Best way to move forward?

The clutch don't get used except when stopped.

 

Its ok that you can drive a car with a shifter but a truck is like driving a car and speed shifting without pushing clutch at all try shifting your x/wifes car it can be used to relearn, if you cant find a friend thats still driving a 18 wheeler that will let you drive in the truck/stop parking lot?

 

Lots of NW regional companies up in that area also I’m sure would hire you

 

And taking the cdl road test. And a few greybeard companies that think one has to double clutch or the tranny will be destroyed.

 

Check with Weyerhauser in Columbia Falls. I've loaded a couple times out of there and I saw what looked like local trucks working there. Not sure if they are Weyerhauser trucks but looked like it was at least dedicated. A guy I talked with said he was in there loading every other day or so, so he can't be going too far away. Beautiful area up there by the way. Love that flathead lake.Best wishes!

Edited to add: Also as you probably know there are lots of companied in Missoula. I'm sure there are some local and regional runs from there.

 

Probably your best bet would be to get a regional run for awhile out of one of the companies in Missoula. I hear good things about Decker, which I know has a terminal there. Best wishes to you and I hope you can find something. I doubt the incidents you noted will be any hindrance to you, especially in todays market. Oh, I know nothing about it but I remember seeing a produce delivery company (Charlie's produce I think) right at the Pilot Town Pump in Missoula. Might be worth checking out.