Hello- Let me introduce myself...

The shortcut will not be worth it. Make sure to do it the right the first time. No one is going to hire a brand new driver that hasn't gone through a school. If they did everyone would do it this way and save $6000!

This is due to the insurance companies not the trucking companies. Since they make the rules the trucking companies have to follow them. Most companies are going to make a mandatory that you attend an accredited school and you have to complete so many specified hours. Off the top of my head I believe its around 165 hours or something like that.

You have a couple of options when it comes to schooling. You can go through a CDL mill or like community college to get your CDL or you can go through company sponsored training. With the company schooling you can pretty much do with no money up front but will be required to sign a contract with them pretty much stating you will drive for them for about a year. Pretty good deal and not only that but you are guaranteed a job provided you pass your tests. After your schooling and once hired on with the company of your choice you will have to ride with a trainer for usually about a couple of months. When you first start just prepare yourself to not see home for a couple of months.

 

Ya you will see that driving a truck is not as easy as it looks. Not everybody who goes to school. Make it out with a license. Those were my plans as well drive otr then go local. Yeah the money locally is not that great. The LTL companies good luck trying to get on to one. They normally have a line of people trying to get on and the spots might open up if someone dies or retires. Going straight local which you can do, but the job may require unloading the truck and putting it on some 2 wheel dolly to take it in the the grocery store or restaurant. You can get on at Grocers Supply but that job is super tough with all the work you have to do and the places you have to get in.

Also say you did local for a year and found out you couldn't make the bills. So you want to go OTR for a few months. The OTR companies don't recognize the local expierence. So that might put you with a trainer. Even though you probably can out drive most of the trainers with your local experience.

If local is what you are looking for in the long run. I probably would keep the job you have because the pay doesn't increase for awhile. Even with LTL companies you are put on call a lot and might only work the dock. People who make big money in that field have to put in time and heartache until they reach seniority. But again if I'm paying out of pocket for cdl school, and already have a decent Job not sure I would go that route. You and everybody who has entered the industry since the economy tanking has had those plans and they look good on paper, but harder to come by in reality. Hope you make a sound choice. Have a good weekend.

 

Brian, you need to think of trucking as one job that NEVER ENDS because you are living and working in the truck, 24/7.

You may work 2 jobs now, but you still get to go HOME when you are finished working. When you are finished driving, you roll into the back of the cab and try to kill time and then go to sleep. You never get to go home. You are always at work, even when you are not working.

You never get to use your own bathroom, you shower in a public shower, you wake up every day in a truck stop, you are confined to the truck all day, every day, even on the days you have off, unless you rent a motel room which is still not home, it's just not your truck.

Imagine waking up every day and having to run to neighbors to use a bathroom, because every day you wake up in a truckstop you have to run inside to use the bathroom, now imagine having to listen to who knows how many other people all doing their business in the morning - every single day. It's just like using a bathroom at a rest area - do you enjoy that? If you do, then go for it.

I know what you're thinking, but trucking is not "one job that pays the same as two" that you are thinking it is. It is not one job. Trucking is a lifestyle, when you are out on the road you never get away from it. So what if the kids are in bed when you get home, at least you can see them on a regular basis. Besides, you're not even talking about making more money trucking than you do now, you'll make LESS and then hopefully after a couple years make the SAME. Try explaining that to your kids, why you are never home and making less money. Even a two year old will know that makes no sense.

The grass ain't greener, trust me. If you want to provide better for your family, be there for them, suck it up at the jobs you have and remind yourself every day that being there is the most important thing you can do.

 

Not trying to deter you Brian, just want to give you the reality.... 99% of experienced drivers out there wish they could drive regional or local or be closer to home. It isn't impossible but is very tough landing a local gig. Especially one that pays more than $8-$10 an hour! I currently have 16 years experience and have owned my own trucks for many years, I have yet to find a local gig or one that is worth driving for. Closest I have come so far was a plumbing warehouse and they paid me $10 an hour. Needless to say I am back on the road! I make really good money but it really sucks living on the road. If I could find two or three decent paying jobs at home I would come off the road immediately. Course I live in Florida, it maybe a little different then Texas. Right now I am hauling seafood to Houston and Dallas three times a week out of Miami.

If I were in your shoes I would get my Class B and try to find local work that way first. At least you won't be spending so much money like you would on a Class A. Many local companies hire within also. Companies like UPS, Coke, Budweiser etc... like to hire their employees first and then have them get their license and train them to drive. This maybe a better option for you.

Just make sure you take the time to do your home work ahead of time.

Good luck man...

 

Well, I'm not a truck driver so won't try to talk you out of it. Although, the main reason I'll probably remain a 'wannabe' forever is my 2 y/o grandson whom I have raised from birth (I have custody).

If you decide to go for it, you should look into Schneider Nat'l. They do run lots of regional and dedicated routes, even for newbies. Here's one that doesn't sound too bad in Houston TX:

[h=1]Job Description
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[TD="class: columnfull"]Regional Truck Driver | Tuition Reimbursement Available | Texas-10000000CN

[h=2]Description
[/h] This Regional truck driver position features weekly time at home, up to $0.37 per mile* and a predictable work schedule. Plus, you'll haul 95% no touch freight and average 300-400 miles per length of haul within a primary travel area of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana and Colorado.

Eligible Applicants

• Recent truck driving school graduates

Pay & Benefits
Full-time CDL truck drivers are eligible for:

• Up to $48,000 per year*
• Mileage and accessorial pay plus potential $0.02/mile performance bonuses
• Weekly time at home
• Flexible scheduling available
• Up to $6,000 tuition reimbursement available for recent truck driving school graduates
• Paid orientation/training
• Paid vacation​
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Most loads are drop and hook​
• Qualcomm MCP200 - The latest in-truck technology with paperless logging and GPS​
• Operating Centers - Drivers have 24 hour access to company facilities with free and safe parking, showers, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and cafeteria services.
• Military Apprenticeship Program - U.S. military veterans, Guard members and Reservists who are new to the trucking industry may be eligible to earn an additional educational benefit check from the VA (up to $1,275 per month)​

*Based on experience and location


[h=2]Qualifications
[/h]

• Valid Class A CDL
• Live in northern or central Texas
• Hazmat endorsement preferred at time of hire
• Passport, FAST Card or Enhanced CDL preferred at time of hire

Why Schneider National?

Safety - Schneider's core value is "Safety First and Always." It's more than just a phrase; it's a philosophy our Regional truck drivers live and breathe each and every day.

Culture - Schneider offers small company values and large company benefits. It's a combination you'll experience first-hand as a Regional truck driver. With access to Schneider's large customer base, you'll enjoy drop and hook opportunities while getting the miles and money you need. Driving familiar routes means you'll go big, then go home because at Schneider work-like balance matters.
​

For more information call 469-941-3052.


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