Getting started?

I don't understand. You graduated from college and you want to drive a truck??? I understand if you have a degree in a field that is limited like the IT business which has been outsourced but if you're just starting why not go for the companies that have the money and what you need? If it were me I'd go work for the government because once you're there it's hard to get you out. Plus they have so many areas that are just mind blowing like if you get with the military side.

You're also in an area where it's tough to get a trucking job. But if you are set on driving just know it's not a bed of roses and it takes hard work to get ahead. If you go with the bigger companies that train you then you're right, you'll make substandard wages in most places. The company has you by contract and they know they can give you the loads no one else will take.

I believe if you do your research here on this site you'll find that most will say pay for your own school so you will have choices. A community college is sometimes better than some but whatever you do check out the school and do your research to get the best for your money.

Going local or regional will be harder to find than OTR. Simply due to the numbers. There's a lot of very good paying jobs that are regional and local and it's a good goal to have. But with no money to start with you're at the mercy of the bigger companies and you'll need to really dig to find what fits you. It's much better to save and have 6 months of living money in the bank so you will make it. You'll need to really research what company to go after. It's much better to have a CDL before school if you can but most do not have a truck to take the road test. So at a minimum you could get your permit. BTW, the age limit is nation wide. 18 to drive intrastate and 21 to driver interstate. Good luck and start taking notes.

 

@GasHauler

he wants to get paid to see the world!!

 

I would go that route if it was available to me.
You can see the industry from inside the system while still earning a living. It would give you a chance to talk to drivers 1st hand and see what they deal with day in and out. It also could eliminate owing for a traditional training program should it turn out that driving is not for you.
If a relative can help you get your foot in the door why not give it a chance?

 

Based on your location, you're best option would be go to work for Publix in their warehouse system. Publix is all daycab which means home every night. Publix does not hire drivers. Publix develops drivers from within their warehouse system. It takes several years to earn the right to drive for them but their pay and safety standards/ratings are top notch. If you do decide you want into trucking quicker do not get your cdl before age 21. Cdl's have a very short shelf life as far as companies are concerned. Some times as little as 30-60 days. They want you fresh out of school. Florida, particularly Central and South Florida are two of the most difficult places in America to be hired from. So any system that allows you to work into a driving opportunity is much more valuable here.

 

Honestly, if you aren't financially tied to the Tampa area yet, and your deadset on trucking, your best bet would be to relocate to an area of the country that is a favorable hiring zone. That way you would have the luxury of picking who you want to work for. And if you do go to a trucking school here in Florida, go to a vocational school. I'm paying $2,700.00 for 10 weeks/320 hours. Most private driving schools are around $5k and up for 160 hours.

 

Look into any community colleges in your area. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for financial aid or some kind of financing (student loan) which would undoubtedly be on better terms than what you'd get from a private company. The cost will also be lower than at a private school.

My local college has a three-month program, 4 days a week, 8:00 am -4:30 pm. The cost is $2500, minus a stipend paid by the state. I get to live at my home instead of going away someplace, I won't be indebted to a trucking company when I'm done, and if it doesn't work out, I won't have to find my way home from somewhere across the country.

 

CDL tests will either be administered by your state, or an authorized third-party tester, which may be your school or some other party. You'll take a written (knowledge) test first; this gets you your CDL permit, which allows you to drive a truck when accompanied by a licensed driver. Once you have that, you'll go out in a truck with an experienced driver to learn how to drive it. When you're ready, you'll have to take a skills test, which includes inspection, backing and driving on the road. Your school is responsible for taking you through the whole process. Your CDL license is issued by the state you live in, and you have to transfer it to your new state of residence if you move.