Quick intro

Just thought I'd do the neighborly thing, and say hello. I've spent most of my life working customer service, but always had thoughts of driving a truck running around in the back of my head. In the last year, I've lost my job (been collecting unemployment since last September, COMPLETELY unable to find a new job), been divorced (still friends, though), and heard my ex-wife plan to marry her boyfriend as soon as he finishes his Navy training sometime towards the end of the summer and take herself and my kids (13 yr old daughter, 4 yr old son, and 2 yr old daughter) to wherever he is posted after training. JUST as my unemployment is running out, I have discovered that Nebraska Workforce Development will pay the FULL AMOUNT for me to go through CDL school, either at JTL or Custom Diesel Drivers Training here in Omaha. I've spent the last week to week and a half doing a LOT of research, and have found this to be one of my best resources. Before I found out that NWD would pay for the classes, I was looking at Stevens Transport for their training, but after seeing what was written on here about them, I started considering going through a separate school. Living in Omaha, I considered Werner, but now I'm not so sure that's a good way to go, either, thanks to you all. Am now seriously looking at going through school and trying to get on with TMC, as they seem like a great company to start with and "earn my wings", so to speak. But, I would also like to get the opinions of some more experienced drivers. I will probably also post this question in one of the other newbie threads, but for now...If you were brand new, JUST considering getting a CDL, and had to pick ONE company to work with for the next year, which one would it be, and why? Any information anyone can provide would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,

Rayvyn

 

Real quick, also thinking TCM as they run flatbed, and I figure that's the best way to start, so I have experience and can move on to van and/or reefer trailers fairly easily as far as company requirements for safety/etc. Thoughts and opinions on the best way for a newbie to start out? Would like to test out on the HAZMAT endorsement right away, as well, just so I have all DOT endorsements out of the way right from the get-go. Thoughts and opinions?