Aspiring Trucker with Checkered Driving Record and Prescription Drug Questions

Guys and Gals...
An aspiring trucker here. I have browsed these forums and I have a lot of questions. Some have been answered, others I'm sure are out there if I had 47 hours to browse this great site!
Anyway, I call CR England (?) to get some information. I have a checkered driving past. I have 2 DWI's that I was convicted of back in 1994. CR said I cannot have more than TWO in a lifetime. I will pull my MVR to double-check. They said other companies aren't as strict.
I KNOW what I'm getting myself into. I know how to play by the rules, etc. I currently drive all through-out the NYC and surrounding areas delivering medical equipment. I need a career, and have wanted to do this 20 years ago.
Will I be guaranteed a job once I graduate one of the many schools offering free training? I am not INITIALLY worried about the pay scale. i know it will improve over time with experience, etc.
The other issue I worry about is that I take Xanax for anxiety. Will this prevent me as well from gaining employment? I suppose I could stop and be a stressed out freak, but, if there is a proper way to address this it would be much appreciated.
I will be going to the DMV to get the CDL "what you need to know" book and study. I have started it online.
Any companies you can recommend? I know they ALL have their caveats, but I am sure I can deal with it.
I'm also 5'7" and 115* soaking wet. Should I work on strength training?
I am also familiar with working on bikes, cars, etc, so I know what a tie rod, sway bar, etc.
Thanks for all your input,
Janice

 

Thanks for your reply.
Anyway, I have called 3 companies today to do research. Things sure have changed since I initially wanted to do this 20+ years ago. There are hardly ANY trucking companies left willing to do the training.
The first company, Swift, told me I would have to move to PA as there were no hiring sessions in NY, turn in my NY license, establish residency and get my CDL permit.
I then called CR England. They seem to be more "fast-track" and you get your CDL in 2.5 weeks. I will call and ask more questions, as I am learning MORE with each phone call.
I then called Prime. They told me right off the bat that you would be out 4-5 weeks at a time, with a day off for each week (4 weeks worked= 4 days off).
All THREE of them told me the EXACT same thing as far as DWI/DUI. 2 DWI/DUI convictions in a LIFETIME is acceptable. Anymore, fugghedaboutit!!
The xanax can be "waived" with a LMN. I will just stop it and deal with it. Period.
And, FWIW, just because a person makes mistakes, no one has the right to pass judgement. No one is perfect. I've learned from mine, and I can sleep at night knowing so.
So, tomorrow I go to DMW, get the MVR, fill out the application online with the PROPER information and I'm going to go with Prime.

 

Hey, TennMan...Merry Xmas to you as well!!
sober for over 5 years (did get sober in the late 90's for 4 years, but eh...)
My career is more important now than getting all liquored up. Had my fun, now it's time to move on.....
Did it have more replies?? Eh, oh swell....LOL

 

hey DevilTalk! Thanks for the reply. How long did you have to wait to get into a trucking school? Would you mind sharing the one you are with?
Maybe I will consider it, as that is REALLY what I use it for...to shut my brain down so I CAN get some zzzzz's......