Out in Jacksonville, FL. Still have to actually acquire a CDL, but wondering what's the best idea.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by phireblast, Feb 1, 2024.

  1. phireblast

    phireblast Bobtail Member

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    My preference is to find a trucking job that isn't TOO physical, but if I can't avoid it, so be it. What companies could I roll with if I was a fresh guy around here? I see Cypress, which has a terminal right in my city AND pays for CDL training. However, to my understanding, that comes with a contract. Part of the reason I considered them anyway is because they have local positions and "florida only" positions so I won't be too far from home. I've tried to do research on this place all over, and i'm not getting any super solid impressions.

    My other idea is to attempt to sign up for a WIOA grant and get a CDL from a college, but the application process will take a long time according to them. In the long run, this SOUNDS like the better idea because I won't be attached to a company, but i'm not sure if I have many good options in my area to begin with.

    Any insight?
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  4. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    A lot of people advise against signing a one year contract with a training company, but it’s not like it’s a death sentence. I went that route with Roehl Transport 11 years ago and never had any regrets.
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Yeah, nothing wrong with a contract. Lots of unemployed people wish they had a work contract.
     
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  6. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    What is “TOO physical” in your opinion?

    If you want to stay local, food service companies always hire, they pay decent and you’re local. It’s work, but nowhere as tough as the beer distributors
     
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  7. phireblast

    phireblast Bobtail Member

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    When the majority of the shift consists of hard labor. Working as an unloader at UPS showed me i'm not capable of handling that for too long.
     
  8. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Are you still with UPS? You would already have your foot in the door, and they might pay for your schooling.

    My youngest sister worked as a loader at FedEx. She applied for a driving job and FedEx paid for everything. Even got a good sign on bonus.
     
  9. phireblast

    phireblast Bobtail Member

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    No, I left after working for only a few weeks years ago.
     
  10. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    Werner has a school on the west side of town just off of 295 near Cisco Gardens
     
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  11. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    Most dry van (regular tractor trailer, as opposed to refrigerated, flatbed, or tanker) is sedentary enough that you’ll actually want to make sure to do some exercise just so you don’t get huge.
     
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