On a company sponsored training hunt. Which company?

Being a truck driver is sold as something anyone can do and make 45K a year to start. Which is sorta true, in that most drug free people can qualify (no recent DUI, major tickets, felonies) Reality is a 140% turnover rate for rookies. Im 99.9% sure no company will let you take your dog with you during training.

Work on getting copies of birth cert, social security card and CDL permit, and possibly your medical card while finding the best home for your pet. Find out what training companies, after completing training, will allow you to drive solo and bring your pet and next summer could bring your son. Figure three months before you will get your own truck, from the time you start. Some people take longer.

Narrow down a few companies and call them and let them know your predicament. Honestly, I wouldn't mention the pet as a priority. They will probably be willing to work with you on everything else, but being unable to be away from a pet may throw red flags. You'll be living and working in a trainers truck for a couple months and there's not a lot of room.

People succeed at Werner, Swift etc.. all the time. Its not ideal to need to sign a contract but its definitely doable. Just be sure that its what you want because you'll be on the hook for CDL tuition if you don't complete the contract or at least stay in trucking. Don't even think about leasing for a full two years. The mega companies will probably be better at matching you with a female trainer, if that's important to you.

You can definitely read and write good enough lol.

 

What I've noticed about truck drivers is you need to be REALLY organized.

Like REALLY organized.

Not only in your professional manner and the way you operate your truck, but in most aspects of your private life as well.

Cause if you think it's a challenge taking care of problems at home, just wait until you jump out on the road.

 

I know!!!!!

Thank you, I strive to be as mean as possible. Took classes for it at mean school.

 

Sacramento should have lots of small agricultural companies. Find a few that are hiring and find out if they would take you on with the dog after you get a cdl. Big companies will not allow the pet during their training period.

 

Oh my, it sounds like your recent life has been a bit of a train wreck, and now you are trying to rebuild. You have already received some great advice and options. I would like to add one more for your consideration.
My experience in life has shown me that when an aspect of my life goes to hell in a hand basket, the best thing to do is STOP. Moving forward, especially pushing harder and faster usually makes things worse. Right now I fear you are putting the horse before the carriage.
Usually going back to the beginning helps you build a good solid foundation. If it is not right, everything that follows will be wrong. As others mentioned, get all your paperwork (SS, Birth Certificate) together immediately. Then I suggest you put an emphasis on getting stability in you home life. Put trucking off for a while. Get a local non-driving job (I guess you have experience in something?), get housing (maybe might have to be Section 8), meet some people...develop some friends, nail down everything that has to do with your children and dog. You do not want to go to trucking school without any money in your pocket. As others mentioned, it is very challenging to run "home" while you are on the road. You will need some kind of support, even if very minor, back home.
After you have basically stabilized your life, then go full guns into the trucking world. OTR for a new driver takes a lot of focus. If everything at home is running somewhat smooth, your experience and chance of success will be a lot better.
Wish you the best.

 

@devon<3 First take care of housing. Even if it's a pet friendly shelter.It's better than a car or the street or a dirt bag motel. Check into Transitional housing, empowerment for homeless women in OC | WISEPlace . They're in the OC (don't know your specific location). If they cant help you, they'll know someone who can.
Next, contact CalWORKS...Info & Resources > CDSS Programs > Housing Programs > CalWORKs Homeless Assistance . This program will help you find more permanent housing. Then contact the EDD...https://www.edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/ they can help you find federal money for job training/re-training. The state technically doesn't pay for this unless you meet specific requirements, like being a displaced worker collecting unemployment and the industry you were previously in is considered "depressed". As for Reno...not to sure, but their programs don't work like CA at all.Best to stay in CA until you get some things sorted out and are a little bit more stable as far as housing, etc. And before I forget, apply for Medi-Cal for heath coverage...Medi-Cal: Provider Home Page and Cal-Fresh....Home - CalFresh and ask about cash benefits as well. If I think of anything else or any questions, post or PM me....

Just noticed you mentioned Sacramento. I believe all of those links will let you find a local office to help if you can't do it online. And you can get a certified raised seal copy of your birth certificate from the county you were born in for a small fee. Or use an online expedited service for around $35. There is no cost for a replacement SS card in office or through Replacement Card | Social Security Administration

 

I stayed at the Salvation Army and worked at the airport while I was going to CDL school, which Goodwill paid for.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

 

....

Mic drop.....

 

Wish i saw that before I replied.10 mins I'll never get back lol