Possibly losing job, questions about truck and trailer options.

First learn how to run a business. Then learn how trucking really works.

Also.....seeing that #2 in your line of questions "what type if truck to get" clearly tells me you have no idea what your doing. Getting a truck should be no where near the top of the list. Take the time and learn how running a trucking busines really works.....you will be glad u did.

DO NOT BE A FLEECE PURCHASE DRIVER!!!

 

First issue is to get back on the road and start gaining experience.
Jones Bros. Trucking in Missoula might can help with some type refresher course and then start getting some miles on the road.
Here's another option:
Contract Freighters, Inc.- hiring in Great Falls,MT.
Student DriversBecome a Professional Driver CFI offers several routes to becoming a professional over-the-road (OTR) driver. Paid tuition/meals/lodging.
CFI Contract Freighters, Inc.
Address P.O. Box 2547
City, State, Zip Joplin, MO 64803 @Aviator79

 

You may not have a valid CDL.... Per Montana you need to maintain a current MEC. You can check here to see what Class you hold.

https://app.mt.gov/dojdrs/

https://dojmt.gov/driving/medical-certification/


Important Requirement Update
As of May 21, 2014, all physical examinations to obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (formally known as a DOT card) must be performed by a medical professional listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

Keep Your MEC Current
Commercial drivers must maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) on their Montana driving record. If you don’t maintain a current MEC with the Motor Vehicle Division, your commercial driver license will be downgraded to a noncommercial license.

You must provide a copy of your new MEC to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division prior to the expiration of your current certificate. Do not count on your medical provider or employer to submit your MEC. Please mail or fax a legible copy of your MEC to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.

• Mail:Motor Vehicle Division
  Attn: CDL Help Desk
  P.O. Box 201430
  Helena MT 59620-1430
• Fax:
  406-444-1987

For more information, call the CDL Help Desk at 406-444-3244.

 

Avoid the MaxxForce engine. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet can't even afford upkeep on those. There's a reason trucks with those engines are so cheap.

 

Check into your RR retirement further. Do you know how many years you need to be vested? Most civil service jobs have past had 10 year vesting (except for the new hires), meaning that you're entitled to at least a partial pension (once you meet the set minimum retirement age 55-57), even if you leave before retirement age. Once vested, you likely won't lose what you already paid into, and at the very least are entitled to have it returned to you (but since it's not taxed, I'd roll it over into a 401k to avoid paying tax & penalties). What system are you in, CSRS? I know that most federal service is now under FERS, which one contributes to both pension & SS. All new hires though contribute throughout their careers.

 

You need 5 years to be vested. I had 16 when I left. It rolls into social security. You don't loose it all together. Let me guess, you work for csx and you're fearing the possible reign of Hunter Harrison

 

Go to DMV and get a driver history. But it sounds like in Montana you will have to start over agai. If you happen to know someone that will let you use their truck for the CDL tests or find a local company that will get you trained to get your CDL back.

 

Why would you leave with only 4 left to the full pension 20??....