Finally Starting The Journey to Become a Truck Driver

Becoming a truck driver is something I've considered doing for many years now and I'm finally getting started tomorrow. My first day of CDL training at the NC Truck Driver Training School (Johnston CC) starts tomorrow! It's been a long time coming. I actually posted here about 10 years ago asking some questions, but the timing just wasn't right.

I'm 49, kids are out of the house, basically debt free, my wife is totally onboard and I'm ready to take the plunge. I've been working in the IT field for 20+ years and have hated it for about 20+ years. But, it paid the bills so I took the "safe route" and stayed with it. Tired of doing something I hate and can't stand the idea of doing this another 15 years or so until I retire. It's time to do something that I've always wanted to do and go outside my comfort zone. I've always taken the "safe route" in life and well.... Life is too short for that.

My CDL school is weekends, so it's going to be Decemeber before I finish up and actually get my CDL. I'm still going to continue by IT job during the week while going to class on the weekends. So hopefully, come January I'll be ready to start driving!

My next task, figuring out where who I want to drive for. I'm really leaning towards Schneider to start with. I like what I hear about their training and their safety protocols. The school I'm attending has a stellar reputation when it comes to training as well, so I think that combined with Schneider's training that should put me in a good place. I know the pay probably won't be that great. I'm willing to suck it up for a while to get the experience. Money isn't the main factor in my decision, but obviously I still want to make as much as I can!

But, I haven't definitely decided on who to go with. Still researching and listening. I want to go OTR, at least to start with. Maybe for 6 months or so, then look at something regional or local. I'd really like to try and go with someone that runs OTR in all 48. It doesn't look like that happens with Schneider from what I've read?

Just wanted to say hello and listen to any advice you guys want to give an old man making a career/life change! Definitely looking forward to some of those sweet company recommendations from @Chinatown I live in Sanford, NC so I'm about an hour from the Raleigh area to the north, about an hour from Fayetteville to the south, about an hour from the Greensboro area to the northwest and about 2.5 hours from Charlotte to the west.

Sorry that was kind of a rambling/all over the place post. I'm excited!

Thanks in advance for any and all the info you guys provide!

 

Actually, my wife works for the school system she has summers off. We've talked about that and she will probably go with me at times during the summer.

 

Yeah, I'm aware of the stats and that it's not for everyone. But I won't know unless I try!

Definitely keeping my options open and what type of trucking I want to do. Whether that be OTR, local, etc. As well as dry van, tanker, etc.

 

@Chinatown You are the man! I knew you would help out with some recommendations.

Is it too soon to start applying at places? Or do I need to wait until I finish training and actually have my CDL?