Considering CDL, what’s the best path for a job with no exp?

Find the job THEN decide how to get your CDL. The job is the goal, not the CDL. Anyone with a pulse can get a CDL. School doesn't train you for more than passing the state road test.

The trucking company you want to work for has certain schools they accept or that meet their insurance company requirements. Some trucking companies have their own school. If you want to work for THAT company, go to their school.

PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE. Find the company you want to work for & then go to the school that makes sense. If you do it the other way there are numerous problems you can have.

You wouldn't pay for a wedding package & then just pick a random woman to marry on the way to the wedding. You would shop carefully for the woman & get the wedding package that makes sense for you & her.

 

I did, several times, and it worked out just fine!

 

Jobs for new grads has tightened up some, but still plenty of jobs available.

 

Check out these two companies for company sponsored cdl school. They're both good starter companies.
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CDL Training | Stevens Transport
Stevens Transport offers a 100% company-sponsored CDL training program with no out-of-pocket costs. Learn from experienced instructors at the Stevens Driving Academy or …
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Swift Refrigerated – Sign On for the Trucking Career of …
Large Retail Customer Base. OTR, Regional and Dedicated Lanes. Academy Opportunities – Earn your CDL in as little as 4 weeks. Reefer Terminal Network. Top Of The Line Equipment. Positions Available Immediately! …

 

May Trucking Company is a good starter company also. Hires from private cdl schools and has tuition reimbursement back to the driver.
This is a very popular company and has a waiting list for orientation. Best advice I can give is to apply the day you start cdl school.
May Trucking Company – Performance. Reliability. Leadership.
May Trucking Company is a family-owned business that offers various trucking services across the United States since 1945. Whether you prefer shorter or longer hauls, …
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Our Trucks – May Trucking Company

 

You can drive solo after the training period with a trainer.
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I wouldn't talk to a recruiter first, submit the short app off the websites and you will be contacted. If you're not contacted in a few days, then follow up with a phone call.

 

The 3 companies I recommended are refrigerated companies. These are the reasons I recommend them.
First, you're in San Diego.
Second, during a depression/recession people everywhere need food and medicine. Refrigerated trucking companies haul food and medicine.

 

In the current market, this is exactly what will happen to you if you get your CDL out of pocket.

tscottme hit the nail on the head.

Personally, I'd recommend researching tanker companies, but I'm a militant, long time tanker yanker.

Some tanker companies will hire new grads, but you MUST have gone to one of their "approved schools".

See if any are hiring near you.

Food grade tanker work is relatively easy physically but requires strict attention to detail.

One solid year of food grade tanker work will open better opportunities.

If there's a corn syrup plant, take note of the trucks going there. Same if there's a processed food plant near you. Get some names off the doors and make some phone calls.
Good luck!