How far in advance can you apply to companies?

I have gotten so much wonderful info on this site it's been truly great. I will be taking a refresher course at the place I got my CDL already decided on that. I realize some companies also offer these so if in addition to this course the company wants me to take one that's fine with me but I am for sure going to go back for a refresher before I apply anywhere.

My question though is if I wanna start at a company towards mid March/ early April when is a appropriate time to start applying?

 

Also I have been told some companies when you apply will push for you to do a lease/purchase thing right away. I am NOT doing this but I am curious why do companies offer lease/purchase programs? What benefit is it to the company to have you do lease/purchase vs being a company driver?

 

Is there any benefit to the driver? That seems like a pretty one-sided type deal one that I surely want no part of.

Well per your suggestions the companies right now on my list are in no particular order.

1. Knight
2. TransAm
3. Navajo Express
4. Albiline (not sure if I spelled that right)
5. Western Express although based on what I have read I have my doubts about that one.
6. Schneider
7. US Express (not sure on how they do training)
8. Watkins Sheppard
9. Jim Palmer trucking although I am not sure they hire drivers from Ohio and I have no clue about there training either.
10. USA Truck (not sure on how they do training)
11. FreyMiller not 100% sure on the training but I think they do where the trainer is awake while you drive the whole time which is what I am looking for.
12. Stevens Transport although I know NOTHING about this company except they have a place in Warren, Ohio and it appears they have nice equipment.

 

Ah those two magic words "more money". I'm not in this to make as much money as possible so even if I made more I see no reason to entertain the idea since it's probably clear I know basically zero about the industry.