Few questions about becoming OTR driver

I finally figured out it's Western Express. Many drivers like working there.
I was born & raised just north of Nashville.
One of my first jobs was with XpressCo in Nashville and after it closed the doors, the man that owned the company started Western Express.

 

In Portland, I am guessing.

 

CR England. This is another company that requires a contractual agreement.

 

Welcome, Bruce the Living. Sounds like you're trying to simplify your life and remove all drama. Is the drama over or are you running from it? I don't need an answer, just want you to think about that. I always tell drivers to never run from anything immortal and Trouble is immortal. Trouble has a way of finding you at the absolute worst time, out on the road and stopping you cold. So, we walk away from Trouble, not run.

Luck in battle.

 

Greenbrier

 

Pick a trucking company before you got to school ESPECIALLY if you need "free training" from a trucking company or will borrow money to ho to school. Half of trucking companies have Tuition Reimbursement which will help repay any loan you may need for school. EVERY CDL school will find a lender you can borrow from for school.

It's far more important you find a company that fits your financial, geographic, pay & benefits needs than which school you go to. Once you find a company then decide on school. Some companies only hire newbies from certain schools.

Your local unemployment office administers a prgram called WOIA or WIA. They offer grants to pay for trade schools, like CDL. Check into that before anything else. FREE MONEY

50 is not too old to start. The average age of drivers in the industry is 55. You don't need to be strong or nimble, just patient, careful, willing to learn, drug free. You blood pressure needs to be 140/90 or less or be on BP medicine.

I think you are a good candidate for Prime. INC, except for no recent work history. There are many companies that will hire you. Pleasr don't consider Western Express. CR England, CRST. Please, no matter what, don't considetr leasing a truck. Be a company driver. Leasing a truck will bankrupt you, not make you rich. Others will have good recommendations of trucking companies. Good luck.

 

What he said.....And take your time and choose wisely. Company training = contract to work for 1 year or sometimes more. If you leave, quit or fired, they'll want their "money" they spent on training you. CDL school = around 2/3 the "cost" of company training and no contract. Maybe state and federal job training funds available. The schools work with companies that hire new grads from their school, so you have many more options. Community College = Lowest cost, and usually state and federal job training funds available, but longest time to train. Most times class schedules aren't flexible. Usually night class on Friday and behind the wheel or yard practice all day Saturday, then pick up where you left off the next week.
Good luck....

 

Western Eggspress has a "school" in Nashville.

 

C.R. England. Avoid them like the plague.

 

I would have thought with the “Gnashville” clue you meant Big G.