Thinking about getting my CDL ...

Go with Stevens then.
Stevens Transport | Temperature-Controlled Logistics …

 

Don't consider becoming an owner-operator for a couple of years at least.
Here's a business website for owner operators:
One Voice For Truckers Everywhere | Join the OOIDA Family
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Florida is good refrigerated trucking country. Stick with refrigerated trucking while you live in Florida.

 

@FL Patriot --

Stevens Transport hires students from this school, located in Tampa:

Tampa CDL Training at Tampa Truck Driving School (stevenstransport.com)

Pass by the owner-op (or lease-purchase, also) idea.

Instead--learn the business from the inside, as a company driver, first.

For now....focus solely on learning how to drive a big rig.


--Lual

 

• Lodging
• Meal Money
• Assistance
• Transportation to the Academy from Your Home

 

I’m very familiar with Dunnellon, as I’ve stayed there a few times. Almost bought a house in Inverness.

I think, your current location is a bit unfavorable for FL trucking. The Lakeland area is where all the distribution centers are and, subsequently, a huge number of trucking companies and dedicated opportunities. You’re quite a ways away, at ~100mi. With the density of metro-Ocala continually on the rise, that’ll be a pain to leave the truck in Lakeland and commute weekly/bi-weekly. But, there are huge advantages to not bringing home a truck. You might research the Lakeland area by simply driving down there and through the huge business centers. There are distribution centers and trucks everywhere. I lived in Cape Coral, for awhile, and Lakeland is where the OTR opportunities stopped.

I wouldn’t drive for any of the companies on the school’s list. Avoid megas, at all costs.

I’d strongly suggest reading through the Good/Bad sub-forum, here. If you’re thinking Stevens, read everything you can. Having a buddy to train you is hugely beneficial, because he won’t snitch you, he knows the ropes of Stevens, he’ll be more sympathetic, he can better guide you toward success, etc.

I’d research Heyl Truck Lines (reefer). They have locations in Zephyrhills, IA, TX, and SD.

 

Heyl Truck Lines (reefer) requires 6 mos. experience. They don't bend on the requirements.

 

If I had an "easy" desk job that paid 40g's a year I wouldn't be a truck driver.

I did, however, have a PITA desk job that I had to come in early and stay late for all the time without benefits or paid vacation and was paid 35000 a year. That's why I drive a truck now.

 

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I would check with ODFL in Ocala to see what schools they accept. That would be a great place to start, and I believe its only a urine test. They hire recent grads with tuition reimbursement as well, and its the kind of place folks stay and retire from.

 

you seem in good shape, your record seems irrelevant given it’s so old.
I have employment gaps and employed so you’re fine. Give it a try!