Couple of my own questions

you don't list where you are but i'm in NC and the CC route is the only way to go if you can front the cash. I had 380hrs, 8 weeks, and only $854 all inclusive except physical. first rate course, plenty of road time and yard exercises till we were sick of them and were well versed.

we of course had the usual suspects show up recruiting, but the school also worked with much much better, smaller and more local companies as well. I got on with an 800 truck outfit and found a really good gig and did just shy of 44k first year and home almost every weekend. pay 2nd year was much better and building on that going into my 3rd year.

don't bind yourself to a company that can pretty well do with you as they please for a year if you don't have to. the CC route in most cases I've read about and seen is a much better option....because that's what it gives you.....options. the training is generally better too......out of 5 students in my orientation class, I was the only one who made it past the first day. the three week wonders from the cdl mills couldn't drive forward, much less backward and 2 of them had accidents or incidents on their road test......and they spent thousands.

also, think smaller, not larger if you can for the company you go with. the experience generally is better going with a company with 1000 trucks or less than one with 10,15, or 20,000. pound the pavement and see what's in your area. the better companies don't recruit heavily or advertise like the bottom feeders do. they don't have to. but there are some good gigs out there that will hire students but you have to find them. they don't come looking for you like the swifts and wieners do.

best of luck to you. what you seek is achievable but you'll have to think out of the box and don't go the usual routes.

 

1st off , where is here?...Then IMO , anyway it would be greatly to your advantage to spend the money up-front for the CC. They offer great training and most will help you find work with a job placement service, not all have those opyions but some do. You would then also have the freedom to pick and choose what company that you start with...lots more freedom of job choices. Good Luck.

 

With a college you can pick and choose the company.If you choose a school,you will be seeing a lot of recriters come in and try and sway you to come work for them.With a company sponsered school,you'll have to sign a yr contract.Which really is'nt bad because you should stay with a company a good solid yr to get the exp.Be very careful on the company you choose.Do not listen to recruiters,they'll say anything and everything you wanna hear just to get you in the door.Then you're on your own.Listen to the drivers,they really do know best because either they have drove for that company or they're veterans so they know about companies even if they didn't drive for that piticular company.You really have to do your homework,same with a school.

 

In short, yes. If you are willing to sell your soul to the company for the time required to put the cash aside then you can make it happen. The hard part will be keeping your costs down. For example if you eat 3 meals a day in the truck stops the you are looking at $50 - $60 a day just in food. Plus coffee and other items.
If you are able to keep your costs down and keep the money going into the bank and not out then you shold have no problem.

As for what compine to apply for, there are many job postings and threds aimed at entrey level drivers on this form.

 

Don't know if they hire from your area but look into Millis Transfer only 500 out of pocket, yes 1 year contract , but for most that work there its not a problem. Pm me if ya want.

 

50-60 bucks a day would be eating good. i don't spend anywhere near that much.
You got some great advice, going CC is much better choice that will open better doors
Happy trails

 

Your goal is very attainable with proper planning. Go to the community college CDL school and get the tanker/hazmat endorsememts, TWIC, passport. Start now studying the CDL Practice Tests at the top of this page.
Hire on with a good flatbed or tanker company; that's where the money is. I'm not knocking the mega-refrigerated carriers because they are a good fit for many drivers, but, won't support your plan for the near future.