interested in driving

I am considering a career change. I have always respected drivers. I'm the one that flashes his lights off and on to let you merge into my lane, and thank you when you tell me it's safe to merge in front of you. I stop back in an intersection when I see you with a difficult turn to give you the space you need. I know absolutely nothing about what you go through on a daily basis, but I try to stay out of your way. I recognize the need for drivers like you. Now I am interested in becoming one. I love driving already and spend many, too many, hours on the road.

I am a 40 year old type 1 diabetic. I am on an insulin pump and have my diabetes well controlled with an A1c of 6.1 - 6.8%. Do I even need to waste my time researching a career change? I'm currently self employed. I may keep or dissolve my company as time requirements deem it necessary.

Next, If I am able to drive, what are the best options for someone with absolutely no training outside of being a terror on the road in a 26' Penske Rental? Such as best schools? Companies that train their own new hires? I read about CR England, then came and looked at the posts on here and realized that they are probably not the best option. Who is? I am located about an hour east of Atlanta, GA. I am a US Navy Veteran. While I do not have any GI or Montgomery bill money for training. I did read about a "Veterans Retraining Assistance Program" that's due to become available very soon. (link to info:gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/vrap.html)

They have a list of "in demand" jobs that includes "Transportation and Material Moving Occupations (link:gibill.va.gov/documents/VRAP_High_Demand.pdf[/url]) but it does not directly specify getting CDL training.
Does anyone here know if that would work to pay for the training if I had to pay out of pocket myself instead of a company sponsored training?


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Frank

 

I understand the safety issues very well and for many diabetics that don't care about their disease (I was one of those before I nearly died) it would be extremely bad idea to get behind the wheel of any vehicle, much less and Semi. I hope the DOT and FMCSA would one day recognize other's abilities to manage their own disease and operate in a safe manner. I used to think this was an out of reach occupation, but have been reading about waivers and showing a history of controlled blood sugars, but it's in such legal jargon, it's hard to understand it all.

Thank you everyone for your input. I will check with some of the companies mentioned, Swift and Schneider. What do you guy's think of those companies? I think Swift must hire anybody. Leaving the Walmart DC and seeing them swerve down the interstate makes me wonder LOL!!
Whenever we see a Swift truck we are sure to give them a wide berth!