New CDL-A driver with HAZMAT, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples and companies that are fair

Greetings All.

I am a retired veteran. I spent the past 30 years in the IT field, and due to a layoff after several years with my last company, decided to make a career change and do something that I have always wanted to do (driving). I went through and graduated from an accredited (County vocational-technical school), and received 200 hours of training. I then earned/received my CDL-A, was fingerprinted and cleared by TSA for HAZMAT, as well as passing the tanker and doubles/triples endorsements.

I am now out seeking my first job in the industry. I understand that there is a "training" phase that is involved with any company that hires me, but I am looking for a fair shake. My questions are:

1. How long should the training phase be?
2. What is a reasonable daily/weekly pay rate for a driver-in-training during this phase?
3. What would be a reasonable cents-per-mile after training is complete?
4. Is there a company that others on this board would recommend? (please email if you do not want your opinion posted on here)

As you can probably guesstimate, I am in my late 50's. I did drive 2 1/2 and 5-ton trucks back in my military days, but a 53' van is a bit different from those.

I am hoping to find a regional run, here in the northeast. I do not have the confidence yet to drive in NYC, Philly, or Boston, but that I assume will come with time.

Your comments and advice is most welcome.

Regards,

Doc

 

Lititz....it is 60 miles west of Philly. 35 miles south-east of Harrisburg. 250 miles east of Pittsburgh. It is considered Central PA with access to the PA Turnpike. It was also voted the "Coolest little town in America" in 2013. Traditional values type of place. A lot of Amish here in Lancaster County (PA). It is definitely a good place to live and raise kids. Love the area!

 

Shaggy,

Went to a UPS store and got fingerprinted. They were sent to the TSA and TSA did the background check. I received a letter from them stating that my HAZMAT was approved. PennDOT was also contacted by them, and when I went in for my picture ID, VOILA....my CDL-A is now class AM (motorcycle as well), with XT endorsements (HAZMAT, tanker, and doubles/triples).

 

Yup.....except PennDOT had forgotten to forward my application to them for 1 month! I was in CDL school at the time. I called TSA, and a nice lady there called PENNDOT and read them the riot act for not forwarding my application. TSA had the fingerprints, but no app. PennDOT emailed the app, and 1 week later, I had been approved by TSA. I had already taken the CDL-A, and all endorsement knowledge tests before I went to the county vo-tech for the CDL school, to save some time.