Future Plans & Guidance for a new CDL Student

Dessert_chef · Sep 13, 2026

Hello everyone,

I've been reading the forum for a while and have finally decided to make the jump and pursue my CDL. I currently work overseas and have a decent job, but it's not nearly as profitable as it used to be, and honestly, I'm tired of living overseas. From what I've researched, I can make close to the same money back in the States, even if it means taking a pay cut during my first year in trucking.

I've enrolled in CDL school and will be starting this month. I've also begun studying for my permit. At the same time, I applied for a federal cook position on a military base in San Antonio. The pay is pretty good and the benefits seem solid, but it's only a 40-hour-per-week position, so I would likely need a second job to be truly comfortable.

For background, I'm 43 years old and a chef by trade. My current plan is to get my CDL, spend a year driving for a company to gain experience, and then eventually purchase my own truck and lease it onto a carrier (not enter into a company lease-purchase program). I'm not looking to get rich, just earn a comfortable living and have some independence.

Financially, I've put away a decent nest egg that would allow me to make a substantial down payment on a truck in the future while still maintaining emergency savings. I'm also already accustomed to being away from home for extended periods, so the isolation and time on the road don't concern me as much as they might for someone new to that lifestyle.

I'd appreciate any advice from those who have taken a similar path. Does my plan seem reasonable? Is one year of company experience enough before considering owner-operator status, or would you recommend waiting longer? Please tell me your thoughts, no negativity needed please.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

homeskillet · Sep 13, 2026

Dessert_chef said: ↑

no negativity needed please.
Click to expand...

Translation: "I'm seeking advice from people who know this industry, but if I don't like what I hear I'm gonna do what I want anyway."

I wish you every success.

bad-luck · Sep 13, 2026

Dessert_chef said: ↑

Hello everyone,

I've been reading the forum for a while and have finally decided to make the jump and pursue my CDL. I currently work overseas and have a decent job, but it's not nearly as profitable as it used to be, and honestly, I'm tired of living overseas. From what I've researched, I can make close to the same money back in the States, even if it means taking a pay cut during my first year in trucking.

I've enrolled in CDL school and will be starting this month. I've also begun studying for my permit. At the same time, I applied for a federal cook position on a military base in San Antonio. The pay is pretty good and the benefits seem solid, but it's only a 40-hour-per-week position, so I would likely need a second job to be truly comfortable.

For background, I'm 43 years old and a chef by trade. My current plan is to get my CDL, spend a year driving for a company to gain experience, and then eventually purchase my own truck and lease it onto a carrier (not enter into a company lease-purchase program). I'm not looking to get rich, just earn a comfortable living and have some independence.

Financially, I've put away a decent nest egg that would allow me to make a substantial down payment on a truck in the future while still maintaining emergency savings. I'm also already accustomed to being away from home for extended periods, so the isolation and time on the road don't concern me as much as they might for someone new to that lifestyle.

I'd appreciate any advice from those who have taken a similar path. Does my plan seem reasonable? Is one year of company experience enough before considering owner-operator status, or would you recommend waiting longer? Please tell me your thoughts, no negativity needed please.

Thanks in advance for any insights.
Click to expand...

You will get a lot of advice here. Unfortunately quite a bit of it will be useless.

You need to put your time in and gain experience, one year experience is not enough to become an owner operator. You also need to figure out what you enjoy hauling, reefer, van, flatbed, tanker.

I wish you the best of luck.

Chinatown · Sep 13, 2026

Concentrate on acquiring a CDL with all endorsements first.

tscottme · Sep 13, 2026

Is trucking supposed to fit in with your on-base job or be your 2nd job?
Have you had a US driver's license for last 12 months as of right now?
1 year as a company driver is not enough experience to own and operate a truck.

blairandgretchen · Sep 13, 2026

Dessert_chef said: ↑

Financially, I've put away a decent nest egg that would allow me to make a substantial down payment on a truck in the future while still maintaining emergency savings. I'm also already accustomed to being away from home for extended periods, so the isolation and time on the road don't concern me as much as they might for someone new to that lifestyle.
Click to expand...

That puts you many steps ahead of the regular person that considers this.

I've been at it almost 12 years now, started debt free on the home front, 13k cash starter truck, 30k new financed flatbed, and credit cards for backup. I've done fine.

I've also known personally 2 guys that went straight O/O own numbers with zero tractor/trailer experience. Neither failed.

Dessert_chef said: ↑

I've been reading the forum for a while
Click to expand...

Good - so you'll probably only have a few detailed questions. Most of the time 'we' get guys on here that just barge in with a stupid plan, argue that we're all dumb, go ahead and do it anyway - with no skin in the game - and are never heard from again. Or - (AFC) come in AFTER they've executed a poorly thought of plan, and stumble along until their eventual financial failure.

What's your expected net (to the house) revenue per year out of your business plan?
What's your PRIMARY motivation for the plan?
Define 'decent nest egg', and substantial downpayment?
What does your significant other and/or/if so children think about the idea?

Yeah - I'm pretty nosey.

Dessert_chef · Sep 13, 2026

homeskillet said: ↑

Translation: "I'm seeking advice from people who know this industry, but if I don't like what I hear I'm gonna do what I want anyway."

I wish you every success.
Click to expand...

Read it as you please, but that's not what was said. If you have useful advice, please speak.

Thank you for the best wishes.

Dessert_chef · Sep 13, 2026

tscottme said: ↑

Is trucking supposed to fit in with your on-base job or be your 2nd job?
Have you had a US driver's license for last 12 months as of right now?
1 year as a company driver is not enough experience to own and operate a truck.
Click to expand...

No, trucking would be my primary job of i went that route. I wouldn't be able to take the cooks job, because I'd go otr.

Chinatown · Sep 13, 2026

Consider going this route to acquire a CDL and gain experience. The school is free if you agree to drive for the company for 12 months.
~
KLLM Driving Academy - KLLM Transport Services

Chinatown · Sep 13, 2026

Texas KLLM Driving Academy - Lancaster, Texas

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