Looking for change

I have been driving regional in the southeast for over a year now. My current company has been absolutely outstanding as far as miles, communication, home time flexibility, and the list goes on. I got very lucky in choosing them as a school and first company.

However, because of the way their pay slides based on miles for the week, I have to stay out most weekend to get close to 900 take-home weekly. I have enjoyed every minute of my time on the road, but as I approach my mid 20s, I'm wanting to start settling down closer to home.

Right now I stay out for about 3-5 weeks, then off 2-4 days. Of course being regional, I get by the house every so often during my tour, but, like most others, I'm ultimately trying to find an outfit that will get me home daily. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty or to load and unload.

It is a constant struggle for dispatch to keep me on day shift, simply because I love the fluidity and efficiency of driving at night. Which has got me thinking that linehaul might be a good fit for me, although anything that gets me home daily or nightly would be a dream come true.

My question is, where should I start? I have heard that several companies only require a year for linehaul or local runs, but the job requirements listed on their webpages state otherwise.

I live a few miles west of Atlanta in Douglasville, GA.

 

What about the endorsement requirements? I have been studying for tanker, d/t, and hazmat, but have had close to no time for anything other than the "honey do" list during home time. Would it be a better idea to make time to get the endorsements before applying?

And thanks for all the awesome suggestions! Time to run up the mobile data bill with research

 

Would an opening in Atlanta hire out of the Atlanta West yard? Both are within close reach, but Atlanta West is practically in my back yard.