Looking at a career change

Good move on your part, to plan ahead by asking questions. Many don't make it in trucking because they aren't prepared and their first job is with some mega-refrigerated carrier & make less than poverty wages. Get the endorsements, TWIC, passport so you can start out with a good paying job with good benefits. Study the "CDL Practice Tests" which can be accessed at the top of this page. It's not too early to research companies and have a list prepared when the application time arrives. Good pay with tanker/hazmat, flatbed, and a few refrigerated companies such as Holland Enterprises. Also, just because a companys website says "experience required" doesn't mean they don't hire new CDL grads, because sometimes they do. Ask more questions on the "Questions From New Drivers" thread. Put your location on the profile, so those trying to help will know the hiring area you live in.

 

You're doing it the correct way by research. You've probably seen these companies listed before & the annual pay is way above what most new drivers make:

Schneider Bulk
Superior Carriers
Trimac
CTL Transportation
SVTN
Melton Truck Lines
System Transport

 

I'm telling you this has been the best move I have ever made. Still in school, but that day I quite my S***** 9-5 was so liberating. I know driving is for me because every time I get in a truck/think about driving a truck I get a proud feeling. Being part of the elite is something to be proud of. Remember Truckers move America. Good luck in your search for schools. Look forward to seeing you on the road.

 

If you are close to Chicago then you are in good Old Dominion territory, as well as a few other companies. They are definitely the highest paying starting company out there, not that they advertise it on their web site. This forum has many straight of the schools CDL driver even though it appears that they want a years experience on their web site.
I just finished reading a story on Old Dominion in Investors Business Daily, in which they highlight their best in industry record in a few categories.
I still favor Schneider for their choices and especially their percentage lease program. I don't think I can handle the Old Dominion way of Army style cattle steering to take care of their jobs. The Old Dominion pay per mile is highest talked about for a company driver with 50 plus cent per mile to start, it lines up with the IBD story about how they dealt with the economic downturn by not low balling freight prices to keep trucks running in contrast to unspecified trucking companies' practice.
I favor Roehl for their Life outside the Truck ideas.
I am a fellow seeker looking for independent contracting opportunity and still wondering why I am checking this trucking industry thing out after hating my little 2500 mile trip from Tennessee to Seattle in three days.

 

According to countless articles and news broadcasts there is a huge demand for transportation workers. Most needed is drivers. The economy is improving (slowly, but surely). There are plenty of good paying driver jobs. You just need to find them. And pasmurf, why would you be looking for driving jobs if you hate it? I left my last job because I was miserable, that is no way to live if you hate it.

 

Zilla,call Conway Truckload and tell them you want info on their trucking school. They have a program where you pay 1500 and they cover the rest and send you to trucking school in Michigan. Once you are done you are under no contract but Conway is a good company to start with as a newbie. Nice new trucks as they lease them every 4 years and also very driver family type environment as the previous owner is still the CEO. I would recommend them over all other choices.