My experience so far after CDL school..

any company that runs to florida will get you home to florida
they dont have to be located there or have a terminal there
we run a 100 loads into florida a week
and 100 back out of the coke plant in auburndale

 

MTTI (Miami Technical Training Institute) You get what you pay for, I personally went cheap because I didn't want to make this a huge investment since I already have a good amount of seat time in maneuvering trucks & trailers in tight spaces and keeping to a tight schedule. I just needed the license.

Some of the people going through the school have me scared to ever drive anywhere if they are around... but that's just the way it goes. I know a dually & gooseneck isn't the same as a twin axle sleeper with a 53' van but the principals of driving and safe operation are all the same-- just with more space to manage & more weight to deal with.

As soon as you pull out on to the road, it's the same road everyone has to share... there's no beginner lane and this industry is run by the insurance companies and the regs... I get that too. I always drove for my last company by the book and took safe operation as a priority over saving 5 minutes and possibly hurting someone or damaging the equipment. I am 25 and in good shape. Working with my hands, outside and getting dirty is fun for me.... it's something I wished I could do every day when I was in an office.

 

Sorry but it sounds like you'll have a better deal in Chicago. I guess the tarpon will not miss you much. Maybe you can visit them in a few years?