Confused?

local college would give you more choices in who you drive for. FYI lots of #####ers in the trucking industry. These companies make money by hauling cargo. Some would make you think they are out to make money off you but I think its all how you approach each job. You have to tell yourself you wont be home much and wont always make a lot of money. Some weeks you might sit for many reasons and not make much if any. Your goal should be to learn all you can and drive slow and safe and put in 1 or 2 years at the same company. THEN with your safe driving record and your record of not job hoping you can pick what job you want.... Many drivers have done the co. sponsored and did ok. Lots of time the #####ers are the ones who are not very good at trucking or they cant handle the life style so they blame it on the company. Good luck

 

I went to Roadmaster in Jacksonville,FL they were great i was there a little over 2 years ago and they were great. I loved every second of it. And they do have company recruiters come in and give you brochures and such. I would recommend US Xpress. Or Swift offers company paid training. I know a few that work for both and have pretty good things to say about them. Good Luck!

 

most companys that hire rookies will reumberst for school like you said with an commitment that said my opinion is its just easier going thru a company,,, i would say check out prime inc out of springfield,mo i personally had a good experience with them and their trainning program is great my opinion better than most i used to be a trainer for them once you get your own truck you should be confidednt in your abilitys,,,what ever you do good luck

 

Roadmaster is considered one of the top 3 in the nation.
Your local college would be a good choice; but, ask which companies recruit from the program.
Swift schooling is PTDI Certified.
Here is information as to what PTDI means: ptdi.org

Company paid schools get the job done, if you don't mind signing a 1 year contract to work for the company.

Your best pay will be with a reefer (refrigerated) company.

As far as rolling the dice with FedEx; that's one only you can consider. I wouldn't, but that's me.

 

Arnold has a yard in Jacksonville, they're a good company to look into as well...

 

Hah! That's funny! Well everyone here is testimony from someone who actually works at FedEx as to how easy it is to get a local gig! (and he already works there!)

Anyway, welcome to the forum man... You mentioned you have a family. I would seriously give it some thought. You will never be home (despite all the ads you see) and staying out for a couple months at a time with 3 days off is what is needed to make money out there. If you didn't have a family I would say go for it.

I have over 16 years experience and live in Florida and know for sure that good paying local gigs are next to none! If I knew then what I know now there is absolutely no way I would spend $6000 on trucking school to make $10hr locally. Everyone says you can work local no problem though. Well if that's the case then why not get hired on first with one of these companies and they will get you your license! Because like you said "its a crap shoot!"

Good luck man, I don't want to discourage you but you do have a family and family and trucking don't mix.