Career Change and Advice

Hey everyone, I've been needing a career change and want to better myself financially and give me the ability to acquire benefits and insurance that aren't readily available to me where I'm currently working. I have been cooking on and off for 16 years and although it is fun and i enjoy it, I'm ready for a change.

I drove Non CDL box trucks years ago all over PA for almost 3 years picking up scrap tires and when I got back from my route i would be using a day cab or a jockey to move trailers at the docks for loading and unloading and parked in the yard for pickup. So I'm not a complete stranger to being around big trucks and backing them up was always easy for me. Along with a few family members that have their Class A and been driving for years i have a good support system and people to call on if needed. I have been browsing this forum the past few months while I acquired my Class A Permit and i have my TWIC card with plans to add my Tanker and Hazmat endorsements as soon as I can to give me more options. The idea of going OTR has always been something i wanted to experience for a little while and going to the local school is possible but I want to get away for a while and see parts of the country I haven't been too.

I live in Connecticut currently but I'm not tied down here at all so I'm open to going almost anywhere. I'm looking to try and start around September/October to give my job time to find and train my replacement as i have been there for 4 years and responsible for a lot. I have a great relationship with the Owner and Chef and don't want to leave them in a bad spot during our really busy season.

I know TMC Transportation is hiring in my area and right now i think that would be at the top of my list to apply to first. Flatbed appears to be consistent and not stuck in the truck for hours waiting to be unloaded at a warehouse and I would learn Load Securement which could help me in the future adding to my skillset. Will companies that train for CDL hire outside of their area since I'm not committed to the state I live in now? I have a small list of companies saved that i have researched but I'm open to any and all suggestions and advice on companies both good and bad to help me narrow it down.

Thanks for any advice/suggestions that are given!

 

Taxes suck here and everything is expensive.... i cant justify paying $6500 for the school and around that for a decent car to commute to the school along with $1,500/month for an apartment with no utilities (have to move out my aunts soon) and $750 for my student loans only to come out after school barely making more than i am now at my current job... Id rather save that money for a year or two and knock out my student loans.

Im adding Leonards, Melton and Stevens to my list. Thank you sir!

Any refeer companies you are aware of that train?