Agreed. Private schooling (totally separate from any trucking company contractual agreement) is how I did it. When choosing a trucking CDL school -- try to pick one that will train you -- & also final exam you -- on tractors with manual transmissions. That way -- you won't have an "automatic only" restriction on your newly-minted CDL. AND YES -- pick up ALL the relevant endorsements (including hazmat) from the get-go. Later on -- you'll be GLAD YOU DID. -- L
Her husbands GI Bill is paying for cdl school . She prefers no-touch freight, so Dollar General won't be a good choice for her.
Truck Driver Job Openings – Hiring Truck Drivers Nationwide | R+L Carriers Once you have your Cdl,try R&L.They have a lot of hourly pay positions,also OTR jobs.They have a terminal in El Paso.You're close to Midland/Odessa and oilfield jobs also,haul cement for Halliburton?
Whatever school you decide, may I recommend a local or regional job. Teenagers can be a handful, and you may not want to be clear across the country when a problem arises. And arise they will. Companies have little remorse when it comes to family emergencies, except maybe a death.
Thanks for the advice. I've been looking into regional and local- for the most part, it seems they want more experience for those types of jobs. I've applied to about 11 companies or so already lol. So I will see what happens as I move forward with schooling. I start school orientation today I don't know if I'm being foolish or just ignorant BUT, part of me really wants to take one of the OTR jobs-21 days at a time gigs, just for a "vacation" from the family My husband really needs to be the parent for awhile. So I don't think I'd mind things being a bit hectic for him at times... this probably sounds pretty selfish of me but, One thing about being a military spouse is my whole life/career etc is put on hold to follow the hubby around- which has truly been a blessing- but I'm tired of being the only parent, My hubby is like an older child-sibling to the kids really- always gets to be the fun Dad- all jokes, games and never having to enforce rules, restrictions etc- I'm not meaning to sound like I'm complaining here but..... Well, I'm just really excited about being away for a while This probably sounds terrible.... but that's what I'm feeling about all of this- excited and eager- and probably not being realistic at all
No, you post doesn't sound terrible; it's just facts. My former wife went through the same as you, but I couldn't fully understand. Being away from home for 10 months at a time and all the responsibilities were on her. She had to make life work with 4 children and no husband at home.
I absolutely get this. I've been a local driver since day one because I feel like I have household responsibilities I can't shirk, nor would I want to. But if you think your husband and kids are ready to step up, and this will force them to do it, I'd say you're doing them a favor, whether they realize and appreciate it or not. Good for your husband's relationship with the kids, good for them becoming more independent and self-sufficient. Everyone wins.
My husband is really excited for me to go ahead with this journey. He's really encouraging and supportive. I've been wanting to do this for a few years now but, it just hasn't been the right timing for us- He just got back from Overseas and isn't slotted to go back till the middle of next year- So this seemed like perfect timing! Our oldest turned 17 and is working/driving now and our youngest is 13- going on 25.. knows everything and hates her Mother.. Hah- So it will be an adventure for all of us So I will really have a full 1-1.5 years to get as much training/driving time as possible- Before I will need to really find a more local/more home time route. Do you think this is a doable plan? This is another reason I was wanting to go OTR with the longer driving stretches- just to get the experience before my husband has to go back Overseas. Then when he returns, Retirement- hopefully debt paid off- and he can either join me on the road if he wants to or just hang out/enjoy retirement, while I work for a while I just don't know how realistic this plan is.. lol
Awesome! I hope so. I always welcome feedback/guidance- I've always enjoyed constructive criticism- especially from the wise & skilled in this profession.
