CDL training company for employment gap and 20 over speeding ticket?

Hey, new to the forum as I'm just trying to get into the industry and would appreciate some advice for where to aim at applying.

Here's my situation. The last job I had was a dock / material handling supervisor for an auto manufacturer in TN. Was there for about 7 years and supervisor for about 2 1/2, and was good at it even if I didn't care much for it. I left that job voluntarily due to a couple of family issues, mostly mental health of my daughter, and moved to central VA where my wife and I are originally from. It's been a little over 2 years, but things are straightened out now and I'm ready to get back into the workforce. I don't have a college degree but don't want to "start over" if I can help it, so I'm taking an online degree program and want to start driving while I'm completing it (figured it'd give me two good options to choose from after I get my degree).
I also got a ticket last spring for 45 in a 25. It was a residential area, going down a good size hill, and I thought the limit was 35 (it was, but I was in a roughly 2 mile stretch that was 25 - yup, they got me). I'm 46 now and it was my first ticket since I was 22.

So I didn't realize the impact of these two things until I tried to apply to Maverick and TMC. Obviously, both turned me down. I'm not going to apologize for taking the 2 years off, I'd make that choice over and over again given the family situation at the time. Anyway, sorry for being longwinded, just want some advice on who I should target to apply to for CDL training/employment in the Lynchburg, VA area. I realize I'm not going to get the companies I wanted, but where would I fit in? Am I gonna have to go to the absolute bottom feeders? I will if I have to cause I think it's the best move for me right now. Whatever company takes me will get a solid driver.

Also, I was able to save up a good amount in order to take these two years off, but don't have enough to pay for CDL training myself at this point. I'd do the school loan on it, but I'm already doing that for the degree I'm working on and you can't do two at once. I have enough to make it about 3 or 4 more months before I'll need income coming in again.

Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks for the replies.
My choices look to be driving a fork truck and hoping to work my way up again or sticking with a bottom feeder somewhere for about a year or so.
I feel like the CDL job would let me give more time to my online classes during my off hours. Once I get that degree and the CDL experience I'd have two viable career paths. I'm starting to get too old to work up the ladder again!
I've got a (former) stepfather that I stay close with - still see him every week or two. He's been driving for almost 40 years and gave me a good idea of the pro's and con's. Based off his input I think I'd like the pro's enough to put up with all the con's. He's been hauling woodchips local in VA for the last 15 though, so he isn't up to date on the best paths for new drivers.
I'll throw some apps to the companies you listed, Chinatown. Thanks for the guidance.
If they don't take me I guess I'll load 'em instead of driving 'em!

 

I want to thank everyone for the advice and give an update.

Swift and CFI are both offering training for my CDL. From what I've been able to find out CFI sounds like a better overall situation and I've scheduled to start training with them on March 18th. I already did the written tests, have my permit, and will be getting the drug screen tomorrow (should be no issues).

I did my research, including checking out the forums on each company, but without the experience it's hard to tell. Any input on which of those two is better?