A few questions about trucking

Okay experienced drivers, this question is directed at you. I am thinking about getting into driving whether it be OTR or local. I have been doing a lot of research and a lot of things I am reading about trucking are starting to scare me. First it looks like the pay is really poor considering the hours you put in. That part does not bother me too much. But what does concern me is finding a good company to work for that will actually care about their employee's and not treat them like dogs just for the sake of making a buck. Also, this DAC report thing scares me as well. Why are so many companies quick to put bad things on there to screw someone out of finding another job if they want to leave that company?

How do I go about finding a good company to work for? And is it REALLY possible to make $1000 per week driving local and be home every night? I see some things in the internet that say that but the people making this claim want you to buy there e-book to get this info. I mean WTF?

Any advice you experienced truckers can give would be very helpful to me. Thanks.

Buy the way, I currently work for a large towing company that has a transport division so they are helping me get my CDL. I am fortunate in this because I have everthing at my disposal. It looks like those driving schools seem to be more of a scam than anything. If one wants to get into this business, one really needs to do their homework!

 

Thank you for the warm welcome. Yes actually I do have a good thing going for me and I am very fortunate. I have been driving roll backs for over 5 years now and finally decided to get my CDL. The company I am with has never pressured me to get it. It was at my discretion. I wish I would have done it when I started there. I would have 5 years experience now. But that is water under the bridge now.

Anyway, my company will let me drive as long as I need to until I feel comfortable enough to go take the pre-trip/road test. No rush on that. They are very willing to teach me everything I need to know. The owner has been in trucking his whole life and most the the staff and employee's are very knowledgeable about CMV's and happy to answer any questions I have. It probably helps that it is a small privately owned company so you do not get lost in the shuffle. So yes I am very fortunate to be in my situation.

Thanks again for the warm welcome and please, everyone, keep any good info you can send me coming. Thanks all.