where to start career

A lot different.
Tractor/Trailer is an air combo. The trailer you pulled the backhoe around on, most likely didn't have brakes at all, or were electric.
Tractor/Trailer combos are MUCH bigger, because the trailer is 53' long.
Tractor/Trailer combo, is coupled on a fifth-wheel, where-as your dump truck pulled the trailer by hook or ball hitch. The hook, or ball hitch will trail the truck (as with pulling doubles)...with a trailer on a fifth-wheel....your trailer is waayyyyy over yonder.

THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE.

 

Are you sure? Because that would require a CLASS A CDL.

 

Oh....o.k., I went back to your original post, I guess you DID mention that. My bad, missed it.

 

Easier backing I'm sure...but right hand turns will be a whole new experience for you.

 

37K a year is about 711 a week. Let's say you're working 60 hours a week (we know you'll be working more than that). That's about $12 bucks an hour straight time. Hardly worth being away from home weeks on end. I recommend that the OP utilize his tanker endorsement. Much more money to be made.

 

Stevens and Prime are starter companies and both have tanker divisions too. Having the endorsement might give you a leg up.