Newbie needs help...

That's what I was looking for and now it's looks as though I will have to go otr to get experience. If you can get training thru a company it will most likely be an otr company. It will save you money but lock you into a commitment. Do yourself a favor and get your permit on your own. It's easy enough to do and shouldn't break the bank. In my state of Florida the CDL Permit Handbook was free and my 3 tests were free as long as I passed them the first time which I did. If you decide to use the GI Loan and go to a school make sure you get at least 160 hours of training, preferebly more. Companies are looking for at least 160. I took the 184 hour course. I don't think your searching the wrong field if your in it to win it. It may be tough especially with the wife to go otr but get that year or two in and so many doors will open up. I wanted to go solo and local (ltl) and I will probably end up having to go teams and otr (lol). But I'm committed on the making the most of it.

 

Oh and I'm sure you probably will but get your endorsements as well. Doubles/Triples, Tank & Hazmat even if you think you might not need or use them. It will make you more marketable!!!! Those tests are easy to but a little more money (but not to much).

 

Keep doing your homework... research, investigate.

Lots of companies offering an array of local and regional work... but to get your foot in the door you may need to work something less desirable in the short term. Six to eighteen month or so anyway... depending.

 

Going to Roadmaster on the GI Bill is great! As Oaker mentioned, you will have to do some time over the road. If you go with a company sponsored school you will be committed to a contract and will have to stay on the road even if you find a local job. There are local jobs out there, not as easy to find of course, but they are there. Go over the road and while you're doing the windshield time start looking for local work, it is always easier to find a job while you are working. Pay, (GI Bill), for your CDL upfront, it's always the better way to go. Drive safe!

 

Also look into companies like Conway freight ltl. They sometimes hire straight out of school. In some areas they also offer a driving school.

 

What he said! I started with R&L Carriers right out of the chute.Took me on as a driver/dockworker, but I never once worked the dock. You get paid hourly for every hour,with good benefits. You will,however, fingerprint freight. (Hand unload with a pallet jack) but its a really good gig,especially if you have a family life,because you'll sleep in your own bed every night. Good luck in whatever you choose!

 

If you can find a local college or tech school take that over Roadmaster. GOOGLE 'ROADMASTER" and you'll find a slew of complaints. There is better training. Unless that's your only option, such as taking that course over signing with a carrier for a year, take it.
EVERYONE wants want you want as a new driver .... home every weekend, the same regular hours, etc. It's possible but usually not probable for new drivers. Like another driver indicated, investigate and do your research and make yourself as marketable as you can. Make sure your background and driving record is in as good shape as possible and blanket the industry with applications. However, do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door. Good luck to you.

 

Go to Roadmaster & you will have more options to choose from. Get all the endorsements, especially tanker/hazmat, get a passport & TWIC.

Many top notch companies will hire you right out of Roadmaster or any other good school. Many companies websites will say "experience required", but apply anyway because many of them still will hire new CDL graduates, but don't advertise it.

Start making a list of companies you like, don't limit yourself to only the companies that recruit from the CDL school. Once you're enrolled and attending classes, start putting in the applications.

Columbus is a good area for freight of all kinds, but try for flatbed or tanker for the best pay right out of the chute.

Check Careerbuilder website also & see who is hiring out of Columbus, but don't limit yourself to those either.

You want home on weekends, two companies that have a weekend home program are Maverick and McElroy. There may be others, but that's the only 2 I'm aware of.