Need help getting my CDL

Dear Forums Users/Members,

First off, I was extremely pleased to see a forum for truckers! This gives me hope in finding some answers. (brace yourself this might be a long thread)

Secondly... I am NOT seeking pity, or some "awww" factor... I need advice so I can get back on my feet.

After my mother passed two years ago I spent some time in Tennessee then moved back to Florida (which has like NO trucking) but due to things like the economy/constant moving/and depleted resources from taking care of her for four years, I have been struggling ever since. I am so desperate for stability that at times it is bringing me to tears. (I'm a guy, guys cry, deal with it) I have always wanted to get my CDL but in Florida because of the limited exports (like Steven's contract with Tropicana) there is almost NO demand down here for drivers. Which makes getting a CDL hard unless you can shell out $6000, which I just dont have.

I am now wanting very much to move up to Hamilton Alabama and through a friend I learned about a driving school up there that has job placement/etc. Called and talked to their director a couple times and REALLY get the sense he is being upfront, honest, and eager to assist me in my goals. Problem is... my credit is to low to qualify for their financing. getting a co-signer right now is not to plausible either.

The thing is.... I keep hearing there is such a high demand for drivers (in Northern Alabama) that I am finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

So now I embark on my quest of finding some way, ANYWAY to get my CDL. This leads me to my posting this thread.

Does anyone know of any grants/scholarships/financial aid/etc that might help me get my CDL?

Their job placement has companies that will reimburse the financing up to $200 a month, but that only helps AFTER the fact.

Right now I am working part time, three days a week, which doesn't even pay for rent/cell phone/food. So if you are planning on saying "just save up, grit your teeth, and save save save", please understand that where I live right now (Lee County, Florida) leads the NATION in both foreclosures AND unemployment. Trying to get a second part time job down here isn't looking promising either.

I WANT to work guys!

Can anyone think of something I haven't yet?

Checked in Federal Student Aid... but it doesnt seem to cover truck driving schools... am I missing something?

Am hitting a roadblock.... any help/advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

If possible though I WOULD like to be based in northern alabama....

 

applied online to Swift. Thanks for the heads up.

When I checked last (which was many years ago) if you lived south of Gainesville no one wanted to hire you (except for MS Carriers)

Will Call the Swift recruiter tomorrow. Thanks again!

 

any ideas where to look for grants??? thats the brick wall I am hitting.

 

this is one of the things I was wondering about. The guy on the phone at the truck driving school said they work with Hamiltons Career Center... but would I even qualify for Hamiltons aid since I live in Florida and want to MOVE to Hamilton?

Also... I am planning on going to the local job agency here in Fort Myers tomorrow.

thanks again for the Swift recommendation!

 

you guys have no idea how encouraging some of this is to hear.... it is so easy to get discouraged and think "well so much for that"....

thank you so much!