Hello From The Boondocks (Southeast GA)

Hi,

My name is Joe and I'm from Southeast GA. I'm 26 years old. I joined this forum to guide my path towards a new opportunity. The job market in my area is horrible and I feel that getting my CDL's would open up more doors for me (plus a chance to leave my current city) even though I have my Associates in Business Administrative Technology and Marketing. Trucking has been on my mind for a few years now, but I never put effort into taking that step. I've heard great things (awesome members & the amount of information available) about this forum and decided I will give it a shot.

I've been talking with a family member who purchased his own truck a while back and has been in the industry for some years. He told me to start out with temperature-controlled/refrigerated companies such as Stevens, Knight and Prime. He also mentioned Swift, Schneider, and Werner being good companies as well. He told me to choose a company with a school and stick with them for a year instead of going to Roadmaster in Jacksonville, FL. I wouldn't mind going out to Texas for a new start and then get back into college when my situation is improved so that I can maintain focus. Right now, I'm trying to gather all the information I can so that I can make the right choice. All help will be greatly appreciated.

 

That's not good money at all. I took the time to review each company that you listed. Melton Truck Lines, Schneider, Superior-Carriers, and Millis Transfer caught my attention. I forgot to mention that I love Atlanta in my first post. I know people there and have family there (in Savannah also). On Schneider's website, they have a local community college here in Douglas, GA (http://wiregrass.edu/academics/program.php?id=716) listed. I worked and graduated from there. The school is 15 minutes away and wouldn't be an issue signing up to start in January. For the tanker/hazmat endorsement, will it be separate from the actual CDL course? Also, the nearest TWIC office is two hours away in Brunswick, GA. Thanks for posting the CDL Practice Tests for me. I will get started on those immediately.

I think it's best to learn before diving in head first. You'll know what to expect and be alert at all times. I think this forum will benefit us greatly and help us make the right choices in the industry. Good luck to you.

 

Thank you so much, Chinatown. I'll head over to the college on Monday and get everything situated (fingers & toes crossed). I will keep you updated.

 

I went and checked on everything today. I have the option to start Jan. 7 (day class) or in March (night class). They gave me a checklist on what's needed and the things I got to review (Air Brakes, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, and Combination Vehicle). I've been going over the General Knowledge section since Saturday. I scored a 94 and 92 on the last two attempts. I'll be working on the Air Brakes section tonight. I may have to pay out-of-pocket for three semester hours ($375) IF I'm not chosen for the Pell Experiment they're doing. I'll be checking on some other options this week as well. Other out-of-pocket expenses include: 7-Year MVR, DOT Physical/Drug Screen, AP Application Fee, Learner's License, and Class A License. We shall see how things turn out.