Having a hard time deciding how to go about getting my CDL

This is just experience talking and many bad decisions in this industry......I would do as China says ( and as I mentioned from the begining) but I would take it a step further.........ask them what their expectations are on a daily , weekly basis.....typical hours - driving / working, time of day, days in a row, have them tell you the physical requirements ......... ask to talk with one of their drivers, any place you will want to work for will do this gladly. Sometimes we get excited about a career change and forget to ask the tough questions.

 

Don't get your hopes up on the smaller companies; they still have to run your application by their insurance company.
I always recommend a company with benefits such as healthcare and some type of pension plan such as 401K or something similar. The reason is, all truckers are just one physical away from being unemployed.

 

While you're waiting for classes to start, study the practice tests on here and memorize as much as possible. The tests are easy. Scroll to the top of this page and click on "CDL Practice Tests."
You can also apply for your TWIC ID Card. Google for nearest TWIC office to do that. Probably one near you since there's plenty of Merchant Seamen in your area and they require one.
Tanker drivers need TWIC card for entry to chemical plants, sea ports. Others need it for entry to rail yards, military bases and even prisons for food deliveries.

 

Option 3 sounds like the best to me. Maybe stay on until a full time Driving Position comes up.The other ways sound expensive.Unfortunately only hindsight will tell. I myself missed out twice in past on Owning my own Wholesale Food Business.One was a percentage deal that would have eventually have been 100% mine. Have since watched the new owner grow to riches. I had first dibs on the deal as I was employed by the Retiring Owner. Treated me like a son.But I had other plans. Other deal was a Franchise owned by Father and Son that eventually moved back east. Had I bought the Franchise ( Boarshead ) 25 yrs ago I’d probably be looking to sell and Retire early. Hindsight 20/20 . But I did it My Way !!!!

 

My Father went to Werner in 1989 because of the first day benefits after the Union outfit he worked for closed its doors. Even I told him not to do it. However he got involved in Training and made a very good living at it up until he passed away. He was there for 10 yrs. If anyone knew a good Job it was him having Drove For Chrysler Corp and a few Union Jobs. Always made good $$$ when others were laid off or downsizing etc.