Advice and Suggestions Welcome

Driving schools give you just enough to pass the State Examiner's Driving Test.

Your first REAL learning starts with your first solo assigned truck and load to deliver somewhere. Whoa... don't be late man, it's a buzz kill. Your first two years is the most dangerous in this industry. Success equals being able to run for 5 yeas. Then 10, then 15 then 20 etc.

Most drivers at 20 in the 50's through 80's had a life expectancy of around 48 to 56 depending on some of the possible vices availible to them. That is the useful age at which they should quit trucking prior to the then full retirement of 65. Now it's 70 to take advantage of the full social security payouts. I don't think the United States will survive as a solvent Government that long for me. Im already past 50. That's quite enough for anyone.

 

Trucking is a good choice for a career; it's an excellent career.
Ohio is an excellent state for trucking jobs also. I recommend starting your career with tankers because it's easy money and can probably make $60K right out of cdl school. The pay goes up from there as you gain experience. I'll give you a list of tanker companies that hire new cdl grads and then you call each one and ask if they accept Trainco graduates. Most will if the program is 160 hrs.
Trimac Transportation
Tidewater Transit
Superior-Carriers
CTL Transportation
Schneider Bulk
SVTN
Girton Propane Service
A few of these websites may have "experience required" so ignore that because they all hire new grads. on a case by case basis. I remember a guy in Ft. Wayne that landed a $60K+ tanker job right out of cdl school and home every night.
If tankers interest you, start doing some stair step exercises to improve heart rate. The reason is you will be tested for this at tanker companies because at times you will have to climb a ladder that's attached to the side of the tanker and climb on top to check dome lids for seals or maybe hook up an airline.

 

You won't make as much money driving regional flatbed with most companies, but the jobs are there for new grads and home often or weekends:
Valley Transportation
Mansur Trucking Company
McElroy
Maverick Transportation
JRayL Transport
Best pay will be with Maverick Transportation. JRayL has a guaranteed minimum weekly pay.

 

Here's some other types of trucking and should make a good living:
Nick Strimbu Inc. - Brookfield,OH & Teamster benefits. Refrigerated division for more miles.
Dutch Maid Logistics - Willard,OH
West Side Transport - guaranteed minimum weekly pay
Magnum Ltd. - probably make $1000.00 to $1500.00 weekly
Tyson Foods

How close are you to Sandusky? Can't remember the name of the company, but they supply ranches/farms with supplies such as feed, seed, equipment, etc. all over the midwest and south. They'll hire a new cdl grad if there's an opening. Maybe you can track it down on Google.
Steel mills are a nightmare; I've done it. We hauled everything that can go on a flatbed, but steel was a drivers nightmare and also the trucking companies nightmare. Those places are union and everything is done in super slow motion. The flatbed company I drove for quit hauling steel because it wasn't worth dealing with those unions, especially in Ohio. You might have an 8am appointment and when you get there they tell you to park the truck and they'll get to you later. Hours later or sometimes 24 hours later, you're still sitting there. The steel mill employees spend the day watching soap operas, playing cards, etc. and management can't do anything about it.

 

Schneider Bulk is ok.

 

I learned to drive at a chicken processing plant from another driver who was nearing retirement. Probably better training than any school could have given me. I drove various pieces of equipment for them over the next couple years, and I felt that I was ready to be a driver in the freight hauling world...my first 6 months pulling regular freight in a 53' van taught me more than all of my chicken plant experiences ever did. Driving schools teach you the basics, the real learning comes from being out here doing the job every day. Driving for a living can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying careers, and can be one of the most agravating, infuriating and stressful careers...all in the same day. I have worked for some good companies and some not-so-good companies, but don't regret making trucking my career. If trucking is something that interests you, I would jump at the chance to drive. You will never know if it's the right choice unless you try it.