Newbie question. All advice welcome

I've never driven OTR, but just do your research, research, research. And yes recruiters will lie to you flat out. I hate them as much as I hate car salesmen.

But my advice is, if you're trying to look for a stable income, trucking aint the way to go about it, and that's just my opinion. I'm sure some will disagree. Too many variables affect your earning power.
I dont want to discourage you from your dream, but I am in the same boat as you. Been in love with trucks since I was a kid, wanted to go OTR but after reading these forums I refuse to do that. No thanks.

You said you are prior military, so as long as you have a decent discharge, why not use the GI Bill to pay for school. I highly recommend talking to a vet rep at the Career Onestop(or whatever they call it in your state). I'm sure they discussed it in your transition classes. Some of those reps are of immense help and they are in with alot of local employers. Luckily for me i have no wife or kids so I have a decent savings, and thats the only way i would go OTR. My opinion is that people who are in the red financially who do trucking is one of the reasons companies prey on people like that. You have to depend on them for your next dollar. I dont like that equation too much, but since you're a veteran man, there are tons of options out there for you.
I just separated, not even 3 weeks ago, so this is current stuff im telling you.

And since you're down in Tampa, try National Training in Jacksonville, theyre an accredited trucking school. Very military friendly as they have an office on my base, unlike some of the others who are military friendly because they see dollar signs when a vet rolls in.

Dont mean to discourage ya, but if thats what you really want to do, go for it brother and good luck going forward!

 

welcome. First question are you crazy?! lol You have to be to be willing to get in a truck! No seriously, I've been doin this almost 2 yrs so I'm no expert but I'm not dumb either. Unless you get lucky youll need atleast 2-3 yrs OTR for a local job because their insurance. Your military background will help everyone wants a vet, they know in most situations theyll be getting a disiplined employee. You say you need 2500 month, sorry but idk where youll make that out of school. Best ive done is 1800 a month and that was taking every load i could steal. Ive drove for Schneider and TMC both had good and bad points and love the military. Schneider was good money actually loved the job. But I had a wreck and found out that they dont cover or give a handout of policies. Thus I was fired for disregarding a policy I knew nothing about. Tmc is good if you get a good FM-fleet mgr other wise youll do a lot of short runs and even more setting. that was my problem. They say you can change if he/she isnt working for you but its a battle ax decision. Mine told me I HAD to stay out 2 wks to make any money but I proved if he paid attention I could make 800wk no sweat and go home for the wkend. I still talk with a few drivers and they say the companys goin down hill fast. true some recruiters will lie they dont know everything they need to or just dont care. Schools idk 1 I went to told you who past students had went with and their experiences. Best advice I can give you is make a list of what you want or need and use that for every company you call. I call 3-4 different times so I get different recruiters and see if they all have the same story. Talk to drivers TALK TO DRIVERS find someone youre interested in and talk with a driver as many for that company as you can find. If were happy youll know it if not youll know it. lol Ive rattled on enough lol most ppl here are good for advice so I hope you get the help you need. If i can help further hollar at me.

 

It appears to me, you are going about this the right way. You've already been researching and you are paying for your own training. You are miles ahead of most. Your location will limit the companies that will hire you, but you will be fine.

If I were you, I would try Schneider. I don't know if they hire from your area. With your approach to training you won't be forced to work for a company for a certain period. Just pick wisely because jumping around will reduce your opportunities.

Good luck and welcome to a fine forum.

 

This was advice for the OP to use the GI Bill for schooling, but CenturyClass had already mentioned that.

Note to self - Read everything before posting

 

It's the thought and effort that count.

 

classadrivers.com has a good list of companies by state. Hope it helps.

 

Most new drivers should expect to earn between $30-35,000 their first year. The first few months may be difficult financially because you will be with a trainer and not making as much money. If you plan on paying for your own training, I would check to see if their is a state vocational school or community college which offers CDL training. You need to make sure that they are accredited. Most schools can help with job placement. You could experience a problem finding a good carrier if you plan on staying in Florida. Some do not hire out of the state. Before spending your money, you may want to check with some carriers and see where they are hiring. There are a couple of truck stops near you. They should have driving related magazines. Most are primarily recruitment tools for the companies. Pay can vary according to the type of freight you plan on hauling. If flats are of interest, I believe that Maverick and TMC both have training programs. Most who hire new drivers pull vans. The important thing to remember is that you need to get at least a year of experience behind you. Once you have a year or two, your income should rise along with additional opportunities. There are carriers out of Florida that pull bulk tankers. Some of the grocery warehouses may also need drivers, but I would think that they would seek those with some experience.

 

New here, too. I believe Big John is correct in that you are going about it the right way. That is what I am doing is researching my butt off so as to make an informed decision. One thing you will ALWAYS find when researching online for trucking companies is ALL the bad press about that company. You rarely hear much good press except on forums like this one (at least that is what I am finding). From talking with many truckers out there and the ones at SAGE Trucking School in Spindale, NC where I am currently enrolled, people love to ##### about things that piss them off but rarely praise. Did you ever call one of those 1-800 numbers on the back of a truck to tell the person on the other end how GOOD of a driver this driver is? Usually it's the other way around. And, like one driver told me, he believes in the 80/20 rule. 80% of the drivers out there are good, professional and kind...it's the 20% of idiot drivers that get all the press. I believe the same goes for diferrent companies as well. Hey, it's work. There are going to be good days and bad days. Good employees and bad employees. Keep your side of the street clean and you will be OK. I have never driven a truck in my life but, at 50 years old I am changing my career after 30 years in the printing business. It will be tough but I will survive and so will you. Good luck.