I really need help and advice with the hopes of making Trucking my Final Career!!

I'am a Single 42 year old man wanting to become an OTR Truck Driver so bad I can almost taste it! A few years back I spent night after night of doing research, which here I find myself doing all over again! First off I want to say that I have been wanting to be a Truck Driver since a child! I have no obligations to be anywhere at anytime, so therefore, I can be out on the road across the country for as long as desired. I have a Super Clean Driving record since I was 16 years old. I'am very safe and constantly aware of my surroundings while on the road. I take Driving very seriously and Safely! and Yes!, here it comes, I'am about to get to my main point that has me pulling my hair out with frustration!!!

Just shy of 17 years ago, for the FIRST and ONLY time I have EVER been in trouble in my whole life, I had a Great Job working for Ford Mo. Co., and one night I caught myself a Felony!! I took full responsibility for my actions of what I remember happening. I do have to add to the fact that I was Mis-diagnosed by a Doctor and put on a certain Medication that I know led to my actions. I'am not making excuses for my actions, but I know in my heart, because of those meds, I didn't know what I was doing. This happened a year into my job with Ford. I never went to prison, but did spend a few months in County Jail and probation. I did manage to keep my job and continued working with Ford for almost 9 years to finally realizing that being a 'Factory Rat' was not for me. So I moved to Florida to take care of my dying Father and also take care of my Mother and have been with the same job here in the Restaurant Business for almost 9 years in Management. MY MAIN QUESTION IS: Do I have a chance at getting Hired as an OTR Truck Driver??? I'am a very honest person but 'am afraid that the ONE mistake in my life will prevent me from Becoming what I truly Desire, and that is Driving Truck! I have been wanting to get into a School to get my CDL with a company and be hired by them after graduation. Please Please Please folks...............Where do I start and do I have a chance, I appreciate your time and I totally respect this Profession! Also, I live in Florida where it seems a lot of companies don't hire out of for some reason. Thank you all again! God Bless.............Theo

 

lovtotruck: Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it very much. What comes to mind right off the bat is CREngland. Because honestly, no, I do not have the money upfront right now to dish out for schooling. And I have heard some stories like you said about the first year. I really need a Company with the Schooling option all in one package. I can tough it out for a year, since I have read over and over, the First year expect to not make much money, get treated not so good, etc... But once one makes it after the first year, then things start to get better. So I have read. And I do know that I do not and will not get talked into Leasing. I want to be a Company Driver or a Team Company Driver for as long as possible and possibly make that transition into leasing when I get some good experience under my belt. My concern is whether or not I would get accepted. I want to be honest when that question comes up on the app. about ever been convicted of a felony. And with so many people out there applying, my app will get tossed. Or not being honest and saying No, never been convicted, then I'am a Liar and Dishonest! And I don't want to be dishonest. ...................Any particular company 'lovetotruck', in your opinion, where I should go to finance my schooling and pay back while I work for them? Thank you again!!

 

Also, Mom is still Alive, she got re-married, but I do still help take care of her as much as Possible since she took care of my butt for 18 years! Lol. Thank you for asking.