Howdy y’all

As soon as you get a school start date, make contact with companies you're interested in.
All those companies you listed are good choices, but contact them about the school and any endorsements you may need.
Here's some more that aren't line haul and hire new cdl grads:
Lee & Eastes Tank Lines - Portland - Teamsters Union
Space Age Fuel
Clean Harbors
A & M Transport - flatbed - runs western regional.
James J. Williams - tankers
Central Transport - line haul or city
PS Trucking - tankers

 

Lee & Eastes Tank Lines (sometimes hires a new cdl school grad)
Our terminals are located in Seattle, Pasco and Spokane Washington as well as Portland Oregon.
We are a Union company using Class A CDL drivers, with a generous compensation and benefits package. All medical and dental premiums are paid, including family! Pension, holidays and sick days paid. We will train you to load and unload our cargo of jet fuel, avgas or lube oils. We believe our drivers are out most valuable asset.Must have class A truck driving experience, an active class A CDL, hazmat, tanker, and obtain and maintain a TWIC, hazmat and tanker endorsement. Must be willing to go on overnight runs (sometimes two nights in a row on a run). Motel stays, no sleeping in trucks.
Please post your phone number with your application, with the best time to call you!
Salary: $23.00 to $26.00 /hour

 

Yeah, better be careful and ensure the school is ok for the companies you're interested in. Most of those will want 160 hr. school minimum and some may want that from specific schools.

 

Yeah, may as well go for the pension. Can be vested in 5 years.