looking for the good job from the start.

I am not one to jump from job to job every year. I'm currently a mechanic making plenty of funds, but ,money isn't everything. I drove a truck years ago before CDLs and I am seriously thinking about going back to it. For the last 20 years I've worked as a Police officer and owned a small towing company.
I've never had a DUI(I don't drink and I never have) and my last ticket (speeding) was 15 years ago.
My brother in-law works for a local company OTR for 25% of the shippers bill. He doesn't have to take a load if he doesn't want to. THey have decent newer trucks. This is the first company he worked for. his only exp before that was localy delivering equipemt. (dozers and such)
Is my Brother in-law lucky?
Is 25% of the shippers bill decent money?
Does this sound like a good company to work for?
I am still working so I'm not going to fall for the first thing to come along.
I have heard from a few of the "salesman" from one of the schools
They were asking $6K so Im still shopping for a good school also.

 

sounds like a dream to me!, 25% for a company driver is good in my opinion, what about other amenities? like health and dentel insurance? on the schooling, there are cheaper avenues, but this would mean going to a different company

 

Yep, he gets health and dental insurance as well.

 

Does he pay his own taxes? Is he an employee or contractor?

 

If you were a LEO, Owner of a tow company, and a mechanic, why would you want to truck for someone?

Heres an idea for you since you have experience, skills, and funds.



Build one of these, and participate in shows and parades.

 

Sounds like your BIL fell in it from the start. I wouldn't think typical, simply proof that it can happen.
That 6k for school seems a bit high, but call around your area, even a community college might be the ticket.
I don't want to say what company you should go with, you really didn't ask that anyway, but I will say this, each company is different, but isn't. A good company to me, may not be for you. I've seen that proven first hand a couple times. Good luck.

 

Actully I am eligible for rehiring. I was laid off due to budget cuts. Driving a truck is my plan B actully.
What would be my dream driving job is to run for 4 days(any 4) and be home the other 3 days of the week. 35K would be fine with me, BUT i'm not going to work my but off and have a pile of money and no time to spendit. since I am able to change bulbs, fuel filters, and a belt or hose and i have a perfect driving recoord I figurefinding a good job from the start is not completly out of the question. add in that I'm now 47 and not the speed demon I was 25 years ago. (I would have Safty in mind above all else in driving a truck).

I already have 60 credit hours of collage and I found a community college
that gives 10-13 hours for thier CDL course for $4k. this would get me closer to a regents degree (a new name for a liberal arts degree) and a dgree opens even more doors although i know many companys couldn't care less.

 

sorry duplicate post

 

"What would be my dream driving job is to run for 4 days(any 4) and be home the other 3 days of the week. 35K would be fine with me, BUT i'm not going to work my but off and have a pile of money and no time to spendit. since I am able to change bulbs, fuel filters, and a belt or hose and i have a perfect driving recoord I figurefinding a good job from the start is not completly out of the question. add in that I'm now 47 and not the speed demon I was 25 years ago. (I would have Safty in mind above all else in driving a truck). "

You and every other trucker out there! $35,000 a year doing that, I don't think so. You will be lucky to do $35,000 full time staying out for two months at a time! Sounds as if you have a little experience and if you aren't doing it for the money then that will help with the mental side of the lifestyle. If you are eligible for rehire then why not go for it! Sounds as if you don't really have anything to lose. Unless you have a family or wife then I would say don't do it.

You sound like you have decent head on your shoulders and you realize that those recruiters are salesman so you have a grasp as to what is going on with the whole "CDL Mills". Like I tell everyone, make a list of your wants and needs. Then start combing the internet for companies. Once you have narrowed it down to a dozen or so start calling recruiters to see what more they have to offer. Personally I recommend staying away from the mega-carriers. Something isn't right when a company spends millions of dollars on advertising to get YOU to work for THEM! Keep in mind the harder it is to get hired on the better the company! Here are some sites that may help:

http://www.truckdrivingjobsin.com/

http://www.newtruckdrivingjobs.com/student_ driving_ job.php

Good luck man!