Will living in FL hinder me from career?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by djroy03, Jun 17, 2011.

  1. djroy03

    djroy03 Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Jun 17, 2011
    JAX, FL
    0
    Hi,

    I am new here and very interested in driving OTR. I live in Jacksonville, FL and have been researching two different schools in town. I have been told on other forums that it may be difficult in finding work after I complete training for my CDL because of where I live. Is this true? Has anyone else here been hired out of Florida? Maybe even Jacksonville?

    Thanks for reading!

    Daniel
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

    1,972
    1,599
    May 13, 2011
    SW Missouri
    0
    Welcome Daniel. You've found what I consider the best trucking forum around. I'm sure some drivers who live in Florida will come along and share their ideas with you soon.

    I don't live in Florida but I've seen a lot of information regarding your question. It appears to me that Florida presents a bit of a challenge but it won't keep you out of trucking.

    Since you're new, do a lot of reading here about good and bad companies and find out what to expect so you won't be disappointed with your choices or decisions. Make a plan about where you want to work before you go to training.

    Think about your driving record and criminal record before investing time and money in training. Training and company recruiters will tell you what you want to hear to get your money and get you hired.

    Just keep your expectations realistic and make a plan and you will do fine.
     
    djroy03 Thanks this.
  4. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

    5,799
    6,440
    Jan 13, 2007
    Woodville, TX
    0
  5. Lantern

    Lantern Road Train Member

    1,800
    824
    Mar 8, 2011
    Deliverin Soda
    0
    Djroy, I'm in Jacksonville as well. Don't let people suggest that you will have to face a crazy challenge of finding a job.. A few carriers have only drop yards in Jacksonville so there are some mega carriers that come out this way often enough for a drop yard. I might be mistaken.. Also we aren't that far from Georgia where I've seen plenty of Terminals for larger carriers around McDonough (Give or take a few areas around it). Researching the forums is the key to unlocking a wealth of information you won't find elsewhere.

    What school are you planning on going to? FSCJ (FCCJ) has a CDL program that is $2,350, 8 week program, known instructors in the area, and very well liked by drivers that are local here. Roadmaster seems to be very popular as well, but the cost of Roadmaster vs FSCJ tends to be a tad bit more. Do know FSCJ does have Werner come out, hell Davids office is plastered with Werner poster / calender / etc.. etc.. But don't let that speak for how that company is.

    The CDL Program takes place out in Cecil field next to 103rd / Branan Field Rd. If you want any more information, feel free to ask. I am attending FSCJ in August, so I will be going there personally and the enrollment process was rather simple. You do have to take a DOT Physical (ofc) and a Piss test within 2 weeks of the first day of class. So do know that.
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2011
    123456, BigJohn54 and djroy03 Thank this.
  6. Krooser

    Krooser Road Train Member

    2,493
    1,066
    Jul 25, 2010
    Wisconsin
    0
    I understand that the FL jobs are north of Orlando... or so it has been said on this forum.

    If that's the case you should be good....
     
    123456 Thanks this.
  7. djroy03

    djroy03 Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Jun 17, 2011
    JAX, FL
    0
    I'm actually strongly considering going to the driver course that's part of FSCJ. I think I want the 8 week course as opposed to Roadmaster for only 3 weeks. Do you know how often they have new classes starting?

    Do you have a company you're thinking about or have you already been pre-hired?

    Thanks.

    Daniel
     
  8. Bigarmin88

    Bigarmin88 Road Train Member

    1,791
    376
    Aug 30, 2008
    Tampa Bay Fl
    0
    Most of your major carriers that hire in Florida hire drivers Orlando and north word,so you should be fine,I wouldn't worry to much.I haven't check lately but I think few carriers are now hiring south of Orlando - Tampa Bay possible to south west Florida,but i'm not 100% sure.P.S welcome to the forum.
     
  9. Cowmobile

    Cowmobile Medium Load Member

    609
    1,233
    May 9, 2011
    The hammer lane....
    0
    Yah, you shouldn't have any problem, alot of companies will hire outta north Florida.
     
  10. djroy03

    djroy03 Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Jun 17, 2011
    JAX, FL
    0
    I do appreciate the responses. I actually feel better about this already. There's still hope for me in this industry after all! :biggrin_25525: I've never been involved in a traffic accident (knock on wood) and my last speeding ticket was more than 5 years ago.
     
  11. Meltom

    Meltom Road Train Member

    5,423
    3,019
    Jan 24, 2011
    0
    you'll be fine, getting regular home time might be an issue but you'll get hired.

    BTW every time I read the title of this thread I hear it in my head like a pirate is saying it.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.