First, I want to say how impressed I am with the wealth of knowledge and excellent layout of this board. I only found this site a few days ago when researching the trucking industry and I have been glued to the screen gathering as much information as I can, so I decided it was time to join.
I recently ended a 20-year corporate career after my company was bought out and my division was dissolved. I am now looking to join the trucking industry and am gathering all the information I can to make an informed decision on how to go about it. Biggest question I have is whether to get my CDL from a local school and pay out of pocket or hire on with a company who provides the training. I have read numerous posts on both sides of the debate but haven't been able to come to my own decision yet so any input would be appreciated. My ultimate goal is to be an O/O when the environment is right, but I don't mind working with a company in the meantime to gain experience. Also, anyone who has the experience in my area and would be willing to point me in the direction of some strong companies would be appreciated.
Thanks for having me.
Newb from Jacksonville FL
Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by Rambo Joe, Sep 22, 2022.
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Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
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I recommend a private or community college cdl program.
There's some good paying jobs for those graduates.
Here's just one in Jacksonville:
Hires from 200 hr. cdl schools.
Eagle Transport Corporation | Truck Driver Jobs | Rocky Mount, NC
FLORIDA
Tampa
Orlando
Port Everglades
Jacksonville
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wixstatic.com%2Fmedia%2F954971_ed31dae7fda143ac893a6cf4c3d72ddb%7Emv2.jpg%2Fv1%2Ffill%2Fw_1006%2Ch_286%2Cal_c%2Cq_80%2Cusm_0.66_1.00_0.01%2Cenc_auto%2F954971_ed31dae7fda143ac893a6cf4c3d72ddb%7Emv2.jpg&hash=9b5413c25df15e3a0179fa6f05f501b0)
pumpkinishere, Flat Earth Trucker, tscottme and 1 other person Thank this. -
Since you want to be an owner-operator some day, become a member of OOIDA now and can start learning about that.
One Voice For Truckers Everywhere | Join the OOIDA Family
pumpkinishere, tscottme and Rambo Joe Thank this. -
This company is one of the best for hiring new cdl school grads. Must graduate from an approved cdl school.
Old Dominion Freight Line
720 Scotia Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32254
Can quickly work your way up to $100G or more.
pumpkinishere, tscottme and Rambo Joe Thank this. -
Heavy Equipment Transport
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Headquarters
6585 Pickett Drive Jacksonville, FL 32219
~
*Paid Training Available
School reimbursement up to $2,000.
(For Drivers completing certified driver school)
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Frinaudoinc.com%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderpictures%2Fpic7.jpg&hash=461a0b31205e99e3d01319966a7ea415)
pumpkinishere and Rambo Joe Thank this. -
You need to do research. Basically you have 2 options, go to CDL truck school, pay your $$$, get your CDL, look for your first co. Or, find a co that will teach you and pay any school fees, but you have to commit working for them at least a year. Any school needs to be 160hrs. There are some who will do a 3 day crash course but any trucking co won't honor that training. FYI, insurance co's play a big roll in what truck co's can and can't do with hiring. Keep your CDL squeaky clean. Keep in the back of your mind trucking may not be your "cup of tea". Only way to find out, jump in feet first. Now, go, my son. Your new adventure starts now.
pumpkinishere, Boondock, Rambo Joe and 1 other person Thank this. -
For refrigerated trucking, I'd recommend Leonard's Express.
@xlsdraw lives in Winterhaven and drives for Leonard's.
Probably make more money with the others I listed, but Leonard's is a good choice for those interested in running 48 states refrigerated trucking.
Home - Leonards
Recent CDL A Graduates have a home at Leonard’s Express!
Leonard’s offers a tuition reimbursement program up to 10K!
pumpkinishere, xlsdraw and Rambo Joe Thank this. -
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
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