Looking to getting into the game

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Mach, Nov 19, 2017.

  1. Mach

    Mach Light Load Member

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    Nov 19, 2017
    Knoxville Tennessee
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    Hey guys and gals. Been debating going OTR for years now and Im at that point in deciding if I'm going to or not. first of all some back story:

    currently single and living on my own in an apartment. currently work for a very small roll off dumpster company. been here for 3 years and have had a class B for a year now. I like it here but the pay is just too low (16 hr).

    Ive been wanting to get a class A just to have it, but to make it even remotely useful, I know I need to get ORT experience. So I guess this is where some general questions come in.

    Should I go to a school on my own or find a company to provide school?

    I dont want to move and would like to stay living where I am. is that doable? (live just out side of columbus Oh)

    Is it smart to keep the apartment? or should I ditch it and sleep where I can? What do I do with my stuff in that time?

    where do you all keep personal vehicles when out and about? I have two vehicles that I do not want to get rid of

    Is it possible to find a Class A job and still be local (home often? - far fetched I know)

    lastly, could I just stick with my class B and work from that? I'm not entirely sure what the job market is like regarding class B. Any time I go online looking for class b jobs, I only ever see class A's that require several years of experience.



    Thanks for the help!
     
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  3. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    TX
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    Since you can expect to be out 1-2 months at a time most of the time, why pay rent on an apartment that is going to sit there empty? You have family you can crash with while you are in town? You should be able to easily couch surf while you are in town and save the 1000+ rent bill. At least that's what I am going to do.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    There's plenty of local jobs in Ohio for CDL-A drivers. Some don't require experience, but do require cdl school.
    Some hire with no school and only a cdl permit.
    Some offer cdl training if you will work for them 12 mos.
    I'll make a list for you.
    Here's one example of a company that offers new cdl grads a choice of local/regional/otr. They also have a termnal in Columbus.
    JRayL Transport
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    This company also has a guaranteed minimum weekly pay of up to $1500.00 you can qualify for. Companies that offer this have a simple way to qualify; just follow the rules and do your job. The drivers that do the long haul runs are still home weekends.
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2017
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  5. C.S.T

    C.S.T Light Load Member

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    Nov 15, 2017
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  6. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    I thought there was plenty in that area. Anything you want. Especially Columbus?

    It's really a matter of what you want. You want to to OTR? Or not? Decide that first.

    School.... I think you could get a Federal Grant for CDL School. Claim underemployed. Go to state unemployment office for advise.

    Then, if you decide you want to go OTR. Rent a large storage room. Park both your cars and put your stuff in there. Things that won't take the cold. Like leather jackets. Rent a small temp controlled room.
     
  7. HD_Renegade

    HD_Renegade Road Train Member

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    Guaranteed minimum weekly pay of up to $1500.00 for a newbie, really ??
     
  8. Mach

    Mach Light Load Member

    166
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    Nov 19, 2017
    Knoxville Tennessee
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    There is a lot around here thats a given. I think my problem so far is just figuring out what my plan is. Chinatown, I will look into that company and see if I can find any other local companies that fit that bill.

    Western, I will also look into CDL schooling and the state office to see what might work for me. Regardless I do want to go to school and learn what I need to know. Also good idea on the storage unit. I have a feeling if I go that route, I will end up ditching the apartment.
     
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    They have a terminal in Greensboro!
    I doubt newbies right out of school get that. I think they get about $900 and work their way up to that.
     
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  10. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    Suddenly.... Everyone's a newbie. :laughing-guffaw:
     
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Millis Transfer has company cdl school in Trenton,OH. They run eastern half of USA.
    Contract Freighters Inc. (www.cfidrive.com) has company sponsored school and runs coast to coast. They provide meals and lodging during school.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2017
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