New Driver in Tampa Bay Area - Lots of Questions

Hello! At 40 I’ve decided to upend my 20-year career and start over as a truck driver. I’m currently in CDL school for Class A Manual with my CLP and ELDT finished. Hoping to have my CDL by mid-August. I have a swarm of questions about my situation that I was hoping to direct to the folks at my school, and likely still will, but looking to ping as many resources as possible for input.

Relevant facts about me:

I’m in the Tampa Bay Area.

I’m hoping to be home every night or maybe away 1-2 nights/week.

I have some startup capital/personal savings, very good credit, and no debt.

I’m healthy.

My previous work experience is in the defense tech sector/military (I still have a clearance).

My entirely uninformed “dream” job would probably be hauling very heavy loads, just because I like the idea of pulling something very heavy slowly and methodically.

Questions:

What type of trucking would be the most sensible to pursue (familiarity with the Tampa Bay area is great, but any general help is much appreciated)?

- Garbage?: Presumably local and stable. Not taking advantage of Class A? Early morning schedule? Downsides?

- Dump truck?: Dump trucks seem very busy around here with the area rapidly expanding, both Class B and Class A trucks. Is there a specific benefit to driving Class B or Class A dump trucks? What are schedules usually like? Do they pay by the mile/load/other?

- Local delivery/flatbed?: I’ve looked at a load board demo in this area and it seems flatbed work is in the most demand. Lots of flatbeds delivering sod, construction materials, etc.

- Distributor/large company/other?: Part of my plan once I have my CDL has just been to look for jobs in my area and see what pops up. I’m not really sure what else may arise and be of interest. Recommendations?

Should I try to do some long haul OTR time for experience? Would that be expected/preferred by future employers for other types of trucking?

Is there a reason not to get all my endorsements asap? I didn’t get any alongside my permit.

Should I seek to go O/O or start my own company as soon as possible (once I understand the work, schedule, etc.), or is there a good reason to wait?

Is O/O or own company dump trucking substantially different from long haul in terms of finding loads?

What am I completely forgetting to think about?

Any input is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

Not a lot... About 21 hours. Had my first class yesterday and I'm a bit concerned that while their website says "we teach you to succeed as a CDL driver", what they mean is "we teach you the CDL exam". I remain optimistic.