Do you really need trucking school?

PianoMan:
You have drive and ambition, two things the big trucking companies do not want to see. Right now, they have cranked the "Driver Shortage" up full steam. There are lots of openings for lean, hungry trainees and NooB's that will do anything for a paycheck.

You're self taught, that's a rarity. So I would suggest that you keep looking, but don't look down. Look up- look for a challenge. The big national companies are no challenge, they only want warm bodies to move trucks. To play their game they want you to spend thousands of dollars for a trucking school, don't fall for it.

You're a good candidate for a leased O/O. It takes a self starter to thrive as an O/O but you probably have what it takes.

Anyway, don't aim too low, you'll be wasting effort on trucking companies that don't deserve good employees.

Can I suggest that you look for openings with smaller fleets? Some company that respects independent people? There might be some of those companies around the ag industry. Grain haulers, farm equipment, something you're familiar with?

With your experience, you might be able to buy a tractor and help someone out.

Good Luck, my friend !