A trucker's resume?

After 31 years in the same industry, I decided to make a career change. I went to a good CDL school, got my CDL A, with hazmat, doubles & triples, and tanker endorsements. Have my passport, TWIC card, clean DMV, and clean background.

Unfortunately, I got my cdl in May and had to stay on at my old job until now. Some of the bigger companies want me to take a refresher before I come to orientation. However, a local company will take me part-time this spring delivering bulk agricultural chemicals and spraying fields.

My questions:
Would it look better on a trucker's resume to go straight to one of the big companies for the training and otr experience, or is it OK to slowly build experience with a small local outfit part-time?

Would I really be missing a great training opportunity by not going to one of the big companies with the extensive training regime?

I ask, because I'd really like to eventually get a local job delivering fuel, bulk, or intermodal, and avoid a year away from home building my resume.

 

Chaos: I am concerned that a small company with older equipment might get me in trouble with a DOT inspection. The upside is that I will get to operate loaders, semi-trucks, tankers, dump rigs, straight trucks and spray rigs. Additionally, I will get to do some of the service, which I think might be very valuable experience.

ladr: I was wondering about that. I have driven cross country extensively, but not with a semi-rig. I know it sounds silly, but after two cross country RVing trips I became hooked on driving. I want to drive local until my children are off to school, then hit the road and stay there.

 

Street: thanks I plan to discuss that with them. I know they get very jammed up when planting time rolls around. I fear that they will want to get it down the road no matter what. When the farmers call, they scramble.