Looking for Company Sponsored CDL Schools (Michigan)

Hello all,

I've been lurking here on the forums for awhile and figured it was time to just join up and ask a few questions.

I live in Michigan (southeast) and have been looking into company sponsored CDL training (yes, I'm aware I'll have to commit to that company for the first year). and I have to say, I'm a little overwhelmed by the options/horror stories I've seen here and on the internet.

I was wondering if anyone had opinions on what would be my best options to actually get into one of these many, many, many companies out there. (higher the starting pay the better of coarse).


What I'm looking for:
Dry Van or Reefer (not too sure as to how reefer works). They a pain in the rear or pretty simple to operate the reefer system?

Must have a rider policy (year round) as I am a single full time dad and plan on bringing my 18yr old son along now and then.

must hire felons!
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Now, a little about myself:
I did not graduate high school nor do I have a GED (yeah, I know....but please spare me any lectures).

I drove a NON-CDL sweeper truck for the last year, before that I have been self employed for quite a few years while also care-giving for my elderly mother (however, I did file my taxes every year).

I've lived in Michigan my entire life and pulled my own driving record and background check.
(background was pulled through Michigan state police ICHAT system online).

Driving record:
June of 2013, got a ticket for disobeyed traffic control (rolling stop through a stop sign, right in front of a cop).
December of 2017, ticket for no proof of insurance (not a moving violation in Michigan)

Criminal record: (was a dumb kid, then I had kids of my own and I grew up really fast)
Have a few misdemeanors(3 in total) last one was July of 1997 (destruction of personal property under $100)

Question: on an application do I need to list every single misdemeanor seeing they were so long ago or just the most recent? (1997)
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Felony, February of 1987 (larceny, parts and accessories from a vehicle) stole some tires off of an IROC Z...I served 4months in county jail (young and stupid).
Felony #2, June 1991 Breaking and entering a coin telephone (30 days in county jail)
(again, young and stupid) and please no lectures, I have grown up!!!

With all the horror stories I see online of people being pulled out of school... I prefer to stay in Michigan for training.(I'll drive anywhere in Michigan for training) However, leaving Michigan is not an issue, I just prefer if I get there and a week later they come pull me, saying my background or employment history is unacceptable, I'll still be home (In Michigan somewhere). not a 24hour bus ride away from home.

questions:
#1- are there any companies that do all their background, employment, driving record checks before they invite you to their training school?

#2- Per diem a good thing or do I want to stay clear from that?
#3- reefer system, pretty simple or a pain in the rear?
#4- tanker? worth looking into or a lot of (no miles) due to time invested unloading?
and again...
#5- on an application do I need to list every single misdemeanor seeing they were so long ago or just the most recent? (1997) I have 3 in total all being 1997 or earlier...
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Do I have a chance of getting hired or should I just hang up the idea right now?
Been wanting to drive a truck since I was a kid.

Thanks for any opinions/input anyone can offer....
and please no lectures, I'm embarrassed as it is of my past I would rather not relive it here on the forums.
Thank you.
Reefmaster~

(before someone says something, I've been into saltwater reef aquariums for the past 30years. explains the forum name).

 

Thank you for the quick reply!
Very helpful. and I will for sure check into the WIOA program you mentioned...

Again, Thank you very much for the reply!
Reefmaster~

 

Did the same...Going in tomorrow morning to meet with them. @Chinatown Thanks again for that info!

 

WIOA says I don't qualify because I was not fired from my job and caregiver for my elderly mother doesn't qualify me, they said it must be my spouse.

Going to start applying to companies with offered CDL training. I will update my post when I know more.
Thanks everyone!
I'll keep you all updated.