I'm starting my training in two weeks.

I'm an Indianapolis public school teacher and I am doing a complete career pivot into the trucking industry. I don't have a wife nor any kids, I'm an only child with barely any family, OTR seems perfect for me. I just have a couple questions:

1. I need to relocate to Philadelphia, I'm over Indianapolis. I know it won't really matter where I have my home base since I'll be on the road most of the time, but if I finish schooling by June 19th, when is the earliest time you think I'd be able to have a Philadelphia address? I've researched a lot of companies and it seems like a decent location for the industry. (Krielkamp, C.R. England, J.R. Schugel, ATL Holding etc) I'm open to any suggestions.
2. The dreaded hair follicle drug test. I'm pretty drug free and I know I can pass a urine test, but I've heard Schneider/Roehl and a lot of the beginner companies do the hair test. I have long hair that I'm just not willing to cut and I know THC will show up. It won't be a problem from here on out, I'm completely done with Marijuana but I really need a company that will allow me to get my foot in the door without the hair test.
3. If I wanted to go Regional would I have better prospects if I do OTR for 6-8 months and then apply to a company that will keep me in the area and allow for a little more home time? I understand I have to put in the OTR work before I'm considered for a decent regional position but I wouldn't mind more time in my new city of residence, I know I'd be able to afford a decent apartment but I would still like to be able to enjoy it eventually.

Thanks a lot everyone, I can't wait.

 

Millis Transfer does urine test, the last I've heard.
Millis hires in Indiana and Philly.
Millis has their own cdl school.
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Millis Transfer - Getting It There Since 1936
Today Millis Transfer is a dry-van truckload carrier serving a wide range of customers across the United States. Our trucks have the amenities drivers want and the efficiency …
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Stevens Transport hires in Indiana and Philly.
Stevens does urine test, the last I've heard.
Stevens Transport | Temperature-Controlled Logistics …
Since 1980, Stevens Transport has remained the largest family-owned and operated trucking company in Texas. Family is a top priority at Stevens and those values are …
Stevens Transport has Company Sponsored CDL Training available for new truck drivers living in Indianapolis, IN!

 

With freight volume slowing due to recession, I'd go with Stevens Transport since they're a refrigerated company.
No matter how bad a recession is, food and medicine still keeps moving.
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Any location is good for refrigerated trucking.
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Sometimes Stevens Transport will send you to Denver, CO for cdl school, if you request it.
You'll graduate with a Colorado CDL.

 

Note* Millis Transfer and Stevens Transport both hire new drivers from private cdl schools. You don't have to attend their in-house cdl school.

 

As far as moving right way , as long as your current address matches your residence on your license then you'll be good. the issue you might run into being new is that until your hired and actually on the road, you should try to keep it that way. (ie- don't give up the address on your license till your started , Then do what you need to do.) you need some time on your first one to avoid isssues getting hired later on.
example- address on license said CA , Lived in Baltimore , so i had to check CA mail for any issues (med card ,Citations,etc etc ) before i could transfer it to Maryland. took about 2-3 months before it hapened.

 

Thanks a lot. This is the best help I've received so far.

 

I will keep that in mind, thanks for the heads up.

 

When the time is right, change your domicile to a state with no state income taxes. This way you keep more of your paycheck.
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South Dakota is one of seven states that does not impose a state income tax.
Plus, Arizona is phasing out the state income tax.

 

It's a little bit of a drive from Philadelphia, but since you won't be commuting everyday that shouldn't be an issue for you. They will hire you after you graduate from an accredited school, no experience needed.

$30-$32 per hour with OT after 40. And AFAIK they only do the whiz quiz.

CDL Fuel Tanker Driver Shartlesville, PA - Sleeper Truck