Average contract with a company

Most contracts average about 12 mos.
I wouldn't be concerned about a contract anyway. If the pay looks ok and the company runs in areas of the USA you're interested in, then that should suffice.
A contract is temporary anyway; not a lifetime commitment.
Millions of unemployed that don't qualify for unemployment pay, would love to be under a contract for work.
Millions more would love to have a contract to work when their unemployment benefits run out.
Many still won't have a job when their unemployment benefits run out. Many will refuse jobs, just because they don't want a certain type of work.
It's a new world right now and many of the newness is permanent.

 

Kingty, you're in a good situation and much better than most.
You're starting a new career and not bringing along a bunch of baggage to contend with.
Starting fresh and can go anywhere you want and enjoy life and a new career.

 

I still say you should get your CDL through a Community College and not be indebted to any company.

 

I went the Company Sponsored route with Swift in June of 2016. No regrets, good introduction to this industry. Not sure if it has changed, probably not much. Quick breakdown: $3900 tuition. No money up front. $150.00 per month payroll deduction, ($37.50 per week) for 13 months. $1950.00 out of pocket. Swift matched the $1950. $3900 paid off in 1 year. Stay an additional year and they add $37.50 per week back to your pay for the next year. No obligation to stay the additional year, just an incentive to keep you around. It was the best option for me. Some private schools are north of $5000 dollars. Not sure what the Community College rate is, but usually it is a 3-6 month course. I had my CDL in 3 weeks, was behind the wheel with a Mentor for 5 weeks. Solo in 8 weeks start to finish.