best to avoid it. I've read many a horror story here about drivers signing on to leasing programs and falling for the false promises recruiters have made them.

My biggest fear is paying for my training, and then ending up sitting around in the truck not running any miles. I know that this is a standard with many of the more "notorious" carriers (England, Swift, Western Express etc). But I'm going to assume that this is not the standard in the industry. I've talked to a family friend who currently drives for Knight, and he seems happy there. Says he's getting good runs in western regional. I have also read many negative things about Knight, which is why I'm trying to expand my horizon based on your valued input.