Getting started

There are ppl much older that go into trucking....your age is just fine and unless you have major medical issues don't sweat the age thing....

 

first try job service they had a program a few years back where you could take a test and depending on your score they would pick up the tab for trucking school i dont know if the program is still in play but its something to look into. as far as local jobs try nicolas food service they are out on 5600 west by the airport. also think about your indorsments if you have hazmat it looks better on the application if you can do more for them also doubles and triple indorsments there are alot of construction jobs where you would pull belly dumps other than that good luck

 

If you decide to go with company training, please do everything you can do to get your CDL before signing up. You usually will not have to sign your life away with an 18 month contract if you already have a license. Most local companies are small time and have more insurance restrictions and therefore require someone with more experience. But you could get lucky. Just need to look around.

 

I went to Sage to get my CDL. They're pretty good but they could be better. At the school I went to you only pulled empty 53' vans. They teach you enough to get your CDL. That's their job so why go above and beyond that right? Plus they were a little on the pricey side. They don't teach you "bump & run" or skip shifting. It's just straight up/down shifting based on RPMs. Which works fine on a flat and smooth road. Not too many places in this country with those roads heh.

 

Sage and Roadmaster are set up to get you your CDL. Not much more will happen at these schools. Most of your learning will come on the job anyway. I sent you a PM, as I am here in Utah attending one of these programs currently.
I know Crete Carrier Corp will only accept you from certain schools, including PTDI certified programs. You need to contact the local hiring manager for correct and current info regarding this, from whatever companies you are thinking of working for. Better to be safe now, than sorry later.

 

you should look into the job service in your local or your local branch of bureau of vocational rehabilition for funding for your truck driving school, a lot of states have these programs available. it is worth a few phone calls to see. this way it would be pd for and you wouldnt have to worry about a contract with a company. good luck

 

Ajktrk, as FordLady said, check into state funding for your training. It is called the WIA -- or the Federal Workforce Investment Act. It is a federal program that is run through the state unemployment system. It is intended to help unemployed, displaced or underemployed workers, receive training to enter careers that have a high need for people. Every state has different requirements to get approved and some states have access to more funds than others (based on unemployement numbers and other economic factors), but, since we are coming up on the new year, the funds should be there in all of the states. Check it out, the worst they can do is say no.