Currently in CDL school

Hello all,

I’ve been going through the forum and trying to soak up all of the information I can for new drivers and what starter companies to look at.

A little background on myself, I’m currently in the process of leaving the Army, located at Fort Hood, TX. I’m currently going through the transition program, Troops Into Transportation, to get my CDL. They have a bunch of companies partnered with them geared towards veterans. I’m mostly interested in flatbed. I’ve been talking to TMC, but I want to make sure I have options when I leave the military between Feb and April next year.

Are there any other companies to look for? I’m not really interested in OTR, I think regional would be the best fit for me. I’m not expecting every weekend home, I know that’s not really a thing in the industry, but I’d like to have an opportunity to get home to see my 2 baby girls and my 13 year old son as often as possible. However, local isn’t a must either.

Thanks in advance for the help and advice, I know there’s a lot of knowledge and experience here!

 

Where will you be located after leaving the Army?

 

I’ll be staying in the Fort Hood area

 

The best money is in tankers or food service.
Still, you need job satisfaction and if that's flatbed, then do that.
Can probably make $10K - $15K - $20K more in tankers or food service trucking.

 

I’ve looked at some of the tanker companies, most say 2 years experience. However, the folks at the school say that going through this program through the military waives that requirement (not sure if they are blowing smoke up my hind end or not. So I’ve taken that with a grain of salt).

I also have zero experience driving, so that has kept me from looking too far from the large carriers right out of the gate.

My father in law drives for UPS and suggested 6 months experience for them.

My biggest concern is taking care of the family. So I’ll take a paycheck, a decent paycheck lol.

 

That's true, some companies waive experience for military veterans.
UPS might hire you right out of school for team runs. A few drivers on this forum were hired right out of cdl school.

 

Here's a Teamsters Union job where you can be vested for a pension after 5 years.
Fantastic home time with the family.
ABF Freight - Austin, TX
Click here -> Apply On Company Site

 

Mission Petroleum Carriers
(**May substitute 1 year of Tractor/Trailer with a diploma from an accredited driving school.)
APPLY ONLINE - WWW.MIPE.COM

 

Airgas Inc. - Austin, TX
Click -> Apply On Company Site
Graduation from an accredited truck driving school with diploma will count as 1 year of required experience.

• 10:00am – 9:00pm work schedule Tuesday - Saturday with rotating on call work.

• On call pay and safety incentives
• Deliveries and service provided to local customers on a scheduled route. Based out of Austin, TX and covering the surrounding areas within a 500 mile radius.

 

Dont be afraid to apply to ups. I applied to ups freight a month before I got out of the service with zero experience and they hired me. But if youre looking for a good schedule, ups will be pretty long hours. Most days are 10-12 hours with the crappy start times for the guys without a bunch of seniority. You could always look at working for a construction outfit hauling equipment after you get some experience. Decent pay and good work schedule. Thats what I did after I got about a year experience in.