Just kinda here to soak up information

This is a pretty detailed little forum you have here. I'll definitely read all I can, post as needed, and see what I can contribute.

As it is now, I have a valid Class A CDL, took my tests, drove the rental truck, and Texas was happy to give me the right to drive something weighing in at 40 tons. Got doubles-triples and tanker while I was at it but didn't brave the Hazmat test just yet. I still have never driven anything larger than a rollback tow truck since getting the license (unless you count driving the heavy duty wrecker with an 18-speed around the tow yard to keep it out of my way while unloading whatever DUI impound I just brought in). Tow company fired me for no particular reason when they downsized a bit, guess they wanted to keep the experienced drivers and my 3 months with them meant nothing. I've never even hooked up to a trailer or backed up to a dock. But according to TXDOT, I'm good to go. HA! Shows how easy it is to get licensed in this state and why I should be scared out of my pants out on the road with people who might be LESS experienced than even ME!

My kids are getting older, my wife is working, I'm not. In a few months my wife said she'd let me consider OTR as long as I didn't buy or lease a truck until I can prove to her we could afford it. I am dying to own one of those International 9900iX conventionals. Those are SWEET. But I'll take what I can get.

Since Schneider isn't training newbies anymore, I guess my next best choice is Stevens, over in east Dallas. That's about an hour and change from me and I wouldn't need to get a hotel or anything, I'll just drive my "uncool Dad wagon" back and forth.

I'll just sit back and be a sponge for awhile. See what I can learn from people who have already dealt with a situation like mine where I have the license but really don't know how to drive a combination.

 

Well, I've called on a few of the local Dallas companies I could train at.

Schneider isn't hiring anyone without 6 months OTR experience.
Stevens turned me down for a 6-year old assault charge.
FFE has my number in a voicemail, I might hear back from them.

Werner I'm calling next, and if I can confirm PAM and Swift are in Dallas, I'll call them too.