Looking for Advice and Other Commentary

My husband is seriously considering getting his class A CDL. We have spent the last month and a half doing our due diligence on both appropriate schooling (we choose U.O.A. in Ft. Smith) with PTDI approval and which companies he wishes to apply for upon receipt of his CDL. After many, many long nights of wading through forums, complaint boards, company websites, phone calls, etc. we have narrowed our starting list to the following:

• Crete
• Shaffer Trucking
• TMC
• Maverick
• Nationwide Transportation (?)
• Stoughton (?)
• R & L (?)
• ABF (?)

A few of the above named companies require at least one year OTR experience but are willing to allow for traveling w/ a trainer until the requirement is met. I ask for any and all input anyone can give my husband - either about being a driver in general (tips, hints, do's/don'ts that "they" don't tell you about, etc.) and the companies listed above.

Additionally, what other avenues for employment are available for an individual with a class A CDL other than public transportation? Thanks for your time and consideration and I look forward to everyone's responses.

 

First, I would like to thank those of you answered thus far and say sorry it took me so long to respond. Between twin toddler boys and chores that have to be put off until they go to bed, it's usually very late before I can get on the computer to address correspondence.

>>Grouch: Yes, my husband is a master carpenter with 28+ years experience. He does (did) custom work for clientele. Unfortunately, between the economy and the bad taste that "handy men" leave the average consumer with now a days, it's been neigh impossible to support the family like he once was, so we are exploring other venues. He considered a multitude of of options and decided he wanted to pursue his CDL so here we are. Local companies are going to be a last resort as we have plans to re-locate from Fatalville, AR to Huntsville, AL area within the next year/year and a half. The twins are due to start pre-school shortly after that time frame and I absolutely REFUSE to have them in the below par school system(s) in this state.

>>mgfg: I appreciate your input but unfortunately, my husband has been his own boss so long that having a "traditional" job like a dock worker and working "under" somebody wouldn't last long. At least w/ driving he is still "in charge" (for all intents and purposes) which is why he is pursing his CDL.

>>rachi & Chompi: That's kinda what I was thinking too which is why Crete is at the top of the list. Chompi thanks so much for the link, it has been supremely helpful already. (Robert, my husband, has been working with it for the last 2 hours)

>>123456: Thanks for the head's up on Roadway! Will be evaluating them after this post.

>>Romans6:23: My husband had a good laugh about your URINE BOMB. He said "No worries, I'll just cap it off (his um, equipment) and run rubber hosing from the bottom of the cap right out the door paneling..." (joke of course). I agree with you, SOLO is the best way to go but he's able to make the sacrifice if needed. He is a very personable individual and is able to handle just about all personality types (he had to being a custom carpenter) and he is highly adaptable. I already warned him about he Lot Lizards (*Grinz*) and told him he HAS to take one of my bra's to drape over the rear view when he's not driving. My Mum used to drive for a number of years when I was young and she said that was the best solution for warding them away. We both appreciate the scheduling tip!

Thanks again everyone!