Considering a life changing career/ lifestyle move, need advice!

You can make 50 to 60k in your first year, I had my cdl for 3 yrs and made at least 60k every year.

You were a store manager right? Those guys making only 30k are the type of people who would never qualify for any management position (aka dumber than rocks)

If you have a brain, are half way put together you can do ok in this industry

 

My opinion is to go to a driving school and pay for it if you can afford to. Although I wouldn't put it on a credit card if I could help it. The school you are looking at may not be a bad deal. Like one poster said, all a school does is help you get a CDL and get you're foot in the door at a company. You'll get most of your best training there. Just make sure the school is accredited, like ttyson recommended. Beyond that, after finding companies that interest you, and making sure they accept applicants from that school, spend as little on school as possible. It is just a piece of paper that will only affect you getting into job 1. After that, experience and driving record take over for the most part. The company I'm at now didn't even ask if I went to a school at all. There are good companies that have training programs. And you'll likely make more than 35k first year. Just steer clear of "bottom feeder/starter companies". I made that mistake. My first company wasn't what one generally considers a starter company. But they starved me out of there like they where one. Many of these companies just look for "meat in the seat". They figure they have to pay insurance whether a driver crunches a truck or not. And as cheap as they pay new guys, they figure that covers the deductible for them. So if you leave before climbing the pay scale, it's fine with them. They just grab some more meat. Good luck. It's not all doom and gloom out here. A lot of good people make a good living in this industry. I made right at 62k last year pulling flatbed. One good thing about this industry is there are so many niches and stuff that there is almost a place for anybody and everybody.

 

I realize I am also excessively new to doing my own research into the industry but there seems to be different rungs of starter companies. Yes there are a couple companies who are the the rock bottom and from your situation it seems you would be able to avoid those couple. So don't be totally scared off by starter companies as it seems a few are quite nice.

 

I believe Roehl hires in NC. you could get on the out 11 days in 3 fleet.
also co paid training

 

If interested in Flatbed check out TMC they are currently hiring in your area. I'm sure you could find numerous reviews on this forum about the company.

 

Firstly, bummer to hear about your store. I frickin love little game stores that carry Avalon Hill, Wizards of the Coast, etc and give them my business when I can. It's such a niche market though, that they tend to not stick around very long. Kudos to you for giving it a go.

You've gotten good replies so far but to add my self righteous two cents...

Check with that school for financial aid. You may qualify. If not, look for a credit cards that have introductory 0% for 12-18 months. The zero percent card might actually be your best bet.

Have you considered teaming with your wife? I don't know your situation, but that could alleviate at least some of the problems new drivers face.

Oh, and Tyson has a plant in Wilkesboro. They hire students. Good luck.

 

Hey there... Lots to respond to but short on time at the moment.

I am from up the road in Lenoir.
CCC&TI is a Community College.
I think it's program is State subsidized.
They have A LOT of very nice looking trucks.
My wife will be attending there this summer.
As a community college you can get a college loan through Sallie Mae. (I did that in FL)

Look at companies under the Megas... Please

I went to a CC to get my CDL and put it on a Sallie Mae College Loan with a 6 month cushion prior to making payments. Allows you a but of breathing room prior to payments kicking in.

Ended up at Abilene Motor Express in Richmond, VA which then has an in house training program for new students after school.

Started in August in their training program and was assigned my first truck the beginning of November and on track to hit $51,000 in my first year.

So I think you are on the right track...

Good Luck

 

It's very possible to make $50K or more your first year; some that go with tankers make $60K their first year.
If you go with the 9 week course it gives you more options as to companies to choose from. While there get all the endorsements including hazmat endorsement and a passport card.
Many good companies after graduation; here's a few:
Abilene Motor Express
Magnum Ltd.
CTL Transportation
Watkins-Shepard
Freymiller
Tyson Foods

There's some good trucking company schools also:
Millis Transfer - Eden,NC
Maverick Transportation

One new cdl grad was hired by CTL Transportation and is now in Tampa,FL going through tanker training. He said he had to lift a 75 lb. weight up to his chest. Start now preparing for physical agility tests with companies. Do stair step excercises to better your heart rate. Brisk walks will help you prepare. Try to duck walk about 5 or 6 feet.

You will need:
original social security card-not laminated
original birth certificate
steel toe work boots-slip on style are best
cheap work gloves
flashlight
sleeping bag & pillow - this is handy when riding with your trainer so you don't have to swap bedsheets every shift.
Pack everything in a flexible duffel bag; don't use a rigid suitcase.