I have a class A w/Hazmat & Tanker... Now Im thinking about going to CDL school

I don't really consider trucking a career from a drivers stand point. It's considered unskilled labor, even though I don't agree with this. I'd consider it just a job. A very low paying one at that, considering the danger and lifestyle sacrifice involved, as well as the diminished health from such a sedentary line of work.

Consider the pay. The allure of the open road where's off fast when faced with pay divided by actual hours worked. Add in time away from home, lifestyle sacrifice, diminished health... Your probably better off with the experienced heavy equipment operator title. I'd hold onto that CDL and keep you ear to the wind, let it be known in your "circle of peeps" your looking for some full time driving work. You may find some good work without having to join the rat race of CDL mills.

 

Yes, go to CDL school and put that tanker/hazmat to work for you. Those endoresements plus TWIC can put you in the $60K pay range within 12 months after school. Not only that, you will have a full benefits package which includes a retirement plan.

Here's some tanker companies that hire new CDL grads:

Schneider Bulk
Superior Carriers
SVTN
CTL Transportation
Trimac Transportation
Tidewater Transit

If you don't want tankers look at these:

Tyson Foods
Melton Truck Lines
Decker Truck Line
Howard Transportation (Kenly, NC)

 

You dont need a school, most OTR companies will put you with a trainer for a month then stick you in your own truck.

 

Nearly every LTL company wants a certificate from an accredited driving school. Every Teamsters company requires this as well.

It may seem like a waste, but if you want to break into LTL and put those endorsements to use, it will pay itself off in the long run. Going through an accredited driving school is one of the only ways a 1st generation driver can make a 6 figure salary in this industry.

 

Not worth it unless you have no other skills or job options.

 

These statements are full of shenanigans. One of the main reasons why I'm still in a truck today is that I would have to take a huge paycut to do something else.

 

If you can make over $60K with a full benefits package working at Walmart or fast food, then do it. Those good paying jobs are few and far between, other than in trucking. In trucking they're plentiful. Real simple, graduate from a CDL school with all the endorsements, TWIC, passport & those good paying jobs are waiting for you. Sure, one must sacrifice for those jobs, but much better than sacrificing ones dignity in a crummy factory or worthless college degree. Sure, get an MBA or Computer Science degree, then immigrate to India so an American company may hire you. The good high rolling days are over in America and even Warren Buffet says so.

 

I have a AS in IT and I'm working on a bachelors in business management. I'm making more money in a truck than I ever could sitting in an office.

Yeah the pay sucks when you start out, but welcome to life and welcome to work. Nobody pays top dollar for rookies in any field.

 

Work must be slow in your area. You could consider moving to where economy is booming. Get a job pretty easily then if you have a good driving/work record. They are a lot less picky when there is money being lost every hour. Also beat the streets. Any truck you see in your area is likely new boss. If that fails then you might want to go to school.