In over my head... Help?

First and foremost, thank you ALL for your feedback. This is an outstanding community on this board and I definitely hope to see some of that on the road.

After discussing with my family and fiance and looking into a few different companies it looks like I will be calling Central back tomorrow morning and get the ball rolling on this. I'm so nervous and stoked but am definitely up to the challenge. Worst case scenario is that I lose a year of life, $1500 and gain a year's worth of stories? I can handle that.

Lady K, thank you so very much for your thorough responses, I see you're pretty active on this board and I have read the majority of your posts regarding Central, your diligence and dedication to helping us "wannabes" is really appreciated.

sdaniel, I am in the central valley of California, so if all goes to hell and I just bomb the entire thing I can get a thirty dollar bus ticket back home. As far as the lease/operator program, I've read almost exclusively horror stories for solo drivers so I am going to be staying very far away from that mess. I don't WANT to be out long at all! Haha! But I am willing to be out the two, three or even four weeks if necessary. My fiance and I are very aware that this next year is going to be a strain on us, but... young love, I guess? Haha! We are up to and are excited for the challenge.

GWG, not sure if you've made your decision on whether you're going or not but if you are I'll see you there, bud.

Chinatown, good advice. Completely overlooked driving gloves. I'll be making a stop at Home Depot before heading out.

Stay safe, friends.

 

Haha! Solid advice, thanks, bud.

 

Lady K, I tried to PM you back but I my post count isn't high enough! So I don't have to spam other threads...

I am actually in Fresno! I've just quit my current job today and in the interest of saving the money and considering that I've taken the Greyhound numerous times visiting friends and family in L.A., I think I will stick with the "free" option. Haha! Thanks for the heads up though. I've got my headphones and my smartphone so I will be ready to go.

 

I kinda' let this thread die because I've been out on the road. I finished my training in Fontana and just today upgraded to my own truck. So far so good with Central. You get what you give though, just like most jobs. Don't expect to be handed nice loads if you are going to be late or get DOT violations, and I'm noticing that those are the biggest complaints about Central. Also, the Owner/Op program is okay, but you've REALLY gotta' put the miles in. My trainer was pulling $2000 a week (he was getting paid for my miles as well obviously) and that was AFTER his truck payment and insurance and stuff. But we ran pretty much non stop.

Thanks again for all of the help, guys. See you out on the road.