Where to start, southern Indiana

Magnum Companies – Innovation With Value
Magnum is an asset-based logistics company with the people, equipment, and technology to provide premium service at competitive rates. We’re sensitive to local market needs and …

 

I'd opt to get my CDL schooling paid for.
Definitely look into the WIOA program, fam. For more info, visit or call the local WorkOne Southern Indiana office. A representative will be able to provide details on eligibility requirements and the application process

Southern Indiana Works
2125 State Street, Suite 16
New Albany, IN 47150 (near Jeffersonville)

Phone: +1 (812) 948-6102

 

You may well be in luck -- Dot Transportation has a terminal up in Indy:

Terminals

Even though they haul food -- tanker & hazmat endorsements are still req'd.

Easily one of the better fleets in the industry -- & they also hire/train NEW drivers:

Training & Orientation

-- L

 

Some companies will pay for cdl school in exchange for a contract to work for them for typically a year. If you don't like having the strings attached and you can afford it up front, some companies will also reimburse you a little bit on each check after you're hired.

 

See if Crum Trucking still trains. I'm not for sure, but they're in Batesville. That'd be a decent starting spot. I'd look at Carter Express first of all the ones suggested above.

 

Being home every day is "Local" driving.
Do you live in Henryville?

 

Just apply for a Ready-mix job after you get your CDL. They'll train you with no prior experience and you'll be home every night.

 

Food service companies are usually home daily. Beverages too. That is all touch freight and it's a lot of city driving and maneuvering but the pay is supposed to be pretty good. Sysco states in their ads that they train recent cdl grads, or at least they used to

 

One thing though: there is a reason most people start out otr, and that's because it’s relatively easy. Interstate for 10 hours and back or close quarter maneuver maybe once a day. Not all, but a lot of local jobs involve a ton of stops. Usually you're still on logs too, so you can't take 20 minutes to get it in there, and a lot of it will be pretty much off the street, rather than a relatively isolated spot away from traffic like a DC or a factory yard. I don't mean to discourage you, but that is something you may want to think about.