Have cdl. no air brake no gears no way I want to spend 4k

Yes, you can haul HazMat as a rookie. Lots of "Types" of Hazmat. I hauled for Transport America as a newbie pulling for the FedEx contract. It was techically Hazmat but was something dumb like Fingernail Polish or something. Just get a year or two expeience then you can change to a different carrier

 

Check out WilTrans in Missouri

 

Hate to burst your bubble but all the experience in a 1 ton pick up doesn't mean jack when it comes to driving a class 8. That might sound harsh but it's the reality. Now the good news is you got quite a bit of experience with open deck securement. To move forward I'd suggest a cheap community college driving school to get your big truck license and look into some open deck carriers.

 

Many companies will reimburse your tuition costs. Some up to $7K, but most around $4K or $5K.
I recommend going to any 160 hr. school then hire on with a company that will let your wife ride along. There's a new Swift cdl grad I communicate with that went with Abilene Motor Express. This company trucks run 68 mph and run coast to coast with 100% no-touch freight.
Here's some more good ones that hire new cdl grads and have wife rider policy:
You can check for tuition reimbursement with them if that's a deal breaker:
Schuster - out of Iowa and hauls ice cream.
Freymiller - website not up to date & has 6 mos. experiencd required; they do hire new cdl grads. no experience required.
Melton Truck Lines
Abilene Motor Express

You'd probably be happy with any of these.

 

I think you need to look at flatbedding. Anything else will require you to learn.

And why in the world do you want swift? Every time I see a swift ahead it's a uber traffic problem to get through with them so slow.

It's going to cost you money somewhere. Smile and pay it. You'll get it back in spades.

 

Swift can hear you talking inside the truck and hear your side of a phone conversation. Ask the recruiter about this and see if he will tell the truth.
Their school is good, but I'd jump ship after graduation.
Google community college cdl schools in your area.