Another Vet about to get thier CDL

Simple; if you want OTR go with Melton and if you want local go with Ryder or regional with Schneider Bulk.
Local you will fight traffic all the time and be exhausted when you get home and start staring at the clock knowing your next shift starts pretty soon.
Some people love local work; I hated it and didn't stay long.

 

Schneider would be better than Melton if you go tankers; Schneider Bulk.
That's the only division of Schneider I would work for.
Schneider doesn't have driver facing cameras.
Melton has driver facing cameras.

Other than that, Melton has nicer trucks with Apu's and get to see the country.
If Schneider will put you in their bulk tanker division, take that over Ryder or Melton.

 

Schneider will send you to tanker school in Houston after you graduate from CDL school.
Yes, get the tanker/hazmat endorsements now. Also apply for a TWIC ID Card if you want tankers. This is for entry to military bases, sea ports, chemical plants, rail yards. Google for nearest TWIC office.

 

Ask Schneider if they hire tanker drivers from your area. Tell them you're not interested in Schneider unless you can have a tanker position.

 

I assume you have a passport also, you may want to go ahead and get this also.

You didn't say if you had family at home or not, wife, kids, girlfriend, etc. If single, it makes the choice a lot less confusing.

I'd ask more about the Toyota deal as far as how many hours a day. You could be putting in a 14 hr day or possibly 16 hr. Or you could be driving less each day.
You have to have time in the 14 hr window to do your inspection report (5-15 min or so), 1/2 hr break before 8hrs hit, time to fuel as needed. Time to sit and wait to be unloaded and drive time to get back to base.

OTR, you will be out, according to the company, at least 2-3 weeks at a time before you will get usually 2 days off. Some companies will let you stay out longer and then take 3 days or so with no repercussions. Then it is hit the road again. Most companies will let you stay out longer, some do keep you out longer vs being consistent with trying to get you home every 2 wks. Some companies will let you take hometime wherever you want to go, as long as you have a safe parking area; some won't. Some require you to return to the terminal, so they won't hire out of certain areas.

Living on the road can be fun, you get to see a lot of the country, and a lot of the weather also. It is a lot of times like living in a tin can, you are limited to where you can go, either a Truckstop, rest area, deserted lot, some Walmarts, etc. Having computers now, is a Godsend for a lot of the people I think, having Facebook, or other outlets to connect helps you keep linked to the world.