Location, location, location.

It won't really matter whether you move before or after. Just check the states you're planning to move to and see what their requirements are for getting your CDL switched in that state.

 

I would look at Nevada's or Utah's CDL requirements and compare them to Mass. That way you can decide if you should move first or not. Case in point, the fine state of Illinois now requires all CDL holders who move there from another state to take both the written and driving/skills portions of the CDL exam. If whichever state you end up in does the same thing, you'd end up paying for and taking the tests twice. Major PITA to me.

 

Make sure the place you want to move to is in the hiring area for the companies you are looking at.

 

Logistics and convenience wise it will probably be easier to move first. It would be a pain in the butt trying to move during your home time! I would stay away from the mega-carriers though.

 

Have you been to the places you talk about? There's no jobs there unless you want to deal cards or clean rooms. Nevada has no income tax so you might want to think about that. Just make sure you know what the areas are like. You may have 3 or 4 wives so St George would have to be your place. The bad thing about the locale is both towns are in the middle of trucking routes. You may find a turnaround from Salt Lake or LA but I haven't heard of any. I thought Las Vegas was bad for OTR but those two places are reaaly bad. Maybe you can share a secret?

 

It will matter if you move first. When you move you will have to get a license in that state. When you apply for a job they will not be able to pull your MVR within 30 days of you getting a new license. I was in the DMV last week with a guy that moved from New York and was applying for driving school. He was required to get his driving record but because he just moved they could not pull it till 30 days later.

 

When I first read this, I almost thought it was going to be a reference to Achmed the Dead Terrorist. (Youtube it, you'll see what I mean)

Regarding the above, I don't know if it's been covered or not (I haven't read the thread yet, just your post) check each state you plan to move to beforehand to see what it takes to transfer that CDL.

I've been looking into moving down to Oregon or Iowa due to personal reasons. (fam)

Oregon transfers WA CDL for just $15 processing fee. vs Iowa, it would require me retaking just the written exam. Plus $25.

Both are totally acceptable to me. =)

So just go with the flow of what you want to do, but double check into the state you want to transfer in to dictate if you should hold-off on truck school, or just get it all over with and transfer.

 

That was your state. I'm sure they're not all the same. You'll have to check the state you're going to. All it takes is a call.