How did you get started driving a truck?

Started hauling cow crap and spreading it on potato fields in Idaho. Job dried up and I moved back east, the recession hit and my profession was usually the first thing that people cut out of their lives when the economy goes in the pooper as I was a grill/line chef. Got my cdl and haven't looked back.

 

Booooooo that was turrible

 

Was a last minute decision many years ago in 2004. Girlfriend at the time caught a DUI when we were in the Chicago burbs visiting her family for thanksgiving. She had the class A license and was driving a straight truck route and had a pickup daily at the company I worked at. (how we met)

Long story short I worked with her and another guy I knew to pass the class B tests and took over the route when her license was suspended and was going to hold it until she got reinstated. Didn't go according to plan. Boss got underbid months later on the route.

Fast forward to present and a lot of bs later. Cut my career in manufacturing short due to a personal situation and had to relocate. I'm enrolled in the community college to get my B upgraded to an A and sell my soul to the highway. I love to drive and a introvert so should have no problem adjusting.

 

You're in a sweet spot right now so choose carefully and get your Class A driving off to a good start with a high quality company.

Schuster
Britton Transport
Abilene Motor Express
Magnum Ltd.
Freymiller
NTB Trucking

Most new drivers have never heard of any of these companies; so miss out on good opportunities. Some of their websites have "experience required" but that's not the case; they all hire new cdl grads.
Since you're already enrolled in school, start the applications right now; don't wait any longer. This gives you time to go over the job offers and pick one you like best.

 

I appreciate the leads Chinatown. I will have tanker/doubles and triples endorsement as well and working on hazmat at the moment as well.

 

Trimac Transportation is good for tankers and they hire new cdl grads. There's other tanker outfits, but with Trimac you can go with their Elite Fleet after 24 months experience with them and run coast to coast making $100K+.
Which state do you live in?

 

Davenport, IA. Right along the river IA/IL border. Will eventually relocate as I have little ties to keep me here.

 

I understand that; plenty of good places to live with pretty good year round weather and no personal income taxes.
Schuster is in Iowa, but hires from many other states. .40 cpm for new hires & hires new cdl grads. @SidewaysBentHalo