Need Trucking Advice

Did you use the apprentice program with the GI Bill? If you only used 4 weeks, then there should still be money available to you. I beleive you have 15 years to use up. Also, if you were honorably discharged there is a new program to assist with training and employment for vets. it is called VRAP i think. I did some homework on some of this as I am 13 days away from retiring after 25 years.

 

I went with Sage Technical Services in Montana. I used my GI bill to fund my tuition and hotel fees (they paid E-5 housing rates). For all others that funded their tuition privately, the school wanted all the money upfront as well before the start of class. One of my buddies got his funding from the job corps. Maybe check into that. I am sure there are some grants out there that can help you out. A CDL is an awesome investment, I would definately go with it, especially if you graduate from an accredited school.

 

Awesome! Good luck!

 

Tim, good luck, bud. I wish you all the best, as it seems you are a good guy and really deserve it. Get your cdl, drive OTR for a year (or less if possible) and than go for good local or regional companies that will pay good and won't keep you away from family for weeks (i used to net 700-800 working for one, and than 1200-1500 net a week working for another local company). Be a hard worker, but try not to be taken advantage of from mega carriers.

 

You can always try to apply to a regional/local as well. I just got picked up by USF Reddaway, and I never spent a day OTR. I got my CDL a few months back. Only reason why I didnt start sooner is because I am still active duty military.

 

Yeah, that is not a bad idea to spend a year out. I have 9 years of combination vehicle driving experience with the military (including linehauls in Iraq). I don't have a problem with doing over the road, but if local pays better and gets me home every day, then I will gladly take it. Good luck though. I hope you get picked up by a good carrier that will take care of you