I really want to try to drive truck, how should I get started?

I can't argue that T.... However, being older, AND having been both a driver AND a law dog in past lives... I also understand the pressure unreasonable expectations put on someone. SO... Face time apps... such as Duo... Calls where we just 'hang out together, not really talking, but him driving and occasionally commenting on something that's going on.. and me noting all the odd businesses, or sights as I follow his progress on the Telegram tracker.. Make it a little less 'alone' feeling.
He doesn't intend to do OTR all that long comparatively, and if the situation or needs change, one or both of us will adjust. It helps that we're older... we both realized a long time ago that 'happily ever after' takes a butt load of work in even perfect situations.

 

I’m sure. Still needs to just get the License and start somewhere. I drove a box Truck for 8 yrs. The jobs available are less, pay is less, local work with lots of physical work. Not a big future in it, except as a cripple. He’s in the same boat. Limited opportunities and pay. A lot changed, once I got the CDL, and started drive T/T. There’s different tactics. Not everyone has to do the Mega gig, and the OTR lifestyle that puts their family life on a back burner. Miami’s full of warehouses and Local Jobs.Just has to get out, and look around. Talk to other Local Drivers. Beats being brainwashed by recruiters. If he gets busy, in no time he’ll have experience. Either way, the times going to pass by. Opportunities are out there.

 

Love Rodney Dangerfield. Sadly, old school comedians like him wouldn't fit in today's times.



Sirscrapntruckalot -

 

The only advice I can give, go for the CDL and enter the fine respectable high paying industry known as relocation specialist(truck driver)

BUT. Leave your present position on good terms. Give ample notice, do not burn this bridge.
If you return, maybe not with your present employer, or even location. But within the same industry you reputation precedes you.
You may find out that the grass is in fact nothing but crabgrass on the other side and what you had wasn't that bad.

Good luck.

 

Well you already have experience with haz mat and tankers

and I highly reccomend the community college route if they have a good class . Which most are if it’s a 320 hour class
That’s 12 weeks of training, which is usually plenty of time to learn how to back trailers and shift manual transmission, learn the hours of service and pre trip etc

delivering fuel is a good paying local job .

 

CDL Training (Paid) & Truck Driving Schools | Roehl.Jobs
Roehl pays $616.00 a week while attending cdl school. My neighbor went through the program and said the $616.00 weekly is fact. Transportation to the school is provided.
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I'd request refrigerated division because South Florida has plenty of refrigerated freight. I've hauled many loads out of the Everglades going to various parts of the USA. One time I hauled a load of tomatoes to California and then a different type of tomato from California back to Florida.

 

Millis Transfer - Getting It There Since 1936
Millis Transfer - Getting It There Since 1936
Not sure Millis hires that far South, so call and ask.
This is a dry van company and pays $600.00 weekly while in their cdl school. Transportation to the school, plus meals & lodging provided.

 

CDL Driver Training Program | Hirschbach | Apply Today

CDL Training at Hirschbach You get paid while you are in training, and our program has no out-of-pocket costs to you! That's right – you get a paycheck, lodging and meals while you train. Welcome to the Hirschbach Highway! Now you're ready to grab the keys to your own truck and go drive your dream!
This one pays students $475.00 a week while attending their cdl school. Same as the others I posted, transportation, meals, lodging provided.