CROSSROADS IN LIFE

Yes very possible. Only qualifier, most Mega or OTR gigs will make you go through training for the first month or so. During that time and shortly after you will have a hard time reaching that goal.

Here is my advice, since you don't need to leave your manufacturing job right now; don't do it right now. Don't jump on the mega or OTR bandwagon just yet because you need to. For your family situation your better off not jumping into OTR anyway.

The need for OTR experience that some subscribe to is bunk anyway. Sure it is good to have that experience and skill, but it is not a prerequisite for a good trucking job. You got the security of a job now, so take your time and your CDL and shop around for good local jobs that can use your CDL. You don't need to pay your "due" driving OTR for a Mega to get a good trucking job. Hit up the LTL places. I don't know what your making now, but head over to UPS and shuffle boxes before and put in for a trucking position. Construction? AG? The point is you don't need to take the first thing that comes to you now. Use that fact to your advantage.

And yes get all your endorsements, and don't count any further "training" as a benefit for any job.

 

I'm 46 and considering getting into trucking. I've wanted to be a trucker for as long as I can remember, but life happened and I've never been able to take the leap. I've really enjoyed reading this thread and everyone's advice, both pros and cons.

 

How about an update...

 

Where is your location? If we know the hiring you live in we can give some good recommendations to get the career started.

 

I'm in Southern Illinois (SE of St. Louis). I'm still doing some research and trying to figure out if it is doable right now...and if not, how soon it can be. Any recommendations on trucking companies are appreciated. I'm planning on having to do a bit of a commute...kind of down here in boonies. Thanks in advance!

 

Plenty of good choices if you attend a private or community college cdl school. Many companies will reimburse the tuition to you with monthly payments. Some cdl schools have night or weekend classes for students that can't afford to quit their job to attend school.
There's companies that will hire you right out of school and can make over a thousand a week plus have a benefits package.
Are you near Carbondale?
@Thinker19
Do you have a safe place near your home to park a rig?

 

Here's a few outfits with decent reputations:
Magnum Ltd.
Tyson Foods
Westside Transport - has guaranteed minimum weekly pay which is explained on the website.
Freymiller
Schuster - nations largest ice cream hauler; Blue Bunny Ice Cream is the big account.
Dynamic Transit - headquartered in St. Louis. Probably see lots of California turns. They don't hire very many new cdl grads, but do hire a few.

 

I'm very close to Carbondale...in the Carbondale/Marion area. Thanks for the information...much appreciated!

 

Thanks @Chinatown. I'll check these out. I didn't answer your question in your previous post about a safe place to park a rig. I would have to get confirmation, but think I could have a place to park. Thanks again for the help!

 

He went to millis, has his own training thread, millis transfer experience.