Looking to get into trucking field

Drivers Edge CDL Training Academy, 7450 Union Shelby Rd, Piqua, OH 45356
That's a 4 week school, so should be ok. Several companies will reimburse the tuition back to you, if you pay out of pocket, credit card, etc. Some companies may even have a deal with the school to pay the tuition now, if you agree to work for them at graduation.
Don't go with Hogan though, too many bad reports about small paychecks.

 

This is on the website for Continental Express, but the map shows a tight circle in the Eastern states. Since you want to run west, better ask about that.
Sometimes, we just have to do what we have to do, to get started though. When money is tight, we do the best we can to get the career started & fine tune it later.
If you want to see California and the western states, look at:
Freymiller www.drive4freymiller.com (click on "Restore Program")
Navajo Express - www.navajoexpress.com
Both hire new cdl grads.

 

I'm in your situation too. The boyfriend and I could use the higher pay as well. But one thing to realize before you go any further, and I'm sure you have. Make sure that you REALLY want to do this. Not just for the money. It's a huge lifestyle change. Instead of seeing the hubby everyday and night, you'll be staring out a wide open windshield instead. I've wanted to drive a truck since I was a kid so it's an easy decision for me, outside of the thought of not being with the boy everyday. But that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make to have a better future for both of us, and you need too as well.

Like everyone else said, do your research. And research some more. This forum is great and everyone will answer all of the dumb questions lol. Write out a list of companies you're interested in. I have probably close to 30 companies written down so far, along with why I wrote them down. And, don't rush things. You need to make sure you're 100% ready for it. Go to a dealership and ask to sit in a semi and see how you feel in one. I'd recommend to try and watch some Allie Knight videos on YouTube. She's pretty funny and gives some motivation and enlightenment for us ladies wanting to get into trucking.

Another thing to think about is what do you want to haul? There's so many options and can really open up alot for you. Flatbed, reefer, dry van, dry bulk, food grade tankers, liquids, hazmat.

 

Hehe..... Riding in those dirty, mean, and nasty trucks, is an E ticket ride. Like going to Disneyland everyday. hehe
You'll be surprised to find out how sweet these tractors are in OTR. They drive just plain sweet. Use tons of touch. They got tons of power. Use it gently. Or you start damaging. Women generally do better at learning truck driving. They'll use their brain and finesse to drive. Which is what the truck wants.
I could suggest the company I'm going to work for. They have a terminal in Ohio. I haven't started yet. Some caution flags up. I'll see. They have many day drivers. Not real good reviews out of them. I admit, I could drive for TriMac locally. I won't because the day driving is too unstable. Same with the company I'm going with. But the basic job of bulk food grade, in a pneumatic tanker, is a really good job. No fooling around with shippers and receivers. I'm doing an OTR job with them.